2007 Suzuki Boulevard S40 Sport Bike reviews

I'm the second owner of a 2007 S40 that had only 1,000 miles on it. Took MSF course last month, read a bunch of reviews, was convinced to start small and trade up when I get some skill. Issue was: Buy a 250, like they provide in MSF course, or go higher. S40 seemed the best compromise: Only 50 lbs. heavier than Rebel and Vulcan 250, same slender profile, but enough power that if I get comfortable with it I can ride it several years instead of trading up. Like all new riders, learning throttle and clutch and shifting situations is the challenge. This bike is easy to learn on. My first day (yesterday) I picked in up in the morning, road in a quiet subdivision for 20 minutes, then took it home (30 miles). It was that easy to get comfortable. (I've ridden 4,000 on a scooter, but shifting and controls on a regular MC are new to me.) I recognize the issues with this bike already: a bit of vibration, tendency to backfire. But you can't beat the value. I plan to maintain it religiously and expect enjoyable performance. Last point: I wanted to have a bike with the option to go on interstate once I'm skilled enough. This bike seems to have the power for that, but I've only spent a few minutes in 5th and top speed I've done so far is 55. Let you know more in a few months! Show less

This bike is a great beginner bike. I bought it a couple years ago as my first bike and I still love it. There is not much leg room, but I don't mind it. I have ridden hundreds of miles with my 5 foot 2 inch girlfriend, and it has enough power to get up the hills in 5th. Not going to beat anybody in a race, but it'll get you around a hell of a lot better than one of those rebel things. It is small and nimble, gets great gas mileage, turns a few heads, is very reliable, and easily modified. Cons: Cramped riding position, not as comfortable as some, comes with a very limited stock carb setup. Show less

This is my first bike, and I was a little nervous about anything over 500cc. That all changed the second I put it into 1st and took off. Three weeks later and 600 miles, I am glad that this was my choice. The bike is very easy to operate, handles great, and has enough get-up-and-go for this first-timer. As a matter of fact, my wife wants to start riding also and keeps eyeballing it... Show less

I had not ridden for 10 years plus. Immediately I felt comfortable and drove 1150 miles July - September in one season. Great bike! Pearl white - lots of compliments. Fun, responsive, easy to ride. I will never sell my S40. Look for me at shows - it's going to become a custom bobber. Show less

I've had my Boulevard S40 since March, and have put 3000 miles on it. The bike has been inexpensive to operate and very reliable so far. It corners well and has decent power for a thumper. The bike keeps up with traffic easily and will hold 70 mph on the highway all day long. I bought it mainly for a work commuter, but have ended up joyriding on it quite a bit. It is a fun bike to ride. My complaints are the seat is quite hard, 5th gear slips on it sometimes, and of course the backfiring problem. I gave the bike 4 stars, but I would still recommend it to people looking for an affordable bike that looks good, and has decent power and handling. The bike sounds pretty good under hard acceleration with the stock pipe too. Show less

My first bike after 10 yrs. or better. Man I love it and yes it is simple but reliable. Still just breaking it in but you get a lot more than what you pay for. My girlfreind has an '06 Bandit 600 with an inline 4 dohc engine and I can keep up with no problem. Granted you won't be doing any street racing with the bike, but for those who just love to ride it's great, especially for beginners. It does vibrate a little at higher speeds but it isn't that noticeable. It does backfire per say but not like anyone would think. Since it's just a single cylinder engine it does trap exhaust in the muffler in between strokes and then pushes out to cause the backfire. Just an awesome bike and affordable too. Show less