South Carolina native and father of 4, Todd took an interest in music around age 5. Extended family provided his first guitar, a hand-me-down "Stella" acoustic (circa Sears, 1960's) on which he quickly learned his first "Blues Shuffle." Primarily self-taught, Todd found his first love.
Todd is also self-taught on trumpet, bass guitar, mandolin, and vocals. His favorite genres are '80's Rock and Pop, Country, Classical, and Celtic.
Around age 7, Todd was given his first motorcycle, a Honda 50. As an adult, he's owned bikes from "The Big Four," as well as an "Ironhead" Harley Davidson Sportster. After a nineteen year hiatus, he currently rides a 2006 Suzuki Boulevard S40 and a 1996 Harley Sportster Hugger 883.
I have the same Savage 650 1998 since 2002... 185 thousand kilometers through Brazil and the south of South America. Simple, basic and amazing motorcycle.
I bought a 1999 Savage it ran real bad like it was missing etc. I put in the Raptor petcock and she runs perfect I'm amazed that this was the problem.I drained the oil and it was like water there was a lot of gas in the oil . I'm glad I stumbled across this video.
Thanks and love red Sporties. But actually like the Harley Orange on my 883R a little more. I’ve been browsing Superglides but haven’t found anything. Like I need another bike… TWD
@@someguitarguy. Yeah, i have an all original red '79 fxef superglide with 6k original miles. Love it, but the new low rider is my favorite. the only thing i prefer on the '79 is the front fender. they are cool.
Today I'm buying a 1999 Savage it has gas going into the airbox after watching your video I think I should replace the fuel petcock with a Yamaha raptor 660 one do you think the 1999 petcock is the same bolt pattern as your newer bike and the Raptor? Also do I cap my vacuum line?
Congrats. I’d change the petcock regardless. If it hasn’t failed it will. But I agree it’s likely the problem. I think all Savages (and Raptors) have the same bolt pattern but ya, I’d order the same year as your bike. That’s what I did. Let us know the results. TWD
I actually intended to sell them, along with some other stuff off the bike, but didn’t think to ask about getting them from the local shop. I’d check on getting them now but that shop was such a bad experience and I never plan to return. FWIW those shocks will rattle your fillings. TWD
The OEM pipe was very quiet but the bike did seem to pull stronger at low revs. If you’re burning an ethanol blend, you might try switching to E0 to reduce after/back fire. Either way, it’s a better fuel. TWD
Do you backfire in your Dyna pipe? My is set up like yours a 2015 but identical to yours. I didn't fully dissemble the carb either so I didn't pull the spacers out or put in a bigger jet. Running for idle up through the gears is spot on but I do get popping on decelleration.
Mine did some with the Dyna pipe but not bad at all. It rarely did with the OEM pipe but was super quiet. The popping can also be caused by being too lean. Also, I run only ethanol-free fuel. Pure gas takes a leaner mixture. You might try tuning the idle mix and/or switching to E0. TWD
a real "fun" machine..the ride is very soft and comfortable... I can drive this machine for miles without getting tired.. dude, I must admit that I envy you.
Really enjoyed this. Had me laughing when you brought the Harley into your life with all its pile of excess iron. I can’t get them to vibrate enough. That’s where I’m at these days.
Wow, Thank you for responding so quickly to my previous question. Regardong the used 2018 s40 I'm thanking about buying. Is the used 2018 Suzuki s40 a safe choice to buy, or should I avoid it and choose a different make? I've been looking at the Yamaha tw200, Yamaha xt250, and the Honda crf250L, Honda Rebel 300. I just need simple transportation for running errands and an occasional back country stroll with my wife. I trust your insights. Thank you again. And I've subscribed to your channel. Thank you again! and I apologize for all the questions. This is all new to me. I greatly appreciate your time my friend.
Thanks for subscribing! Although the S40/Savage enjoys a cult following, it also has its design flaws. All the bikes you mentioned will do the tasks you seek, but it’s basically impossible to go wrong with a Honda. Best wishes on your decision. TWD
Thank you soo much for the excellent video. Very well done. May I ask...? I'm looking to buy a used 2018 Suzuki Boulevard s40 from.a private seller. Do you know, does this video of the petcock issue apply to it, and is there a different model petcock replacement for it than the one recommended since the dates are much different? Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. Much appreciated.
