Honda 600 VLX vs Suzuki S-40

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JWINC · #11 Unread post by **JWINC** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 2:03 am

Ive never ridden the S40 but my brother had a 2004 VLX600 and I rode that a good amount. $3500 is a bit overpriced for that bike, even if it has been well kept. For that money you could get a 750 or my favorite smaller bike an Intruder 800. That bike had the extra gear and enough balls to make anyone happy.

I say keep shopping.

Wordherder · Mon Apr 02, 2007 4:55 am

I don't know from Hondas, but the S40's a fine bike for anyone and a hoot to ride. I started on the thing, and I'm a manly man's man (Grrrr) (Smashes beer can on forehead). Never had anyone diss the ride. It's nimble and has plenty of pop for everything except maybe iron-butt rides on the slab.

We've had ours for a year, and the only downside was a tendency to backfire -- it's factory-set way lean for emissions purposes -- but there are plenty of easy fixes. (Anyone who's had theirs for more than a month has probably already done so.)

But yeah, sounds a bit pricey. See if you can negotiate.

PatArmyRet · Mon Apr 02, 2007 5:45 am

Thanks for the replies, I am also looking at a 2004 Honda 600 VLX Deluxe, with a $3900 asking price, and a 2006 S40 for $3299 (1200 miles).

I've read the reviews, and I've seen comments from some that the Honda is too big to start on. I'm 5'5, and 150 lbs, so I wouldn't feel cramped on the S40 (I don't think).

I suppose I'll go look, see which feels more comfortable...the $600 savings for a newer bike is attractive.

I am predominantly checking CraigsList, looking on Ebay and also have Cycle Trader.

DivideOverflow · Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:33 am

PatArmyRet wrote:Thanks for the replies, I am also looking at a 2004 Honda 600 VLX Deluxe, with a $3900 asking price, and a 2006 S40 for $3299 (1200 miles).

I've read the reviews, and I've seen comments from some that the Honda is too big to start on. I'm 5'5, and 150 lbs, so I wouldn't feel cramped on the S40 (I don't think).

I suppose I'll go look, see which feels more comfortable...the $600 savings for a newer bike is attractive.

I am predominantly checking CraigsList, looking on Ebay and also have Cycle Trader.

The Shadow VLX is in no way too big. It is a very small cruiser, and it is an excellent beginner bike.

jstark47 · #15 Unread post by **jstark47** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:36 am

PatArmyRet wrote:I suppose I'll go look, see which feels more comfortable...

You definitely need to do this. Everything about your perception of a bike can change after sitting on it.

S40's are cool. I have a fascination with big singles (I'd love a Royal Enfield if I had time to phart around with it...) But there's no way I personally can be comfortable on the S40, the frame is just too small. I wish (and many others too) Suzuki would combine that engine with a larger, standard-style frame. That would be the start of an excellent cafe racer....

flynrider · Mon Apr 02, 2007 12:15 pm

PatArmyRet wrote: I've read the reviews, and I've seen comments from some that the Honda is too big to start on. I'm 5'5, and 150 lbs, so I wouldn't feel cramped on the S40 (I don't think).

If you're talking about size, you'll just have to sit on them and see which fits best. I rode a new S40 over the weekend and it's got a very low seat height. We put the dealer's wife on it (5' even) and she fit just fine. Can't comment on the VLX, though. Haven't ridden one.

DivideOverflow · Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:24 am

My brother, mother, and I went to the bike shop yesterday. The S40 was a little small, even for my mom (she is 5'6, and not a big lady). I don't think she would be physically uncomfortable, but the bike looked tiny.

We ended up getting an M50 for her and my brother to ride. She liked it a lot better, and it is 100x cooler.

At 5'5 and 150, either would work fine. I still stick with my guns on the honda, though... I think it will be a smoother ride.