2010 Suzuki Boulevard S40 Review

Introduction

It may not look massive, weigh a tone and handle like a tractor, but do you really need all that from your first cruising motorcycle? The 2010 Suzuki Boulevard S40 is just an entry-level starters bike powered by a 652cc, four-stroke, air-cooled, OHC, single-cylinder engine that is economical and easy to maintain. While all other Boulevard models feature shaft final drive, the S40 is satisfied with a belt drive, which is very still and easy to replace.

Weighing only 381 lbs, there was no need for a second disc brake up front and a single one at the rear instead of the still efficient drum.

With custom handlebars, tear drop fuel tank design and a one-piece saddle, the smallest Boulevard is very attractive although a V-Twin engine would seem more appropriate for it now that it has come such a long way.

History

1986 Suzuki LS650 Savage

The Suzuki Boulevard S40 is an entry-level cruising motorcycle derived from the LS650 Savage, the first chopper manufactured by a Japanese builder in 1986. Equipped with a single cylinder 647cc engine, it wasn’t even a Harley imitation, but it caught up to the public very well. The idea was to create a lightweight motorcycle which would be adequate for cruising and easy to handle, suitable for beginners and people with short legs. With a seat height of only 26.0 inches, the bike had clearly reached its goal and the beginning of the story was marked.

The decades didn’t bring virtually any changes apart from some facelifts. The air-cooled 652 cc SOHC single-cylinder, 4-valves, TSCC developing 31hp at 5,400rpm and 50Nm at 3,000rpm, remains the same.

In 2004 the Savage had to leave the scene but it did it in style as it featured new rear view mirrors, similar to VL800 Volusia, standard 4-way emergency flasher and high-beam passing switch as well as multi-reflector turn signals.

2005 saw the introduction of the Savage in the Boulevard line of cruisers, which was just born. The rest is anything but history.

Competition

Suzuki’s cruisers have always competed with Honda’s and this model had to have some stiff competition coming from its threatening opponent. In order to meet the market’s requests, Honda launched the Shadow VLX, a cruiser equipped with a 583cc V-twin motor which was to compete with the single-cylinder S40. The Shadow VLX is a unique cruiser in Honda’s line-up. Its old-school hardtail-style rear suspension, the classic teardrop tank and low seat height are all attractive features.

Kawasaki also presents an excellent motorcycle for first-time buyers seeking entry to the cruiser lifestyle. With a low seat height, friendly power delivery and an affordable purchase price, the Vulcan 500 LTD makes it easy to develop those all-important riding skills.

Although I previously mentioned the V Star Custom as a competitor for the S50, it is a stronger opponent for the bike’s smaller sibling, the S40. The long and chopperesque V Star Custom is the lightest of the Stars, which means great handling and performance are along for the ride, too.

Exterior

2010 Suzuki Boulevard S40

The Boulevard S40’s design is very attractive and influenced by larger Boulevard models. In fact, this model looks like an S83 in miniature only that with a single-cylinder engine.

It has custom flat handlebars which provide it with a clean, sporty appearance and combine with the low seat height, making it appropriate for shorter riders or beginners. The Boulevard S40 has all it takes to accommodate its rider in the best riding position.

The fuel reservoir has a tear drop-shape and it features flush-mounted speedometer. The gasoline in that very same fuel tank feeds the engine and the energy results into two beautiful spinning polished standard spoke wheels just like on bigger cruiser models.

Good looks are given by the black engine case and cylinder with polished cylinder head fins for a finished appearance and also by the zinc-plated cylinder mounting bolts that indicate high quality finish, resists to corrosion and blends with the black engine color for a more detailed appearance.

As you could already notice, it is all about the finishing touches and the fork brackets make no exception. These are polished and now feature an attractive and durable clear coat finish which goes very well with the custom-style rear view mirrors similar to larger Boulevard models.

If there was any doubt that Suzuki practically dedicates the Boulevard S40 to female riders, the Red (almost pink, if you ask me)/White color scheme will vanish it. Apart from that, there are other two paintjobs available, a Black/White one and a simple Black one.

Overall, the appearance is excellent and the turning of heads will be guaranteed as you admire yourself and the bike in the windows of shops while riding along the city streets.

