Take an MSF course if you haven't already done so. Then you can think of mods. It may be difficult to relocate the speedo. but you can buy aftermarket ones that can mount on the handle bars. You shouldn't need the popular Raptor mod for a little while yet. Remember you have three friends in motorcycling, your two mirrors and the big gap in front of you. Are you shoulder checking?

Here's a link that shows you how to add a buzzer that reminds
you to turn off your turn signal.    Its easy and inexpensive.

See Reply No. 14 and No. 19

Blinker Buddy:   http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1285772416/0

Dave wrote on 07/14/16 at 04:21:56:


Is it a difficult procedure to install this Trail Tech Vapor system? I went on their website and they don't seem to have it listed for S40.

For a beginner rider, it's even worse having to roll my head down like this every time.

Welcome to the forum. The previous replies pretty much answer most of your initial questions. Most will agree with the location of the speedo and blinker lights. You will get used to the bike and have a good "feel" for the speed based on experience and as well what the RPMs feel like in specific gears so don't let that bug you too bad. As far as the blinker lights, do the buzzer mod mentioned above, or you can to the same wiring but instead of connecting a buzzer you can connect a LED and wire that up to your handlebars where it is visible. Buzzer is better though because you don't have to "look" for it.

I got mine about 4 years ago as my first bike at 38 years old and still love the snot out of it.  I'm mostly a traditionalist, but the mods I have done so far that I do recommend once you are comfortable are:
- Swapped to Harley Dyna muffler
- Rejet as needed and white spacer mod (varies by location/altitude)
- Added stock engine guard with kuryakyn longhorn pegs
- Seat lift mod (if you need it)
- Speedo rattle mod (if it rattles)
- Headlight rattle mod (if it rattles)
- LED blinker warning light (buzzer is better though)
- Shim rear pulley (if/when yours seems loose)

I'm sure there is something I am forgetting, but those are the ones I was glad I did at the appropriate time.

DEFINITELY do the MSF course and don't take it for granted. I'm agile and not a complete idiot, but what I learned there as definitely helped me react properly and avoid many potential collisions with idiots in cars pulling out/over on me.

Just remember, no matter how good you get at riding, treat EVERY driveway and EVERY car that you see as if they are planning to pull out on you, because the minute you think they won't and let your guard down, some idiot will pull right out!

Just ordered piezo buzzer from Radio shack to solve the issue with my turn signals. I may not even add a new speedo as I do generally have a good sense of speed. The blinkers were my biggest problem.

What is a good choice of crash bars? I'd like to add these mostly for safety.

Welcome. Your experience sounds similar to mine, with one major exception: I bought a new 2014 S40, got my permit, and started riding in the neighborhood. Moved on to secondary roads, had a close call, and quit riding for almost nine months. This past March I said "screw this, I love riding", took the MSF course, got my endorsement and have been riding to work just about every day now.

I'm 57 years old and the S40 is my first bike, and like you I had never ridden before. I practice daily what others on this thread have preached: scan everything, be aware, don't target fixate, etc.

My S40 is bone stock, and I don't plan to change anything on it. Yeah, I wish it had an actual instrument cluster on the handlebars, but that's not what this bike is about.

This forum is great; you'll like it here. Lot's of smart, very helpful people. Again, welcome.

David

Stew,

How many decibels is the buzzer you used?

Where did you purchase it?

Kenny G