2011 Suzuki Boulevard S40 Sport Bike reviews

I can't comment on the reliability, since I just got it, but I can tell you that I have ridden all brands and sizes of motorcycles since I was 14 yrs old...36 years ago, and this is the nicest handling cruiser I have ever ridden (handles like a sports bike). The 650cc has plenty of power, and I felt instantly comfortable, turns are a breeze. I take issue with others who say this is a "Beginner Bike". I am no beginner, I am an older rider with serious arthritic issues. Any excess weight on a bike is just something I don't need. I can back, park, turn, maneuver this S40 with no assistance. and cruise 75 mph. on the highway, effortlessly, and turns are no problem. It's just dang fun to ride!!!!! Seriously, I chose this bike over a Harley Dyna and am glad I did. My only complaint is the popping noise the big single piston engine makes upon down shifting. The sound may go away with time I'm told. It doesn't hurt anything, I'm assured, or I could change the exhaust. Suzuki really should take care of this problem. I called the dealership and found out it's very common, and not just with Suzuki, other makes do it, too. But I say, Suzuki! Fix it and make this The Perfect Bike!! Show less

I'm a female; got the mc bug when I turned 60, took an mc safety course and bought my first bike in 2008. It's a 2007 but I bought it new and since I lived in Illinois at the time, had to lay it up over two winters so it's still very low mileage! I had the backfiring problem but it's not as bad since I moved to Texas. Also, I put a Jardine Rumbler exhaust and jet pack on it for better torque and I love the sound. I did not have the backfiring with the original exhaust. I highly recommend this bike for beginners, and women especially. It's only 350 lbs. so it's easier to get back upright--yes, I have almost dropped it a few times. It's easy to manage in traffic and great on the highway, too. Show less

I'm reviewing mine as a 2011 however the bike is a 1996. I've owned several motorcycles before this one, a Honda 1100 Aero, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and a Harley Sportster 1200. I hadn't owned a bike in nearly five years and was looking for a cheap cycle I could fix up and commute to and from work on. I was pleasantly surprised on the ride home as to how smooth this machine is and how well it tracked considering the weight and shorter wheel base. Bottom line - I was expecting much less motorcycle and was pleased that it rode the way it does. The power is more than adequate for a 650 single and it has plently of get up and go. Size-wize, folks that say that this is the size of a 250 are generally right from a weight stand point, however, it sits and rides more like my 1200 sportster did, minus the weight of course. The backfiring out of these bikes is not a rich condition, it is actually an overlean condition to control emissions. This can be semifixed by removing a white spacer that resides on the main carb needle. I am amazed at the mechanics saying that they are rich from the factory. I have since repained and fully rejetted mine and the look and power difference is amazing. The bike now pulls hard up to at least 85 with throttle left. It was surprising many a person not expecting a lot out of it. Bottom line is enjoy the ride. The S40/Savage is a great all-around bike that will take you wherever you want to go. Show less