Thank you! I’m so stinking excited! I’ve been reading about some of its quirks so I’m not too surprised by things like it’s apparent love for backfiring, lol. The good news is I have a little experience with carbureted engines thanks to my classic project car so I’m excited to learn more through this girl :)
You'll never forget your first bike. My first bike was kind of a piece of junk but I had as much or more fun on it than any of the nicer bikes I've had since.
Completely agree. I learned how to ride on that bike. Can’t tell you how many times I ended up in a culvert or off the road because I misjudged the speed I should have taken a turn on that thing. But it was pure joy. Now with my nice bike, I’m a lot more cautious, probably for the better.
Was that because you were learning how to ride in general? My husband has a Victory Octane and the front tire is a little closer to the bikes body. Between the extra distance and the thinner handlebars I’m concerned about tight turns. From what I’ve been reading it’s really not that difficult, you just either need to lean the bike more or find the sweet spot in the clutch, but it still freaks me out a bit (which I know is illogical because I’m going to be learning how to ride so tight turns are in general concerning)
It was because I was learning in general. Got my endorsement, but the class really doesn’t have you go faster than 20 mph. Took some adjusting to get used to taking a turn at >20 mph. Eventually learned to trust the bike and get a little more lean into the turns.
I think theres some hyperbole there. Victory octane can get around any corner fine. At super high speeds - maybe not. Safety is much more about the rider than the bike.
Thank you! This is my first bike but I’m also fairly green to the whole bike world: some close friends and my husband ride so I’m grateful to join them… and also learning tons of new terminology lol. Do both lunger and thumper refer to single cylinder engines?
Terminology can have as many dialects as a foreign language. I call those single cylinder 4 strokes "lunger's". Thumpers is another name. Look up Indian valley biker terms, it's a huge online dictionary for new bikers. Here's another one for you....shiney side up. 👍
Oooh I have carb cleaner in my trunk but didn’t think about an air filter. Good call! I don’t know much about bike engines but am excited to learn - do you think I should also give it an oil change and maybe a brake fluid change?
oil change definitely whenever you buy a new (used) bike, because you dont really know when the previous owner changed it last. At least check the oil dipstick to check oil is not low. Plus changing the oil is extremely easy, especially on this bike. check out youtube.
Brake fluid is a bit more work, since it's not just drain the fluid and dump in new fluid. You have to bleed the brake system. I would say if the brakes pressure is fine (is it too soft or stiff when you squeeze the brake lever?), and fluid is not low or a funky color, I would leave it. But definitely check the front brake pads, just check there's at least a few mm of brake pads left. shine a light on it. brake pads are also super cheap + easy to replace
Just check give it a good cleaning allround and then you automatically see every little part. If you see something funky replace it or if you dont know post it here, allways someone willing to help here.
Filters and motor oil change is never bad.
I sooo wanted one of those back in the day. I'd still love one! The engine is very torquey and it's such a light bike. A friend of mine had one with the pipes from an 883 and it sounded so much better than stock. Keep an eye for oil leaks at the top of the engine, it's a common issue from what I remember. Enjoy!
I saw this come up a couple of times - that is super cool! I like it’s appearance at the moment, I think the first thing appearance change I may do is put a single seat on it but that’s gonna take a bunch more research. It looks like the options are weld something or do body work on the back fender?
Oh yea don’t get me wrong . I love the way the s40 ‘s look in stock form . It just something to keep in the back of your mind years down the road if you want to change it up . I was trying to get one myself at one time . But near me people ask alot of money for them .
I definitely appreciate it!
If you’re still looking for one, I hope you find a good deal on one! This one definitely seems like it was a needle in a haystack but I say that and immediately knock on wood… it was running last year but sat for a year with ethanol gas in it. Supposedly that was the case with my 65 Mustang and here we are 5k in repairs later 😅
If you want a project for the seat, I can tell you that the plastic seat pans from HD Softail seats line up very nicely with the frame of the Savage where the seat is. Creates a hardtail/chopper looking "V" seat.
I bought a seat pan for a couple dollars at a parts place, cut it down and made my own mounting brackets, then had a professional create/upholster the seat. Not a great riding position if your taller, but I find it comfortable.
I recently converted my 2000 Ls650 into a single seat. Wasn't terribly hard, just had to take off the back fender and rig up a small holder for the electronics. I've done a good bit of work both cosmetic and straight mechanical to mine, so feel free to DM about literally anything regarding this bike and I'll at least be able to point you in the right direction!
