Dave wrote on 10/16/14 at 04:40:18:Nice!
Put some miles on it, and give us a ride report.
Not too many miles on it yet. It's still in the break-in period but I'm not babying it much. Did the first oil change at 130 miles and the oil was pretty sparkly in the sunlight. Will change it again at around 300 before I take it back in for service.
To compare it to the S40, the vibrations are about the same. I expected more from the SR because of the lack of a counter-balancer. From what I've read, it should smooth out after it's broken in. Guess it shook enough to lose my temporary tag on the back. I've got the area I lost it in down to a 35 mile stretch of road. Haven't decided if I'll go look for it on the Suzuki or just park it till the metal one come in. Really glad I kept the S40!
IMO, the Yamaha stock seat is a little more comfortable than the stock Suzuki one. But then, my Suzuki seat isn't stock anymore so they're about the same. Could ride all day on either one, I think (haven't tried an all day ride on either bike.) The S40 has a more relaxed riding position than the standard upright position of the Yamaha. The Suzuki seems to have little more leg room, but again, I modded its seat for a little more height and the ability to sit a little further back. I like them both.
Not surprising, the 650 has a little more power and speed than the 400 but taking the Yamaha out on the interstate wouldn't bother me a bit. Back in the '70s, I used to take my little 250 Yamaha on the interstate all the time. I'd still prefer the S40 with the extra power and the wind screen.
Looks are subjective but I love the look of the stock Yamaha and plan to keep it that way. It just wouldn't look right with a wind screen or saddlebags. If I have to carry anything or go on a longer trip, I'll take the S40. Plus, with the carburetor on the Suzuki, I think it will have to be started and rode more than the Yamaha with it's FI.
I think my girlfriend (silly term considering we've been together for 18 years) is hoping the bikes won't be like my guitars, "I only need one more!"