Today I looked at a 2008 Suzuki Boulevard S40 with 1440 miles on it in excellent condition with no dents or scratches. It had Suzuki saddlebags and saddlebag bars, and an asking price of $3200. Of course the state inspection expires the end of this month.
I looked the bike over using my MSF T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection checklist. One thing on the bike that didn’t work was the handlebar lock. We couldn’t get the handlebar to lock with the key. We could push the lock tumbler in and turn it left but it wouldn’t turn full right to lock the handlebar. I assume that’s how you lock the handlebar because that’s what he said when he read the owner’s manual.
How much could it cost to have this problem fixed? Is this a big deal or is a disc rotor lock an acceptable alternative?
I asked him if he winterized the bike at all and he said no. Is this a problem? I had him start the bike up for me with the engine cold and it started right up with no choke at all. It sounded good and it revved good when I blipped the throttle. I finally heard in person what I’ve read about this bike with its tendency to backfire. It didn’t sound objectionable to me, but maybe after listening to it for several months it will?
Also, does anyone know at what speeds you need to upshift on this bike? How fast can you go in first gear before you need to upshift into second gear, etc.? On the Suzuki GZ250 I previously owned, I was constantly upshifting.
Thanks for any help!
