Specifications
Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Suggested Base Price: $4899
Engine Type: Liquid-Cooled Vertical Parallel Twin
Valve Arrangement: DOHC; 2 Intake, 2 Exhaust Valves, Shim Adjusters
Displacement, Bore X Stroke: 498cc, 74 X 58mm
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Minimum Fuel Grade: 87 Octane
Transmission: Wet Multiplate Clutch; 6 Speeds
Final Drive: Chain
Wheels: Wire-Spoke, 19 X 2.15 Front, 15 X 3.50 Rear
Front Tire: 100/90-19 Bridgestone Exedra Tube-Type
Rear Tire: 140/90-15 Bridgestone Exedra Tube-Type
Front Brake: Single-Piston Caliper, 11.8-In. Disc
Rear Brake: Drum, Rod-Operated
Front Suspension: 31mm Stanchions, 5.9 In. Travel
Rear Suspension: Dual Dampers, 3.8 In. Travel, Adjustments For Spring Preload
Handlebar Width: 29.4 In.
Fuel Capacity: 4.0 Gal.
Suzuki Boulevard S40
No one paid much attention when Suzuki rolled out its big single-cylinder street bike back in 1986, and it was actually discontinued for six years starting in 1989, then returned for 1995 with improvements including five speeds instead of four. Last year it was swept under the Boulevard banner and redesignated with that line's cubic-inch nomenclature as the S40.
Though singles are simple, narrow, light and tractable, they also tend to vibrate and aren't as powerful as bikes with more cylinders. However, those positive characteristics plus the Savage/S40's low weight (380 pounds wet), low (27.6 inches) seat height, low price and clean Intruder-style looks made Suzuki's 650 Savage attractive to beginners, riders of shorter stature and those shopping for motor home lifeboats.
Suzuki also gave it an edge with a counterbalancer, which reduces but doesn't quite eliminate vibration. Although it feels a bit out of breath at 65 mph, it doesn't shake with anything like the ferocity of an unbalanced 652cc single. If you don't plan to cruise at 75 mph, there is enough power. Yet, despite its good fuel economy, we wouldn't be inclined to travel on an S40 because of its limited power at interstate-highway speeds. The powerband is broad and you don't need to make much of an effort to keep the rpm up to tap its power potential. It won't accelerate as hard as any of the other 500 to 650cc cruisers except the Honda VLX, which is still a bit stronger on top-end. It does tend to backfire rather frequently during deceleration. The gearbox and clutch perform admirably. The S40 is the only bike here with final-drive belt, which is quiet, clean and probably absorbs a little of the big single's power pulses.
Because it's low, light and short, the S40 handles very responsively. It's quick and precise yet steady at all speeds. Lean angle is respectable too. Its only weakness is the suspension, which is lightly sprung and damped, and surges a bit in bumps. Although it's not a wobbler, it takes a couple of cycles to stabilize if you give the handlebar a good shake at highway speed. Because it's light, the modest brakes, which give good feel and control, are well matched to it.
While larger riders feel somewhat confined, short riders find that Suzuki's single fits them quite handily and are less likely to complain about the saddle or ride quality. Passengers don't get much room, but riding two-up kind of overloads the S40 anyway.
Overall, the Boulevard S40 fills the vast gap between the 250s and the other bikes in the 500 to 650cc range. Although its displacement makes it a 650, its physical size and weight position it like a smaller cruiser. In terms of performance, it's neck-and-neck with the more expensive Honda VLX, but slightly ahead in comfort. It makes great urban transportation because it is narrow, maneuvers easily, has willing power characteristics, gets terrific fuel mileage and is inexpensive to insure.
Specifications
Suzuki Boulevard S40
Suggested Base Price: $4399
Engine Type: Air-Cooled Vertical Single
Valve Arrangement: SOHC; 2 Intake, 2 Exhaust Valves, Threaded Adjusters
Displacement, Bore X Stroke: 652cc, 94 X 94mm
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Minimum Fuel Grade: 87 Octane
Transmission: Wet Multiplate Clutch; 5 Speeds
Final Drive: Belt
Wheels: Wire-Spoke, 19 X 2.15 Front, 15 X 2.75 Rear
Front Tire: 100/90-19 IRC Tube-Type
Rear Tire: 140/80-15 IRC Tube-Type
Front Brake: 2-Piston Caliper, 10.4-In. Disc
Rear Brake: Drum, Rod-Operated
Front Suspension: 38mm Stanchions, 5.4 In. Travel
Rear Suspension: Dual Dampers, 3.1 In. Travel, Adjustments For Spring Preload
Handlebar Width: 28.4 In.
Fuel Capacity: 2.8 Gal.