Thinking about either a GW250 or S40

[trtsmb]

I'm getting ready to take the GS off the road for some serious pampering. I'm considering either a GW250 or S40 as an addition. Reasons I'm looking at these two:

• both are new for extremely competitive prices
• both are lightweight (400 pounds or less)
• I'm vertically challenged and don't weigh much so need something easy to handle when it comes to backing out of parking spaces, wheeling it around, etc

I know the S40 is basically a 30 year old bike as far as many of the aspects go. On a plus, since I already wrench on my GS, it should in theory make working on an S40 easy. The GW250, on the other hand, is a fully modern bike which could make wrenching a challenge. I ruled out the CB because the used ones at the local shop are significantly more expensive.

I'm going to schedule a test drive for both bikes but any input would be appreciated. The last bike I bought was in 1985 .

 

[Tim Tom]

Between those two options, I'd choose the GW, but I have a serious aversion to feet forward cruisers. The GW should be a fine performing little motorcycle, though it's a tad porky for a 250. The S40 is 20 lbs lighter, and with the lower seat height, and lower center of gravity, it should be more confidence inspiring for a shorter rider.

Personally between all the Suzuki little bikes, I like the TU250 the most. It's the lightest, has nice standard geometry and ergonomics, and classic bike styling. It's 60 lbs lighter than the S40 and 80 lbs lighter than the GW. I suggest trying a test ride on this bike as well.

However, it is of course your choice. Pick the bike that YOU like the best, for whatever reason that is. Buying a new bike is always exciting. Be sure to share your thoughts and results after the test rides.

 

[eil]

Planning on buying new? My opinion is that the paying retail for a new bike is throwing money away when so many good deals show up on CL with alarming regularity. Especially in a month or two when the weather warms up. And if you don't mind cruisers (which I assume you don't since the S40 is on your short list), the options open up considerably. Tons of perfectly good Magnas, Rebels, V-Stars, etc with low miles on my local CL for half of what a GW250 will run you.

I'll second the TU250, it's a good bike. They had several when I took the MSF class a few years back. No experience with the GW250 but it looks cool.

 

[Jedz123]

The GW250 is the best deal going right now... Brand new(last year models) offerings can be had for less then $3K. Great little bike but it's really not that "little". Weighs allot for a 250. The engine is less then state of the art. If I was going to go the plastic small bike route I'd save my coin and get a R3.

I'm with TT... the Tu250X is the best bang for the buck for little bikes IMHO. Loads of mid range power, I rode one at the MSF course last year and it was allot of fun. Not to mention it uses chrome and metal to accent it not plastic so it has a quality feel to it.

I was on the market for a retro urban brawler and the TU250X was on my radar for some time... I ultimately nodded a no for I know me and I know I'd be looking for power on the ride home from the dealership. I got into the VTX for it was cheap and with my modifications will fill that role. But it's also a test to see if I like the big V-twin ride... IF I do I'll likely trade in for a new Indian Scout, if not I know I'll get a CB1100... No skin off my teeth.

Chromes, Aluminum and a simple MC design IMHO looks the best.

Good luck!

 

[trtsmb]

Between those two options, I'd choose the GW, but I have a serious aversion to feet forward cruisers. The GW should be a fine performing little motorcycle, though it's a tad porky for a 250. The S40 is 20 lbs lighter, and with the lower seat height, and lower center of gravity, it should be more confidence inspiring for a shorter rider.

Personally between all the Suzuki little bikes, I like the TU250 the most. It's the lightest, has nice standard geometry and ergonomics, and classic bike styling. It's 60 lbs lighter than the S40 and 80 lbs lighter than the GW. I suggest trying a test ride on this bike as well.

However, it is of course your choice. Pick the bike that YOU like the best, for whatever reason that is. Buying a new bike is always exciting. Be sure to share your thoughts and results after the test rides.

I like the look of the TU250 and am tempted but my local shop doesn't have any for a test ride. I've never ridden anything feet forward. Pretty much, my 450 has been my entire 30+ year riding career.

 

[trtsmb]

Planning on buying new? My opinion is that the paying retail for a new bike is throwing money away when so many good deals show up on CL with alarming regularity. Especially in a month or two when the weather warms up. And if you don't mind cruisers (which I assume you don't since the S40 is on your short list), the options open up considerably. Tons of perfectly good Magnas, Rebels, V-Stars, etc with low miles on my local CL for half of what a GW250 will run you.

I'll second the TU250, it's a good bike. They had several when I took the MSF class a few years back. No experience with the GW250 but it looks cool.

