[Eddiepowerfm]

Hey Peeps, I’ve been on my first bike, Vulcan 500, for 8 months now and love it. But when I was shoping a guy advised me to stay away from th Buell Blast and Suzuki S40. They both have at least 500 cc’s which he said I need on Dallas freeways but he did not like the single cylinders. Can I get some opinions on them please?

Eddie

[Jay T]

There are more CCs displaced in one area. It is like using a bigger hammer. This is great for around town but, on a 1000 mile trip the pounding of one cylinder may cause some pretty fatiguing vibration. It may not be a problem if you don’t know the difference and if you are riding with folks that are understanding. You may have to stop a little more often (to reduce fatigue).

Jay T.
http://www.ridesafe.today.com

[Munch]

Are you trying to get away from the V500?
Anyways, my only complaint about the blast is the fact that I am not a sport or even sport/standard rider. I took my Riders Edge course on one of those and felt cramped up like a kid trying to tuck in from something really gross that your friend is trying to show you.
As far as single cylinders… I cannot really see any difference in feel. You can do things like change/order engine mounts that have a better isolation of vibration ratings, get gel padded gloves (which every HD owner I know says is very much #1 gear have to have, shhh don’t tell Elwood). I have rode on a couple and see nothing wrong with them.

[SantaCruzRider]

There are a lot of benefits, typically including:
— substantially lighter bike (less wiring, exhaust, carbs, etc…)
— narrow bike — great for getting thru traffic
— great on gas
— Easy to work on yourself, both because they have less engine, as well as because access is usually easier than a twin or 4-banger
— lots of torque, which is more fun than hp around town

The downside (in my opinion) is that the bikes have a very different sound and a bit different throttle feel that may not appeal to you. Typically, the more cylinders, the smoother the power and related sound. That’s not a bad thing and is something that gives the bike its character. Some folks have said that a 4-banger (which I ride) feels like riding a sewing machine and the retort might be that a twin or one-cylinder feels thrashy by comparison. Neither is fair, but it illustrates the point that they do feel/sound different and I would advise you to check them out in person before making up your mind.

As for vibration, I’d read up about the particular bikes you’re considering. Vibration has at least as much to do with engine counterbalancing and mounting, frame geometry, etc… The buzziest bike I ever had was a v-twin (which was only capable on long trips because you had to stop every 110 miles for gas). My 1000cc 4-cyl isn’t super smooth either and in fact buzzes the bars about as much as my friend’s 400cc single.

Personally, if I was to buy a 2nd bike, it would be a one-cyl. dual sport. But if I was looking for a cruiser, I would lean more towards the twin — it defines the class (just my 2+ cents).

[Eddiepowerfm]

The only place Tuvoc (my Vulcan 500) is going is under my butt. Not that I know a lot, but it seems like the perfect bike. It is for me anyway. I was just wondering why the guys from the MSF course I went to were so negative about the S40. Someone did tell me that the Blast had a sensitive throttle and the bike could take off on you if you’re not careful. I could have saved money with the S40 but I believe I bought the right bike. Especially after reading the review comparing the S40 to the S50.

Thanks guys and more power to the Vulcan.

[Jay T]

I have to be careful while I am teaching. I have to separate my personal feelings about equipment from that of MSF,sponsors and the company that I have contracted to. They may not like the S40 or thumpers (1 cyl) because they prefer the smooooth ride of a BMW or the screaming long power band of a Busa. Really think about what they were saying. Was it a bias. Now go another weekend when your instructors aren’t teaching and ask those instructors what they think of the S40. I once talked a student into looking into a Suzi SV650 instead of a Ducati Monster. Purely on the maintenance cost. That was something he didn’t think about. I like all motorcycles. Dealers are really happy to have me demo ride since I get to speak to 40 people a month that haven’t made a purchase decision.

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