Thoughts on the Suzuki boulavard S-40 as a starter bike

[gypsy_woman]

Hi, I am pretty new to the website, but i was wondering... the single cylinder S40 650 looks like a pretty good option, and the only bad thing that i have heard about it is that it backfires and is underpowered for a 650 which is A-Ok for me. not to mention it is notoriously easy to maintain(belt drive) and has been out since the 80's as the savage so it is relatively easy to find inexpensive parts for. brand new it is $4200 or less(still need to go to the dealer). And did i mention it is light, 380 pound wet weight. I can upgrade the Camshaft to performance later for like 200 dollars and the carbarator for 300 dollars(sacrificing some economy) when it doesn't have enough umph for me anymore. Any information on the bike or experiences with it would be great.
Just seems ideal, and upgradable.
thanks,
beth

[Wrider]

It's definitely a good beginner bike, I'd go for it, but make sure to first take the MSF class and get yourself proper gear! I'm sure DragonHawk will be in here shortly with his links!
Wrider

[gypsy_woman]

I am already scheduled to take it. My uncle taught me to ride but i still need to take the class b/c I am under 21 which is great. you can never be too prepared.
thanks for the feedback, I don't know anyone who owns a savage or boulavard.
beth

[Wrider]

There's a bunch on here who do or used to own one... I started off on the Volusia, the 01 version of the Boulevard C-50.
Kiserith started off on a Savage.
I'm not sure who else around here has one, but lots do. They're good bikes.
Feel free to chime in and ask more questions as you think of them!
Wrider

[safety-boy]

It is not a bad bike. I did not like the one we had. I commuted, and there was no place to put bags when I got stuck riding it.

It handled pretty well. Won't go over 85mph, downhill with a tailwind. Shakes like crazy. Backfires a lot (which was kinda fun ).

I wouldn't necessarily try talking someone out of getting one, but I wouldn't talk them into getting one either.

--Dave

[gsJack]

If you want to carry stuff add a trunk:



Here's a good Savage/S40 forum if you haven't found it already:

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl

[Dragonhawk]

Hi, I am pretty new to the website, but i was wondering... the single cylinder S40 650 looks like a pretty good option, and the only bad thing that i have heard about it is that it backfires and is underpowered for a 650 which is A-Ok for me.

Any information on the bike or experiences with it would be great.
Just seems ideal, and upgradable.
thanks,
beth

Great beginner bike. My beautiful friend Jessica started on one. I rode her a bit too (sadly, just the bike, not Jessica). Very tame and manageable. It doesn't have the rough idle associated with most single-cylinders either. I mean, yeah, it's a little "thumpy" but not in an uncomfortable way.

If you dig cruisers, it's a great choice to start with.

I'm sure DragonHawk will be in here shortly with his links!

And here they are....

[NewGuy]

In Feb '07 motorcycle.com did an article on three budget bikes. They explained why they didn't do full reviews of a couple bikes, including the S40. Here is what they had to say:

Suzuki Boulevard S40 $4,399

This is another favorite, and why does it seem that all these budget bikes have been around longer than the Family Circus comic strip?

Well, it could have something to do with the fact that the S40 -- formerly known as the Savage 650 -- is a good, wholesome motorcycle, with a character-ful, responsive 650cc thumper motor and a seat height so low your wallet chain might make sparks. It looks like a cool little drag bike, is cheap as a box of drywall screws and has a low-maintenance belt drive. What's wrong with it? Not a thing. We just forgot to include it. So sue us.

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/th ... 14279.html[/quote]

[morganjp94123456]

I just bought a M50 Limited - it was that or the Shadow Spirit 750

I went for the M50 because it has a fuel gauge, inverted front forks (smoother ride), Fuel Injection, and is shaft driven. Granted learning to take care of a chain, winterizing a bike, and all the little quirks from a carbureted bike would make we feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I dont have the time to do these kind of things. I wanted a bike that is dependable, and I can grow into and not necessarily out of (especially in a few months). I thought it might be too much bike for me since I am a beginner, but it only goes as fast as I let it, especially in take off - literally do not need to give it gas to roll in first.


Good luck!