Suzuki doggedly used the same vacuum petcock (and other poorly designed assemblies) for the entire production run, all in the name of convenience. I simply bought the Raptor petcock that was the same year as my bike but I’m pretty sure they’re all the same. TWD
Wow, Thank you for responding so quickly! So, should I get a petcock from a 2018 model year of the Raptor, or do you think the design if the petcock on the newer models of the Yamaha may have changed? Would it be a safer choice to go with the older model petcock since that one fit the Suzuki? Also, is the used 2018 Suzuki s40 a safe choice to buy, or should I avoid it and choose a different make? I've been looking at the Yamaha tw200, Yamaha xt250, and the Honda crf250L, Honda Rebel 300. I just need simple transportation for running errands and an occasional back country stroll with my wife. And I've subscribed to your channel. Thank you again! and I apologize for all the questions. This is all new to me. I greatly appreciate your time my friend.
Queria saber si puedes ayudarme quite la tapa de la culata para arreglar una fuga de aceite y sin querer quite el tornillo de ajuste.seria muy complicado dejarlo bien nuevamente
It’s been awhile since I’ve adjusted it. Be careful not to make it too tight as you might damage a valve. I’d recommend checking the shop manual and/or the Suzuki Savage forums.
I found it on the Suzuki Savage forums and ordered it as a precaution. I never installed it. I can’t remember the guys name who sells them. Should be easy to find on the forums. TWD
You still have it? Well if you do....sounds like you love that sporty very much hence you gave her a proper name and all, way to go man! way to go; my first Harley was a 2009 sportster 883 custom, she gave nothing but smiles, I'll never forget her, my very first Harley Davidson. Hope Lucille is well and still with you giving you tons of smiles, only thing I'd change are pipes and those foot controls, I just hate rear controls! I know they are mids, but man! any kind of non-forward controls to me are rear (or should I say backwards?) I just hate 'em man! ha!, anyways really cool sled! that color with the peanut tank suits her just fine! cheers man! 🍻🍻😎😎
Good video. I have 883 a 98 with only 8000 miles on it It's still stock. I'm reliving my Then came Bronson days. Red Sporty and all. My watch cap keeps blowing off. Hahaha
i purchased a 2003 883r new with a SE 1200 HP big bore kit SE cams SE ignition and tuneable supertrapp xr exhaust pipes also a dynajet composit carb slide. had it dyno tested by john cornel RIP of UFO CYCLE the 2002 HD national champ it made 74 hp 77 fpt the hp and torque lines from 2000 rpm to 6000 were nearly perfectly horizonal with no flat spots. very fun motorcycle and john was agreat guy
I have this exact year and color. It gets LOTS of comments. Mine has a brand new wiring harness, lots of new stuff, and is in the shop getting S&S 1200. Meanwhile i just bought a new SV650 for more aggression. Have a new full M4 carbon exhaust on the way. But in no way does it replace the sportster. Its a different vibe. Very fun to ride, comfy, never wants to hurt you, gets TONS of comments. People love it. Have Vance and Hines Short Shots, chrome, super super loud.
@@Audfile Yes before Strict Emissions Standards I think the Yamaha R-6 had 130 HP My Yamaha FZ-07 has 74 HP and it smokes most Harleys .. In a Drag race let alone in the curves. I went to Tail of the Dragon and the Harleys were so slow they were Impleading Traffic.. I saw Harleys holding up an SUV with 6 people in it and two Kayaks on the Roof. There are many place to pull off. Everyone but Harleys Pull off. About 60% of HD riders will pull off, but the other 40% are Just Road Hogs and I had to pass them on the Double Yellow . The new Buell's are 185 HP and very Light.. I am thinking about getting a New Buell Super Cruiser..
Other than the appearance, not a lot. I’m sure the factory 2/1 helps some but I can’t find any specs to prove it. The R has better ground clearance and lean angle. She’s also taller.
I’ve actually sold this bike and now ride an 02 883R which supposedly has the Harley 1200 conversion. However, I didn’t realize that until after I decided to buy it. It does feel stronger than the Hugger but the conversion wasn’t a factor in my decision. The Screamin’ Eagle Pro muffler with no baffle makes it the best sounding HD I’ve heard. I haven’t ridden any of the Big Twins but I’m sure any Sporty is tons more agile and nimble. TWD
Mine came with narrow Buck horn bars. I am changing them out for some Drag Bars. I have forward controls, it is comfortable to me. It is great around town in and out of traffic. A lot better than my 05 Electra Glide Classic.
I prefer flatter bars and love the flat track type bars on my 883R. Not sure how they’ll be with forward controls. Sportsters are definitely more nimble and agile than the Big Twins but I’m sure the Glide is a dream on interstates, long rides, two-up, etc.
So I just bought a 2009 s40 and I can only ride with it in the reserve position. Will not work in the on position. I also get backfire. Could this be a system of a bad fuel cock? Should I replace with the raptor? And can you reply with the link for the part that will fit my Suzuki s40? Thanks for any help!
