2014 Suzuki Boulevard S40

Summary:

I like it lot. I would recommend this bike for new/old riders alike

Faults:

So far, I've had only one issue, squeaky drive belt. Repair was $280.00 Cdn.; seemed high to me.

General Comments:

I really like my S40. I am 5'8", 31 inch leg. This bike hauls my 205 lb. carcass around no problem. I find the size and weight very manageable. The reliability and low maintenance are also appealing.

The initial purchase price was manageable for me, it was previous year stock, so I shaved $800 off, I bought it for $6,200 cdn. all tax included.

So far I'm on the factory supplied battery.

I add Seafoam to the full tank for winter storage; last spring it fired up quickly.

I just got new Michelin Commander 2 tires for it; I can't wait to see how it rolls with those on it. The reviews for those tires are very favorable.

The seat is broken in, not as hard as it was when new. I really like the styling of this bike. It corners and leans very nicely. I also like the quiet exhaust tone. I enjoy the occasional backfire, it adds to the character.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2018

2007 Suzuki Boulevard S40

Summary:

Cheap crap foisted on the unknowing

Faults:

Batteries die young.

Warped brake discs.

Bent brackets from the factory.

General Comments:

An accident waiting to happen. The front end does the "chopper flop" at any time, causing endless lowsides. DO NOT SELL TO NEW RIDERS; they will crash.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2017

29th Sep 2017, 05:21

If you got a 'lemon' from the factory, well, that sucks. But to trash this great bike because of one bad incident (which, by the way, happens to ALL manufacturers now and then), is just making you look unreasonable, since so many experienced and knowledgeable people, including all the major bike mags recommend it and give it high praise for value, performance and reliability. You should get another one or do some reading or hold your tongue, because your review is certainly not convincing anyone...

10th Feb 2018, 18:23

What are you people doing wrong? I have ridden and owned several of these bikes and have never experienced this "chopper flop" that I keep reading about. Are you trying to text with one hand while adjusting the mirrors with the other hand, or what???

The same for those who claim that the bike will only run 70mph. You people do know that the bike isn't a 3 speed, right? At 70 mph you have two more gears left to use.

In reply to 29th Sep 2017, 05:21

10th Jun 2018, 16:37

My sentiments exactly, don't judge everything on one bike. You are probably a beginner or you wouldn't be so harsh on a quality machine.

Mike

2014 Suzuki Boulevard S40

Summary:

Great city and back road bike that can still take on the highway

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Pros:

Very light bike.

Decent gas mileage, averaged 47.5 MPG on a recent highway trip and have got as high as 61 MPG (U.S. gallons).

Probably the easiest bike to ride I have ridden, and I have owned 14 motorcycles.

Very easy to service.

Cons:

No trip meter.

Speedo on the gas tank.

Rear suspension could use another inch or two of travel.

Overall a good bike. The idle mixture is too lean from the factory, but easily fixed. Re-jetting the carb makes the bike accelerate better and run a bit smoother. The bike looks sharp with its huge single cylinder. It will hit 80 mph fairly soon, but you are approaching its limit. Consistent speeds of 70 mph are no problem. At 55-60 the motor feels as though it is at a fast idle, just putting along, but crack the throttle and you are up to 75 with no effort.

Plenty of low RPM torque due to the long stroke. You don't have to shift up and down much in traffic. It corners very well for a bike that is "cruiser" styled.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2015

21st Jun 2015, 18:07

I have owned my 2005 Suzuki S40 (with low miles) for a few months now. I have also owned several motorcycles (some larger and smaller). I couldn't agree more with this review. It performs much better than you might expect considering some lukewarm reviews on the net. It's powerful for most driving, and with a pipe change, it sounds amazing (think 60s BSAs and other Brit singles). It has decent ground clearance and with its somewhat short wheel base, it handles very good. Alas, if you happen to be a male rider, please change those baby bars and put some bobber style bars on that thing! I love this bike!

In reply to 21st Jun 2015, 18:07

28th Apr 2016, 05:19

The little S40 really reminds me of the British singles as well. There is a definite "wow" factor with the big jug sitting out there for the world to see. I think Harley would do well to dust off their old blue prints of the Knuckle Head and make a single using one of those jugs with a bit more bore.

In reply to 28th Apr 2016, 05:19

8th Sep 2017, 02:08

I thought of something like that - more like the old sport single application with long-term quality.