Suz S40 v HD883

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rnr262 · #1 Unread post by **rnr262** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:06 am

I know you all get tons of questions on first bikes and I appreciate that you take the time to help out!

I am leaning towards buying a Suzuki S40, which has a 650 engine. My husband would like to spend the extra money and buy the Harley Davidson Sportster (883 Custom). I will be the one riding this bike, and am even a little worried that a 650 may be too much for a new rider to handle. My husband doesn't ride (yet) but thinks the HD will be a better value in the long run, and he likes the idea of a Harley. (who doesn't!) He will be fine with either decision, he's a good guy and very supportive of all this. I will be using the bike to just ride on weekends with friends and back and forth to work on nice days.

Any input from you on if either bike is appropriate for a beginner would be welcome, as well as any other comments or info.

scan · #2 Unread post by **scan** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:53 am

I'd go with the Zuk (Suzuki) myself. As someone starting out, a 650 cruiser is a pretty good choice. I'd even say a Suzuki Savage, or Honda Rebel might be worth looking into just to start. These are smaller bikes, and even brand new, are very cheap. These are the kind of bike the Motorcycle Safety Foundation uses for training. Are you considering (and your husband) taking the MSF training?

Anyway, my wife and I, just short of two years ago, began riding. We bought a Honda Rebel for just shy of $4000. After riding it for a couple months we traded it in for a bigger bike, and lost around $1000 on the trade-in. But the training we got on that little, easy to handle, not over-powered bike was invaluable. You need time to learn your foot and hand-controls so the become instinctive. The best way to do that is spend a lot of time practicing in parking lots and low-traffic areas. Put on a lot of miles on a lighter, easier to handle bike, and you will feel so much more confident on the next bike - even if you must choose the Harley.

Just as a side note, Harley's cost more, and are not more reliable than Japanese (or any other metric) bike. Modern Harleys are much more reliable than the old ones. I felt like Harley was a good choice until I actually became a rider and saw all the other choices. Harley is more about image, in my opinion, but you will hear other opinions if you keep checking back on this thread. We have a few loyal Harley guys here, and I'm sure they have great things to say about the 883.

TechTMW · #3 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:23 am

I've never been a "Harley guy" per se, but I can't knock the brand. Yeah, I think they have a following of real posers, but the sportbike crowd has this in droves as well!

I am in agreement with your Husband. The Harley will have a better resale value, and in the future, when (if) you want more power, the 1200 kit is a very common add-on.

HOWEVER !!! I don't recommend buying either bike new right off the bat. I think it is much wiser to get something older (that's already depreciated) so that you can practice your biking skills without fear of dropping your machine. Something like a 80's Yamaha Maxim or an earlier Suzuki Savage 650 (an older s40) might be a better intro into the world of motorcycling.

Scott58 · #4 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:38 am

I really like the S40 and am thinking i'll get one next year or the year after. I'm not worried about resale. I'll keep all my bikes. They can worry about that when they settle my estate.

poppygene · #5 Unread post by **poppygene** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:43 am

I agree on learning on an older, smaller Japanese standard or cruiser. The things are just so stone reliable. If you happen to drop it as most new riders do (I did...

) then it won't bring you to tears when you look at the damages. Also, the Savage, for example weighs around 200 pounds less than a Sportster 883. No, that's not a typo... 200 pounds. You can't imagine the difference that makes at low speeds and parking, where most of the, "Ahhh, #$^@'s" take place.
If you just gotta have a Harley, then the Sportie's the one to learn on, but you'll be a better, more confident rider if you first start out on a smaller bike.

#6 Unread post by **houk** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:22 am

While I do own a 2004 HD 1200, I dont think I would suggest it for a beginner. Unless you can flat foot it, it could cause you some low speed problems. It's not a light weight at 550+ pounds, although I don't really notice it. If your set on a HD 883, take a look at the 883 L model.
As far as the S 40, I looked at one at the dealer the other day and I loved it. Light, nice looking machine with a low seat height. I may buy one myself

rnr262 · #7 Unread post by **rnr262** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 7:00 am

Thank you all! I am taking the MSF course in a few weeks and can't wait. I'm trying to talk my husband into it, but he is one of those rare males who does not like to drive and really thinks it will be fun to ride on the back of my bike. (not for awhile though1)

I'd be all for an older bike but if he really wants to buy a new one, then I'll cave in on that.

I originally wanted the rebel, but he doesn't want to be in the market for a new bike in a few months which is what he thinks will happen if we get a 250.

Appreciate your help!

scan · #8 Unread post by **scan** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 9:00 am

rnr262 wrote:I originally wanted the rebel, but he doesn't want to be in the market for a new bike in a few months which is what he thinks will happen if we get a 250.

Appreciate your help!

He is right, you will be in the market for a new bike in a few months, but I think it is still the right choice to make for secure knowledge. I recomend taking the loss, buying the smaller bike, and planning to out grow it fast. Better than starting too early on bigger bike and wrecking it before it is even very used. My $.02

Scott58 · #9 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:03 am

As much as I love my Rebel I wouldn't recommend it 2 up. Just not enough power, but for a single rider that isn't trying to break speed records it's great. I have no problems on the interstate with it and i'm still glad i bought it over anything else i could have purchased. i absolutely hated muscleing my kz-900 in slow traffic.

scan · #10 Unread post by **scan** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:15 am

Scott58 wrote:As much as I love my Rebel I wouldn't recommend it 2 up.

Yeah, I meant to comment on that too. Certianly it is not a two up bike, unless the two people combined weigh less than 200 lbs.

You also shouldn't ride two up until you have ridden by yourself for at least a year, anyway. I think her husband is going to have to wait (if she is a safe rider, and I know she is since she stopped in here) until she is adaquately trained and experienced.

MSF training, one year learning by yourself, and then you can think about a passenger. Some here would tell you to NEVER ride two up. I am not one of them.

I think she needs to drag hubby to the class and get his but on his own bike. And I don't think he should dictate what she gets to ride. That is also unsafe.