I live in FL where year round riding is the norm. I've been watching CL off and on for months and people seem to think their bikes should sell for pretty near what they paid new even if new was 10 years ago. I'm a bit leery of used considering the way I watch people thrash their bikes down here.

 

[tkent02]

Tu 250s have a great reputation, that and the GW250 looks like fun. The S40, not so much.I

 

[trtsmb]

The GW250 is the best deal going right now... Brand new(last year models) offerings can be had for less then $3K. Great little bike but it's really not that "little". Weighs allot for a 250. The engine is less then state of the art. If I was going to go the plastic small bike route I'd save my coin and get a R3.

I'm with TT... the Tu250X is the best bang for the buck for little bikes IMHO. Loads of mid range power, I rode one at the MSF course last year and it was allot of fun. Not to mention it uses chrome and metal to accent it not plastic so it has a quality feel to it.

I was on the market for a retro urban brawler and the TU250X was on my radar for some time... I ultimately nodded a no for I know me and I know I'd be looking for power on the ride home from the dealership. I got into the VTX for it was cheap and with my modifications will fill that role. But it's also a test to see if I like the big V-twin ride... IF I do I'll likely trade in for a new Indian Scout, if not I know I'll get a CB1100... No skin off my teeth.

Chromes, Aluminum and a simple MC design IMHO looks the best.

Good luck!

I'm not super sold on the GW. I really like the styling of the TU. One of my main reasons for interest in the GW and S40 are both new bikes for sub-$3000.

 

[Jedz123]

If your willing to buy used you can find a TU250X sub $3K... They are all the same mechanically and Fuel injected. The only difference in years for the TU250X is color schemes. 2009 is the best IMHO.

 

[trtsmb]

If your willing to buy used you can find a TU250X sub $3K... They are all the same mechanically and Fuel injected. The only difference in years for the TU250X is color schemes. 2009 is the best IMHO.

I found 2 on CL. One is a 2009 for $2800. The other is a 2013 for $3000.

 

[Jedz123]

I found 2 on CL. One is a 2009 for $2800. The other is a 2013 for $3000.

They hold their value... Worth every penny IMO. Fantastic small machine.

 

[trtsmb]

Hubby likes the S40 and said he might learn to ride if I go with that one.

 

[tkent02]

I found 2 on CL. One is a 2009 for $2800. The other is a 2013 for $3000.

I'd get the best maintained one.

 

[tkent02]

Hubby likes the S40 and said he might learn to ride if I go with that one.

Not worth it. Get him one, and when he learns to ride get him a real motorcycle with the foot pegs in the right place.

 

[Jedz123]

The S40 is a Performance let down... The TU250X would be WAY more fun int the twisty stuff and up to 60-70mph... The TU will scrape pegs with a knee down.

Fuel Injection is also awesome... Once you get it... You'll never go back. I think the S40 is still Carburated.

 

[trtsmb]

The S40 is a Performance let down... The TU250X would be WAY more fun int the twisty stuff and up to 60-70mph... The TU will scrape pegs with a knee down.

Fuel Injection is also awesome... Once you get it... You'll never go back. I think the S40 is still Carburated.

S40 is carbureted. My friend has a fuel injected V-Strom and he teases me about having to let the GS warm up before we roll.

 

[tkent02]

S40 is carbureted. My friend has a fuel injected V-Strom and he teases me about having to let the GS warm up before we roll.

Tune the GS up.

 

[trtsmb]

Tune the GS up.

It's had the carbs rebuilt, valves adjusted and everything tuned. This weekend, we're going through the electrical to find what is draining my batt if it sits for 3 or 4 days.

 

[Rob S.]

Tune the GS up.

True. I start on full choke, and can ride away immediately.

My neighbor had one of those 1700cc Japanese Harley Davidson wannabes. He traded it for a TU250, and he seems a lot happier.

 

[Jedz123]

S40 is carbureted. My friend has a fuel injected V-Strom and he teases me about having to let the GS warm up before we roll.

My FZ1 was the best carb bike by far but even if it sat for a few weeks in winter and I go to start her up she would depend on the choke for a few seconds. Fueling was off a little bit off the needle for 100 miles or so too until I ran fresh gas through it... My Bandit was more fickle and often I changed the jetting for colder ridding to optimize power. My GS750... Well that sucked when it was cold... Now. Turn key, hum, 2 cranks boom its idling. Even if its 10' F.

Fuel injection is superior for daily ridden machines... Its process (and expense) for maintenance is not nearly as consuming. It rarely fails catastrophically. The biggest headache I get from the bike is swapping tires. You wont be disappointed. Get a FI bike if you can.

Good luck!