Voted most helpful review
Reviewed on April 4, 2010
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...
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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!
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