Press Reviews

2010 Suzuki Boulevard S40

"Although it feels a bit out of breath at 65 mph, the S40 doesn’t shake with anything like the ferocity of an unbalanced 650cc single. If you don’t plan to cruise at 75 mph, there is enough power." – motorcyclecruiser

"The S40 is a 650cc air-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke. It is an updated version of the old Savage. I was surprised at how smooth the single cylinder engine ran, even when pressed hard. The power was more than ample to scoot away from stop lights and traffic, and it will cruise comfortably at 70 mph" – motorcycle-usa

"If there is any bike that deserves recognition for minimalist perfection, it is the Suzuki Boulevard S40. The bike does what a motorcyle purist wants, and does it well. It can handle highway speeds with ease, and serves a fantastic daily ride for commuting. Fuel Economy is in the 46-52 MPG range." – essforty

Price

Your initiation in the bad boy lifestyle can be made on this reliable package offering handling, comfort and enough speed for your next step in motorcycling for and MSRP of $4,899. Because it is build to be ridden, the Suzuki Boulevard S40 comes with a 12 months unlimited mileage limited warranty.

Conclusion

Dreaming to become a Hell’s Angel but you don’t have the skills or the bike? Try to work your way up and the Suzuki Boulevard S40 will help you make the first and very important step to reaching your goals. But if you don’t aim that high and you’re only looking for a great solution to ride across town, the Suzuki can also be the alternative and the solution to your necessities in this matter. It all depends on how you see things and how far do you want to extend this side of yours.

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SPECIFICATIONS

2010 Suzuki Boulevard S40

Engine and Transmission

• Displacement: 652 cc (39.8 cu. in)
• Type: 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHC
• Bore x Stroke: 94.0 mm (3.701 in) x 94.0 mm (3.701 in)
• Compression Ratio: 8.5 : 1
• Fuel System: MIKUNI BS40, single
• Lubrication: Wet sump
• Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
• Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh
• Final Drive: Belt drive

Chassis and Dimensions

• Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
• Suspension Rear: Swingarm type, coil spring, oil damped
• Brakes Front: Disc brake
• Brakes Rear: Drum brake
• Tires Front: 100/90-19 M/C 57H, tube type
• Tires Rear: 140/80-15 M/C 67H, tube type
• Overall Length: 2180 mm (85.8 in)
• Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in)
• Overall Height: 1105 mm (43.5 in)
• Seat Height: 700 mm (27.6 in)
• Ground Clearance: 135 mm ( 5.3 in)
• Wheelbase: 1480 mm (58.3 in)
• Curb Weight: 173 kg (381 lbs)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.5 L (2.8/2.3 US/Imp gal)

Features & Benefits

Engine Features

• 5-speed transmission with low-maintenance belt-drive system - the drive belt is quiet, durable, simple to adjust and clean
• 40 cubic inch, SOHC, single-cylinder engine with TSCC cylinder head and high mass crankshaft - produces strong low-end power and torque
• Black engine case and cylinder with polished cylinder head fins for a finished appearance
• Zinc-plated cylinder mounting bolts - high quality plated finish is corrosion resistant and blends with black engine color for a more detailed appearance
• Headlight switches off during start-up to reduce load on the battery
• Electric starter with automatic decompression system for quick, easy engine starting

Chassis Features

• Custom flat handlebar design provides a clean, sporty appearance
• Sleek, one-piece saddle adds to the S40?s already streamlined appearance
• Low seat height - only 27.6 inches - great for smaller riders or entry-level riders
• Hydraulic front disc brake and drum-type rear brake provide strong, reliable braking performance
• Front fork guards protect the inner fork tubes from road debris and help reduce dust seal and oil seal wear
• Polished upper fork bracket features an attractive and durable clear coat finish
• Push-to-cancel turn signal switch for easy turn signal operation
• Standard 4-way emergency flasher and high-beam passing switch
• Bright multi-reflector turn signals designed for high visibility and attractive appearance
• Rear reflector integrated with the taillight for a clean, finished appearance to the rear section of the bike
• Attractive tear drop-shaped fuel tank with flush-mounted speedometer
• Custom-style rear view mirrors for more attractive appearance - similar to larger Boulevard models
• Polished spoke wheels for a classic look like larger cruiser models
• Wide 15" rear tire and slim 19" front tire for a classic cruiser look

Optional accessories

• Windshield
• Saddlebags
• Engine Guards
• Custom Seats
• Billet Aluminum Items