Sounds like it’s definitely bad but I’d replace it regardless. I just searched for the same year Raptor part as my bike but I’m sure other years will work fine. As for the backfire (after fire), I’d switch to ethanol-free to see if that helps. If not, tune the idle mixture. Also understand these singles tend to after fire some even under perfect conditions.
Nice. And thanks. I found a stock can on eBay but haven’t mounted it yet. So HD made the R in an Anniversary edition? I’ve seen the Anniversary version (non R) and liked the paint scheme. Does yours have any different graphics etc?
Is that the proper front fender? The air gap looks too large for my taste. Nice bike otherwise. Thise bikes look really nice with a corbin fastback seat.
It’s a smaller (90/90) front tire. The seller basically tried to make it a Hugger. It now has the right size tires, OEM seat and shocks. Sits MUCH taller.
I have had bunches of them with a beautiful 94 883 deluxe that was loaded with chrome and upgrades. Yours looks like a hugger version. If you have any swapmeets near you, you can get a lot of stock stuff people take off.
Exactly the same as mine which is an883R with a stage two 1200 cc upgrade and twin narrow bore upswept straight thru' pipes like back in the day and it's LOUD!!!LOL!!
It is. Sounds great but a bit much on the highway. Shop doubts it’s a conversion. Dunno. Does seem stronger than my Hugger. Found an OEM pipe on eBay to tone her down a bit.
I've had a lot of different makes and sizes of motorcycles over the years but I really like these. This is getting back to what motorcycles are really about.
I’m similar and agree to a point. It’s almost like Suzuki tried too hard and over-complicated a few things while aiming for simplicity. I honestly prefer the solidity of the Sporty but both are fully capable bikes.
@@someguitarguy. Enjoy the Sporty. The Sportster 883 was my gateway to Harley-Davidson. Unfortunately the bigger Harleys have not proven to be as reliable or economical as the Sportster. I now have a twin cam 88 and it's been a money pit compared to the Sportster. Not to mention the weight of the bigger bikes becomes cumbersome. I hope to make my way back to an 883 or something else light and simple like a Suzuki S40.
Ok question are there different size front or rear "pulley sprockets" for this S40 if you wanna change gearing higher / lower ? As on chain bikes: I added a front tooth on my V-Strom from like 15 to 16 for relaxed cruising...
Such a beautiful bike ! I ride a "sister bike" a V-Strom DL650 but my how different they are ! I need to clear room in my budget & garage for one of these babies. I like that rear tire what model IRC & how effective is it on gravel or dirt ? Taken any long tours on it ? (Overnight +) Thoughts on S40 vs S50 for touring ? Thx & ride safe my friend !
Thanks tons. No idea how the IRC is off road as I ride on asphalt. The S40 saddle isn’t the best so I’d consider an upgrade for touring. It’s also very light so the S50 might be a better option.
@@someguitarguy. Right on, solid take. "Road hugging weight" is a thing ! I DID tour a lightish (440#) Suzuki Burgman 400 1700 miles from East Texas to San Diego - but it was dicey here & there - small 13" tires, light weight & inability to sustain 75-80mph cruise speed, all made it challenging. It could do 70 all day but on Interstate Slab the unrestricted Semis will play "havoc tag" with a light bike. Do you think it's fair statement the S40 would suffer that, but the larger V-twin S50 wouldn't - can either bike sustain 75+ loaded touring ?
You can certainly try it but I think you’ll need the Canadian source equivalent. Maybe the TCCA site has the data files. I haven’t tried there, but if they work please let us know.
Hello, I'm curious about where you acquired the OEM exhaust and the expense involved. Did you replace the entire exhaust system? I've recently acquired a 2004 Savage, and it appears the previous owner made some modifications to the exhaust. Unfortunately, I find myself in need of replacing the muffler, the end portion of the system. Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
Without looking up the spec, I don’t know. Although a tach would be nice, and I’ve seen people add them, the heart of the engine’s power band is down low. At WOT, you’ll easily know when to shift. It’s happiest and performs best with low to mid rpm range shifts.
I recently removed my carb for a cleaning. Unfortunately my fuel outlet (brass tube) came out with the hose due to corrosion. Does that need to be pressed back in? I did my best to tap it in without flaring anything. I’m definitely leaking fuel from it now. Not sure if I just need to get it further in or did I fry the piece completely.
The fuel leak may not explain the backfiring, nor would a bad petcock. The first thing I’d do is replace the OEM petcock with the Raptor. Then, and forever, ONLY run ethanol free fuel. Backfires are more of a mixture issue. Ethanol free may easily correct your mixture AND it doesn’t turn to goo like ethanol blends.
