Suzuki S40 compared to GZ250

[ArizonaKev]

Hello all,

So I have been doing some "window shopping" online and checking out Suzuki's other motorcycle offerings, and have been intrigued with the S40. I notice they have a new model coming out for 2011, and it looks pretty sweet - very similar to a GZ, but with about 400 more cc's.

I am wondering if anyone out there has ridden an S40 or knows anything about them? I would think they are quite a bit stronger with the extra cubes they have, but would love to hear it from someone who actually rides a GZ for comparison.

We have a number of dealers here in Phoenix, but when I visited the one closest to me, they didn't have an S40, otherwise I probably would have taken it for a test drive. I am totally happy with my GZ for now, but that doesn't mean I can't still look, right? ; )

Thanks all, and ride safe :2tup:

AZ Kev

[emory70]

when i got my geezer, the dealer had two of them, and an s40. all were $1700. the s40 only had 4700 miles on it. but it had lived a hard life, probably all outside, cause the aluminum and chrome were trashed. so i got the geezer.

i am considering an s40 for my next bike. from what i have read, it does make more power and is more highway friendly, but not as much as its displacement would make you think. it's more of a 500 cc class bike. and it has a smaller tank than the 250.

i am such a fan of simplicity, and a 650 air cooled single with a belt drive is about as simple as you can get.

[blaine]

Originally Posted by emory70

i am considering an s40 for my next bike. from what i have read, it does make more power and is more highway friendly, but not as much as its displacement would make you think. it's more of a 500 cc class bike. and it has a smaller tank than the 250.

The s40 has much more torque than the G.Z. but not much more top speed.IMHO the vulcan is a much better choice for the performance.I have rode both, the s40 & the vulcan.Vulcan wins hands down.A little more maintance on the vulcan,because it's a twin with chain drive.Both very good bikes depending on your wants and needs.

[BillInGA]

I second blaine's recommendation for the Vulcan. I haven't ridden and S-40, but I did recently move to a Vulcan 500. When I was looking for a bigger bike to move to, the S-40's small(er) tank was a show-stopper. The Vulcan's seat height is not much higher than the GZ and the weight difference, although noticeable, is not so much more that it feels unmanageable.

The performance difference between the Vulcan and the GZ, however, is night and day. Plus, the Vulcan has a 4-gallon tank. I think you'd be filling up daily on an S-40, given your 100-mile commute.

Bill

[mrlmd1]

Instead of going "up" to an S40, which is not really much of a move up but would have been an equally good starter bike, go up another number and look at the S50. I went there and love it - 805cc water cooled twin, shaft drive, only 473lbs, very reliable with only the usual oil change, brake pads, tire maintenance, handles well, quick, good gas mileage (50 or better). One member on another forum had two, with 135,000 miles on one and 79,000 on the other before that one got wrecked. Worth a look, as well as many other bikes.

[ArizonaKev]

mrlmd1 - thanks for the tip. And thanks to all who offered their insights.

I have been looking at the S50 for some time, and really like it a lot. Of course it costs more than an S40, but it sounds like you get more for that money too. I guess now what I need to do is go out and test ride a few to see what I think. Oh darn - I have to go ride some more motorcycles! LOL! :lol:

Thanks again all - have a great weekend :2tup:

AZ Kev

[Sarris]

You'll love the S50. It's leaner narrower motorcycle with less of the fat cruiser look.

Suzuki has a herd of leftover 2007, 2008, and 2009 models, so they may be willing to deal.

I owned a 96 1400 Intruder (now S83) and it was a great bike that I made into a chopper. I rode it for 8 years without issue.

There is a shitload of aftermarket parts available as well. Here is a photo of my old S83.

[emory70]

i got the geezer for several reasons. one is that it isn't a ripoff of a harley. to me, the only bike i'd own that isn't a harley is a standard or crossover bike. i will soon be looking for a bigger bike. on my list as of now are

suzuki m50 and gladius
kwasaki er6-n and versys
harley sportster

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by emory70

i got the geezer for several reasons. one is that it isn't a ripoff of a harley. to me, the only bike i'd own that isn't a harley is a standard or crossover bike. i will soon be looking for a bigger bike. on my list as of now are

suzuki m50 and gladius
kwasaki er6-n and versys
harley sportster

M-50, very nice power delivery and a great travelling bike without breaking the bank. My choice would be a C-50, compare them for the fun of it. Nice sounding stock pipes but not offensive. Easy would approve.
Gladius, fairly light with an awesome little V-twin. Very smooth, quiet and reliable to a fault. Would love to try one out for a day or two.
Versys, no idea or opinion about them. I do see some on the road so some one likes them.
er6-n, heard good reports about them but no personal experience.
Sportster, there is a reason most folks trade up to a bigger H-D. The fit and finish of Harleys is second to none. Never owned or even rode a Harley but I would give an Ultra a whirl if I won a lottery.

[emory70]

i like the m50 and the kawasakis cause they are original machines. you'll never mistake any of them for anything else. japanese cruisers look to me like halrey wannabes, even if they are not. just my opinion.