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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.

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.

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.

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.

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....

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.

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.