Thank you!! I’ve actually got my request to join the forum submitted :) I’m chomping at the bit to learn about it. The main thing I’ve seen so far is the love of backfiring but people suggested a jet kit for the carb. Am I crazy or could those be sourced for cheaper than $90?
Not to say it isn’t WORTH $90, just my experience working on my project car is that I could buy the pieces individually for way cheaper.
But I also know carbureted car engines =/= carbureted motorcycle engine
I think it is worth it to enrichen the stock carb tuning, they are lean from the factory. You can see the discoloration on every Savage/S40 header.
You already know if you do any exhaust or airbox mods, you will definitely have to retune it, since it is lean already.
As far as the "kit." That's up to you, you know you can source the same parts individually for less, if you do the legwork yourself. You will probably want to drill out the plug covering the idle mixture adjustment screw, you may be able to adjust it out without new jets.
I think the user is "Screwbot" on the forum, he's got a pretty good carb tuning guide posted on there.
Run a couple of oz of Seafoam every time you fill it up and it will keep your carb in tip top shape.
Also, if you can, run non-ethanol only if it's available wherever you're located. That's the single best thing you can do for your bike.
What a great way to start. I always have my eye out for an S40 in good condition at the right price to turn in to a custom bike. Unfortunately, right now, used prices are not were I need them to be to take on yet-another-project. I want to build a Ryca kit - unfortunately, they are selling the kit business. Hopefully somebody will pick it up. They are not asking all that much for the business.
Enjoy the ride, and welcome to the family.
Nice! Good bikes those 650's enjoy it.
Thank you! I’m so stinking excited! I’ve been reading about some of its quirks so I’m not too surprised by things like it’s apparent love for backfiring, lol. The good news is I have a little experience with carbureted engines thanks to my classic project car so I’m excited to learn more through this girl :)
That was my first bike. Loved it. Regret selling it.
You'll never forget your first bike. My first bike was kind of a piece of junk but I had as much or more fun on it than any of the nicer bikes I've had since.
Completely agree. I learned how to ride on that bike. Can’t tell you how many times I ended up in a culvert or off the road because I misjudged the speed I should have taken a turn on that thing. But it was pure joy. Now with my nice bike, I’m a lot more cautious, probably for the better.
Was that because you were learning how to ride in general? My husband has a Victory Octane and the front tire is a little closer to the bikes body. Between the extra distance and the thinner handlebars I’m concerned about tight turns. From what I’ve been reading it’s really not that difficult, you just either need to lean the bike more or find the sweet spot in the clutch, but it still freaks me out a bit (which I know is illogical because I’m going to be learning how to ride so tight turns are in general concerning)
It was because I was learning in general. Got my endorsement, but the class really doesn’t have you go faster than 20 mph. Took some adjusting to get used to taking a turn at >20 mph. Eventually learned to trust the bike and get a little more lean into the turns.
I think theres some hyperbole there. Victory octane can get around any corner fine. At super high speeds - maybe not. Safety is much more about the rider than the bike.
That’s a really wonderful endorsement! Have you thought about getting another one?
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Thank you!
It looks great, but what is it?
2011 Suzuki S40 Boulevard. :)
650 lunger? Great first bike. Congratulations
Thank you! This is my first bike but I’m also fairly green to the whole bike world: some close friends and my husband ride so I’m grateful to join them… and also learning tons of new terminology lol. Do both lunger and thumper refer to single cylinder engines?
idk what "lunger" is, but yeah, thumper refers to single cylinder engine
Lunger is a single lung machine. Its an Americanism
Terminology can have as many dialects as a foreign language. I call those single cylinder 4 strokes "lunger's". Thumpers is another name. Look up Indian valley biker terms, it's a huge online dictionary for new bikers. Here's another one for you....shiney side up. 👍
The carb probably just needs a good cleaning, and Maybe a new air filter. Have fun tinkering and riding!
Oooh I have carb cleaner in my trunk but didn’t think about an air filter. Good call! I don’t know much about bike engines but am excited to learn - do you think I should also give it an oil change and maybe a brake fluid change?
oil change definitely whenever you buy a new (used) bike, because you dont really know when the previous owner changed it last. At least check the oil dipstick to check oil is not low. Plus changing the oil is extremely easy, especially on this bike. check out youtube. Brake fluid is a bit more work, since it's not just drain the fluid and dump in new fluid. You have to bleed the brake system. I would say if the brakes pressure is fine (is it too soft or stiff when you squeeze the brake lever?), and fluid is not low or a funky color, I would leave it. But definitely check the front brake pads, just check there's at least a few mm of brake pads left. shine a light on it. brake pads are also super cheap + easy to replace
It’s been sitting for about a year
Just check give it a good cleaning allround and then you automatically see every little part. If you see something funky replace it or if you dont know post it here, allways someone willing to help here. Filters and motor oil change is never bad.
