Need a little more torque

fatoldfool · 07-10-2012, 08:48 AM

While I am still impressed with the GZ250 and how handy it is for running to town, in these hills I need a bit more pulling power. I wish they made the GZ in a 350! I am considering buying an S40, but concerned if there is much more vibration. Part of the reason for selling my last Sportster (1997 solid mount) was the vibration was too much for my arthritic hands. GZ250 does not do that, and I am wondering how the S40 would be. I don't know anyone around here with an S40 that I can try out. Anyone here with experience with the S40?

bonehead · 07-10-2012, 09:05 AM

Hit the dealer up for a test ride.

Water Warrior 2 · 07-10-2012, 11:32 AM

Yup, hit up a dealer for a test ride. A used one a couple years old would give you a good feel for vibes. The S-40 is a bigger thumper so there will be a different vibe to the entire bike. Depending on the year some S-40 models had drag bar style bars or more traditional bars. Vibes can be reduced quite a bit with grip puppies over the stock grips.
I think the S-40 is a nice upgrade without going real big and heavy. More than 2.5 times the engine and only 60 lbs more bike to pick up when you drop it. The GZ on steroids.

fatoldfool · 07-10-2012, 12:46 PM

I used to lust over a friends BSA 440 back in the early 60s. The way I remember it was it shook all over like a dog doing a plastic bag. But I wanted one anyway, I like thumpers!. 2 1/2 hours to the dealer in Roanoke VA...I can't deal with the one in Beckley, WV...lots of difference in the prices and attitudes!!!

dentheman · 07-10-2012, 04:03 PM

If the dealer has a used Shadow 750, consider taking it for a test ride. It certainly has the extra torque, and mine is surprisingly smooth. The handlebar is rubber mounted to make vibration nearly nonexistant.

alantf · 07-10-2012, 04:15 PM

"Need a little more torque"...... I've read the road test for the S40 - and "little" seems to be the operative word.

Water Warrior 2 · 07-10-2012, 07:01 PM

You may want to locate a S-50 for a test sit etc. A 800 V-twin with lots of get up and go. Basically the same engine as the M-50 but a somewhat lighter bike. Water cooled, drive shaft and carbs instead of FI.

mrlmd1 · 07-12-2012, 09:31 AM

I have one of those (S50) and it's a great bike. That's what I moved up to from the GZ.

raul10141964 · 07-12-2012, 12:00 PM

mod the carb

Water Warrior 2 · 07-12-2012, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrlmd1

I have one of those (S50) and it's a great bike. That's what I moved up to from the GZ.

Did you have any other bikes on your short list before buying the S-50? Pros and cons for the short list may help future upgraders.

07-10-2012, 08:48 AM	#1
fatoldfool Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: southern WV Posts: 55	Need a little more torque While I am still impressed with the GZ250 and how handy it is for running to town, in these hills I need a bit more pulling power. I wish they made the GZ in a 350! I am considering buying an S40, but concerned if there is much more vibration. Part of the reason for selling my last Sportster (1997 solid mount) was the vibration was too much for my arthritic hands. GZ250 does not do that, and I am wondering how the S40 would be. I don't know anyone around here with an S40 that I can try out. Anyone here with experience with the S40? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-10-2012, 09:05 AM	#2
bonehead Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: elgin,tx Posts: 907	Re: Need a little more torque Hit the dealer up for a test ride. __________________ Standing with the PGR until they stand for me.
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07-10-2012, 11:32 AM	#3
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Need a little more torque Yup, hit up a dealer for a test ride. A used one a couple years old would give you a good feel for vibes. The S-40 is a bigger thumper so there will be a different vibe to the entire bike. Depending on the year some S-40 models had drag bar style bars or more traditional bars. Vibes can be reduced quite a bit with grip puppies over the stock grips. I think the S-40 is a nice upgrade without going real big and heavy. More than 2.5 times the engine and only 60 lbs more bike to pick up when you drop it. The GZ on steroids. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-10-2012, 12:46 PM	#4
fatoldfool Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: southern WV Posts: 55	Re: Need a little more torque I used to lust over a friends BSA 440 back in the early 60s. The way I remember it was it shook all over like a dog doing a plastic bag. But I wanted one anyway, I like thumpers!. 2 1/2 hours to the dealer in Roanoke VA...I can't deal with the one in Beckley, WV...lots of difference in the prices and attitudes!!!
	0

07-10-2012, 04:03 PM	#5
dentheman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 629	Re: Need a little more torque If the dealer has a used Shadow 750, consider taking it for a test ride. It certainly has the extra torque, and mine is surprisingly smooth. The handlebar is rubber mounted to make vibration nearly nonexistant. __________________ 2007 Shadow Spirit 750 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-10-2012, 04:15 PM	#6
alantf Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tenerife (Spain) Posts: 3,715	Re: Need a little more torque "Need a little more torque"...... I've read the road test for the S40 - and "little" seems to be the operative word. __________________ By birth an Englishman, by the grace of God a Yorkshireman.
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07-10-2012, 07:01 PM	#7
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Need a little more torque You may want to locate a S-50 for a test sit etc. A 800 V-twin with lots of get up and go. Basically the same engine as the M-50 but a somewhat lighter bike. Water cooled, drive shaft and carbs instead of FI.
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07-12-2012, 09:31 AM	#8
mrlmd1 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Crawfordville, Florida Posts: 2,853	Re: Need a little more torque I have one of those (S50) and it's a great bike. That's what I moved up to from the GZ.
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07-12-2012, 12:00 PM	#9
raul10141964 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 369	Re: Need a little more torque mod the carb
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