I also have decided on an S40 or Savage. I'm looking at a 1999 and a 2003. Both in good condition, with stock exhaust. Any suggestions? Is there a year of S40 or Savage to avoid? I've been riding since age 15. My choice of this Suzuki is because I want to maintain it myself hopefully never to over pay for dealer service. This Forum is great!

I think with everything that I'm learning from here I might start a threat, if there isn't one already, about what to do when you get your bike home.



This is a little embarrassing asking...buut how do I warm it up properly. I want to ride it a bit.

1. I figured how to start it. Do I need to use the choke, it starts without it...if yes for how long?

2. Anything i should or shouldn't do while is warming up.

3. How do I know when is ready to ride?

4. How long should I ride it.

The bike is not register yet, it might take me a week or two to get to the DMV and do all the paper work plus insurance. In the mean time I don't want it just sitting there.

p.s. I tried searching on how to turn on the bike, but I keep running on people having starting issues.

The bike should not be warmed up....it should be started (use choke if you have to), then give it a fast idle with your throttle hand for about 30 seconds, then let the idle drop down, pull in the clutch, put the bike in first gear....and ride off.  Don't apply a lot of throttle for a few miles and let the bike warm up as you ride.....the bike doesn't make a lot of oil pressure at idle, and we believe cam damage occurs if you let the bike idle while resting on the side stand.

In KY you need to have Proof if insurance immediately - the insurance companies will issue you a card as soon as you get the coverage arranged for....even with Progressive when you apply and pay online.  You are only allowed to ride the bike to the DMV without the registration being completed - but you need the insurance in effect when yo go to the DMV.....you are expected to get the paperwork done, and a new plate issued "before" you begin to ride at will.  The hard copy of the title takes a few weeks - but the license and registration is done immediately and riding without the paperwork is illegal.

That key switch is a tricky deal...you need to turn it counterclockwise to turn the bike OFF, and clockwise one click to turn it ON.  If you turn it clockwise, it is a park position and it runs the tail light....and will run the battery down if you mistakenly turn the switch to that position.

She performed! I didn't thou. I Took her for a ride made it past 3rd gear in the court....once i get  all the paper work ill venture out.

However, i laid it down on the way up to the garage....mostly aimed for the grass and took out the back light. I bought it taped..so i just gave it the last of it.  :'(

If anyone has a spare one or selling one...well let me know.

I took the course, about 3 - 4 months ago... and haven't had any experience on bike besides that. I'm on my own with you guys....

I know why i dropped it... there's a dip at the entrance of the drive way and then it goes up... i took it a bit fast - thinking if i slowed down it will tilt, plus I came in at  an angle, like i usually do with the cars to avoid a hard drop. On the bump I grabbed the throttle and guess I panicked a little.  3 feet away from the garage. Lesson learned!

I'm fine no scratches other than dirt on the foot peg and the light.
i had spent half day yesterday cleaning it.

..... Learning to ride is gong to be mainly on me practicing, safety and tips from everyone I know that does.

--- While on the bike, I did notice a sound coming down from the tank... sort of a Ticking, wondering if is because is a single engine.

There are 2 types of motorcyclists:
Those that HAVE dropped their bike and those who WILL drop their bike!  

Empty parking lots are good places to practice low speed turns and coordination of front and back brake, panic stops.