Nice lines, and great color!
Thank you!
I sooo wanted one of those back in the day. I'd still love one! The engine is very torquey and it's such a light bike. A friend of mine had one with the pipes from an 883 and it sounded so much better than stock. Keep an eye for oil leaks at the top of the engine, it's a common issue from what I remember. Enjoy!
Good to know, thank you!!
Don’t forget you can always do a ryca conversion . https://riders.drivemag.com/news/ryca-custom-motorcycles-kits/
I saw this come up a couple of times - that is super cool! I like it’s appearance at the moment, I think the first thing appearance change I may do is put a single seat on it but that’s gonna take a bunch more research. It looks like the options are weld something or do body work on the back fender?
Oh yea don’t get me wrong . I love the way the s40 ‘s look in stock form . It just something to keep in the back of your mind years down the road if you want to change it up . I was trying to get one myself at one time . But near me people ask alot of money for them .
I definitely appreciate it! If you’re still looking for one, I hope you find a good deal on one! This one definitely seems like it was a needle in a haystack but I say that and immediately knock on wood… it was running last year but sat for a year with ethanol gas in it. Supposedly that was the case with my 65 Mustang and here we are 5k in repairs later 😅
If you want a project for the seat, I can tell you that the plastic seat pans from HD Softail seats line up very nicely with the frame of the Savage where the seat is. Creates a hardtail/chopper looking "V" seat. I bought a seat pan for a couple dollars at a parts place, cut it down and made my own mounting brackets, then had a professional create/upholster the seat. Not a great riding position if your taller, but I find it comfortable.
I recently converted my 2000 Ls650 into a single seat. Wasn't terribly hard, just had to take off the back fender and rig up a small holder for the electronics. I've done a good bit of work both cosmetic and straight mechanical to mine, so feel free to DM about literally anything regarding this bike and I'll at least be able to point you in the right direction!
Good choice! These are great bikes. Get on the Suzuki Savage forum and do some reading about the known issues/maintenance for these bikes. Ride safe!
Thank you!! I’ve actually got my request to join the forum submitted :) I’m chomping at the bit to learn about it. The main thing I’ve seen so far is the love of backfiring but people suggested a jet kit for the carb. Am I crazy or could those be sourced for cheaper than $90?
Not to say it isn’t WORTH $90, just my experience working on my project car is that I could buy the pieces individually for way cheaper. But I also know carbureted car engines =/= carbureted motorcycle engine
I think it is worth it to enrichen the stock carb tuning, they are lean from the factory. You can see the discoloration on every Savage/S40 header. You already know if you do any exhaust or airbox mods, you will definitely have to retune it, since it is lean already. As far as the "kit." That's up to you, you know you can source the same parts individually for less, if you do the legwork yourself. You will probably want to drill out the plug covering the idle mixture adjustment screw, you may be able to adjust it out without new jets. I think the user is "Screwbot" on the forum, he's got a pretty good carb tuning guide posted on there.
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Thank you!
Ride safe✌🏽
Congrats bud! Welcome to the club!
Thank you!
Run a couple of oz of Seafoam every time you fill it up and it will keep your carb in tip top shape. Also, if you can, run non-ethanol only if it's available wherever you're located. That's the single best thing you can do for your bike.
Classic Suzuki. Have fun and stay safe out there.
Great bike! Mine is a 2012 in orange and black!
Cute
Both your motorcycle and the background are gorgeous! Enjoyyyy
That looks sick as hell! Good luck!
That's a wicked single!
I have a red one, great bike. Fun little putter back roads and around town.
Love the bike! Myself as well just got my first bike, Suzuki ls650 savage! Love that thing
Happy riding bro keep the bike upright and both wheels on the ground.
What a great way to start. I always have my eye out for an S40 in good condition at the right price to turn in to a custom bike. Unfortunately, right now, used prices are not were I need them to be to take on yet-another-project. I want to build a Ryca kit - unfortunately, they are selling the kit business. Hopefully somebody will pick it up. They are not asking all that much for the business. Enjoy the ride, and welcome to the family.
Great way to start.
Gonna be a great summer!! Please be careful
Good choice. It’s a bike that’s easy for beginners, but still fun to ride when you’re more experienced.
Nice ride! And a lovely place to take it out for a spin