For some reason I still can't figure out I decided to take the MSF course. The first time I had ever been on a 2 wheeled vehicle that didn't require pedaling was May 26. On June 13 I became the VERY proud owner of a beautiful 2006 S40 with only 1800 miles on it. I'm immensely enjoying riding it no further than a mile from my house when the roads are empty going no faster than 30 mph  .

On the advice of just about everyone around me my purchase was made from a dealership, so I can be assured that it was looked over and any major problems would have been addressed.

As for the questions:

1. Carbs:The previous owner had put on an aftermarket Jardine muffler. The dealer told me it was louder than stock, so not knowing anything I told them to put the stock back on. After buying the bike it occurred to me "gee, maybe the previous owner tuned the carb for this aftermarket exhaust. And maybe the dealer didn't think to go through checking that out." What tests should I do to try to determine if there is a difference?

2. Shifting: While in the course I tried out every one of the bikes they had, which were the Honda Nighthawk, the GS250, and a TU250 (which was my favorite). You may wonder why I brought this up. All three of the bikes had very smooth shifting compared to the S40. When shifting I have to push harder than with the others. This doesn't bother me all that much, but the fact it goes in to gear with a very loud thunk! makes me think that maybe something isn't quite right. I've also noticed that sometimes I have to have the clutch slightly out in order for it to get out of neutral into first. Are these normal occurrences, or should I be heading back top the dealer?

3. Backfiring:You may have guessed that I was going to ask about this . The previous owner may have done the idle screw adjustment, as the brass plug is missing. What I don't know is if they did it correctly. The engine will backfire if I accelerate hard as if I was going onto a highway and then roll off quickly. It hasn't backfired on shutting it off, and while the dealer surely cleaned everything and I've only had it two weeks there was no blue on either the aftermarket or the stock exhausts. Should I worry about this?

4. Brake lock: I'm thinking of getting a brake lock. Does anyone have a recommendation on which to get? Do the ones with alarms tend to falsely go off? Are there reasons why I shouldn't get one?

Speaking of brakes....

5. Squealing brakes: The front brakes are a bit squealy. There's plenty of pad left, and I have read on here that it's a common occurrence. Is there anything I have to do, or is it best to leave it? I read somewhere that replacing them with FA106 pads helps, but there's plenty of stopping power, and there's very little play in the lever.

6. Brake modulator: What's a good inexpensive one to get? Are they difficult to install?

For now I think that's all. I'm sure as I ride more things will come up. Until then, thanks in advance for all the help!  

Agree with pgambr. 1/ Be careful of carbs, there is so much info here you will likely overload. My bike does all I want the way it came from the factory. 2/ as Ive ridden few bikes I'm no authority, but keep some revs up when down shifting. 3/ There is also information overload on this subject, you could try turning the idle screw 1/4 turn counter clockwise, you could also leave well alone. 4/ Apparently, the Savage/S40 is the least stolen bike in the USA. 5/Agree with pgambr 6/ By a brake modulator, do you mean ABS or something? I haven't struck this term, I'm probably making another public display of my ignorance.

Wow! I wasn't expecting replies so soon.

A little clarification, what I meant by brake modulator is a module to flash the brake light a few times before it goes solid. Its supposed to help draw attention to that fact you're stopping.

Thanks everyone who's written so far.

The bike does have a 2 month or 5K mile warranty, so I'm sure that if I took it there they would at least look at it without charge.

I'm considering dropping the bowl to see if it was rejetted. While I suspect that it's still stock I'm the kind of person who takes things apart for fun, not to mention I'd always be curious if I don't.

As far as a lock even if it's highly unlikely to get stolen I've had to deal with a car being stolen and totaled (still miss that car), and if all I get from the lock is peace of mind I'll take it.

While I'm asking questions, is there a way to quiet the exhaust? Are there mufflers out there that attenuate the sound? If there's power loss using one I'm not concerned. My two main things are gas mileage and quietness.

The Harley Davidson DYNA muffler is the best balance of performance and noise,


and cost

supertrapps tune  / cost 400ish bux

Quote:


If you mean one of the locks that you attatch to the front disc, don't do it. Sooner or later you'll forget to take it off. You won't like what happens next.

Yeah, the part # is 65747-94. Punch that # in to ebay and there will be a bunch of them. Just make sure they have the stock baffle in them.

Leave the carburetor alone, if the bike is running fine, don't fiddle with the one thing guaranteed to drive you bonkers. Well, that and the petcock..

Brake lock? I can't count how many times I parked mine, key in the ignition, helmet on the bars, and it was always right where I left it. Honestly, except to another enthusiast, you can't give a Savage away. At least in the lower 48 of the USA, overseas they are worth something.

2006 model is now 7 years old. Look at your tires, if they say I.R.C. you need to change them. Go to an independent shop, generally better prices and faster than the dealerships. Do ALL other services yourself, we're here to teach you and help you save both money and aggravation.

I've had over 100 motorcycles in 26 years. I've kept my bought new 1998 LS650 the longest. You're in the right spot.