SuzukiSavage.com - How common are s40 problems

bullfrog

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How common are s40 problems
12/01/08 at 21:35:20

I take my NRC this Friday and by next week I was planning on buying my new 2009 S40 but after spending so much time on this site I'm starting to worry about time and money spent on repairs. Are all of these repairs common place or is it just trying to modify the bike after purchase. This will be my major form of transportation and I need it to be running well with routine maintenance. I have posted here once before and everyone agreed this bike will fit my needs well. just worried about the major topics that are posted here. Thanks for any input. PS this is my first bike.

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verslagen1

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Re: How common are s40 problems
Reply #1 - 12/01/08 at 22:12:24

With a brand new bike, I wouldn't expect any problems.
Read thru the problems again with an eye on how old are the bikes.
All of the problems are neglect/wear/age related, not outright bad engineering. But you got to be the right kind of guy for this bike. It likes to be maintained, but it's not a hanger queen. The maintenance is simple, you don't have to remove all the tupperware to change the oil. Sure some things are involved, but it could be a whole lot worse.

Buy that bike and go out to sea for 6 months and you'll have trouble with it when you come back cause you didn't winterize it before you left. That's neglect.
Leave it parked outside all year long and the rubber with rot off of it. That's neglect, but really accelerated age.

There are plenty of '86's around to say 'take care of me and I'll take you places'.

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Paladin.

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Re: How common are s40 problems
Reply #2 - 12/01/08 at 23:32:31

I do my best serving as a bad example.

I picked up my 2000 Savage in late '04 with a shade over 5,000 miles on it. Four years, 20,000 miles, two front tires, three rear tires, I try to keep up with oil & filter changes about every 3,000 miles, Verslagen wants to beat me with a wet noodle for not checking my cam chain, I've not gotten around to adjusting any valves, and my sparkplug is totally untouched by me. Bike rarely sits as I'm in So.Cal. and ride near daily.

If it died tomorrow I'ld go get a new S40 and transfer a few pieces over.

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bhcarl YaBB Newbies Offline I love YaBB 1G - SP1! Posts: 21	Re: How common are s40 problems Reply #3 - 12/02/08 at 06:51:29 I bought my 07 new in jan. of 07, two years of rideing and the only bolts turned were for the oil change and filter. Thats it ,no problems of any kind.
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photojoe FSO

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Re: How common are s40 problems
Reply #4 - 12/02/08 at 07:57:19

Bought my 87 in March with 12,000+ miles on it, have over 18,000 miles on it now. Only stranded once when my battery died. My third street bike, after a 72 Sportster and another early 84 Sportster. With those bikes I rode with full tool bags and my hands were always greasy. Clean fingernails most of the time with the Savage. A requirement for owning the old Iron Heads was having a pickup truck for breakdowns. It was like being in a bad relationship, but staying for the great sex. I loved those bikes.

Requirement for owning a Savage is changing the oil when needed, along with other routine stuff you can find on this board. I give here a once over every month. Tighten nuts and bolts and cleaning her up. Check the oil daily.

A great bike. I had no idea what a Savage was when I was looking in March. Just saw it and fell in love with her looks. Sat on it, and fell in love with her body. Rode it, and she took me to places I've never been. Yeah, a great bike.

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Serowbot YaBB Moderator ModSquad Offline OK.... so what's the speed of dark? Posts: 28431 Tucson Az Gender:	Re: How common are s40 problems Reply #5 - 12/02/08 at 10:20:11 You do read about a lot of problems on this site, because that's when most people post,...for help....When people have problems, that's when they post. I've done 18k miles with very little trouble. No breakdowns.
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thumperclone Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline PGR rider riding with respect Posts: 5876 Grand Junction Colorado Gender:	Re: How common are s40 problems Reply #6 - 12/02/08 at 16:12:54 pushin 12k on my 06... only "problem" has been the battery.. self infilcted!!! installed sound system and failed to monitor electrode level... preventive maintainance error on my part..
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bullfrog

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Re: How common are s40 problems
Reply #7 - 12/02/08 at 21:33:42

Well this is good news to hear. I've yet to ride a motorcycle but I love the look of the S40 and I've been to the dealer and sat one. It feels right and very comfortable. This weekend can not come quick enough I look forward to my course and future bike. In fact if all goes right I'll be the owner of the new 2009 in white and grey. With saddle bage and windshild add due to being a commute bike, my father inlaw recommend to cut down on fatigue. Thank and look forward to being here for positive comments not technical help.

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verslagen1 YaBB Moderator ModSquad Online Where there's a will, I want to be in it. Posts: 28848 L.A. California Gender:	Re: How common are s40 problems Reply #8 - 12/02/08 at 21:54:11 Yes a windshield really cuts down on the strain of riding over 50mph. The added benefit is protection from rocks. Took one on the chin of my FF just yesterday. flipped up by the cage in front of me and just cleared the windshield.
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LANCER Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Savage Beast Performance Parts Posts: 10620 Oklahoma Gender:	Re: How common are s40 problems Reply #9 - 12/03/08 at 04:45:34 Howdy ...frog, welcome to the best web-house around. You will find that this is a very friendly and helpful place to hang out and get into all things LS650.
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Jimmer Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 497 NewportPa. Gender:	Re: How common are s40 problems Reply #10 - 12/03/08 at 05:00:18 Hey Frog I've had several different bikes in my short life (60 years). I found this to be the best all around bike I've ever had. Do the normal maintenance and the bike will take of you.
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forrest

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Re: How common are s40 problems
Reply #11 - 12/03/08 at 05:43:14

I have an 07 that I bought new. This is my first bike and it has been great. I've got almost 13k on it in 2 years and only problem is the petc#ck thing......that I haven't adjusted yet. I do need to tighten the belt and gonna open her up and look at the tensioner.

I was thinking about moving to a C50 but when I weighed the maintenance requirements, not to mention gas mileage, I'm sticking with my thumper.

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Where are we going? And why are we in this handbasket?

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PerrydaSavage Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Riding "The Rock"! Posts: 3522 Republic of Newfoundland Gender:	Re: How common are s40 problems Reply #12 - 12/03/08 at 07:15:12 Welcome aboard frog! On my 2nd LS650 (an '05 S40) only 'cause I wuz stunned and sold my 1st one (an '03 Savage) to buy a VS800 ... mistake on my part! LOL!! Loved both my LS' ... only routine maintenance like oil changes, etc. and one flat tire! Ride and enjoy!
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SavageDude Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Posts: 561 OC_California Gender:	Re: How common are s40 problems Reply #13 - 12/03/08 at 11:17:51 Frog; Go get it Dude! I bought mine new in 2005 and no problems so far. Just keep your eyes on the battery's water level or you have premature death on it. I changed out with a maintenance-free battery and never worry ever since then. Ride safe bro.
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Bobbert

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Re: How common are s40 problems
Reply #14 - 12/03/08 at 12:32:02

SavageDude wrote on 12/03/08 at 11:17:51:

Frog;
Go get it Dude! I bought mine new in 2005 and no problems so far. Just keep your eyes on the battery's water level or you have premature death on it. I changed out with a maintenance-free battery and never worry ever since then.
Ride safe bro.

Big Crank batteries- one of the better $50 you could ever spend

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In progress- 1996 Savage: solo seat, pod filter, open exhaust, and custom bars, fender, wiring, paint.

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