Should I go from an LS650 (S40) to an S83? (merged)

S

sadomiforgets

New member
Been shopping for a bike upgrade and eventually semi-settled on a Boulevard S50. I love it in the '06 blue/grey. (Thanks for your helpful suggestions in my previous post, BTW.)

However... in the process I was also looking over the S83. Same sleek looks that I like, bigger engine, weighs more but not a *LOT* more. Seems that it weighs less than several other other bikes with the same (or even smaller) sized engine.

I have a neighbor and long-time biker that thinks my idea of moving from a 650cc (S40) bike to an 800cc (S50) bike isn't much of a move. He thinks I'll just want a bit bigger of a bike again in a year (or less).

The LS650 (S40) is all I've ever ridden. I think the S50 will be a bit of a power upgrade (which I want) but not TOO much of a change in handling. It is not much heavier, and feels practically the same as my S40 when I sit on it.

I like the S83 though. But, I've never ridden a bike with an engine this big and I'm trying to sort out if I will like it or not? I will be doing a lot of short trips in urban traffic, stopping at the store, the gym, traversing the parking lot, etc. and I like the way the smaller bikes handle in these situations. I don't want to drop 8 grand on the S83 only to find out that I don't like the way it operates in an urban environment.

Also, I don't want to find out the hard way that this is way too much engine for a still relatively inexperienced rider (I've been riding for about a year). Another thought along the same lines - if I get into a really tight turn in a parking lot, etc. on my LS650 (S40) and have to put a foot down that bike isn't going to go down. I don't think I'd put that S50 down in the same situation either - but the S83 at about 535lbs., I start to wonder about that - where is my break-off point where some manuevers will have to be handled much differently (or not at all).

Thoughts/comments?
 
Been shopping for a bike upgrade and eventually semi-settled on a Boulevard S50. I love it in the '06 blue/grey. (Thanks for your helpful suggestions in my previous post, BTW.)

However... in the process I was also looking over the S83. Same sleek looks that I like, bigger engine, weighs more but not a *LOT* more. Seems that it weighs less than several other other bikes with the same (or even smaller) sized engine.

I have a neighbor and long-time biker that thinks my idea of moving from a 650cc (S40) bike to an 800cc (S50) bike isn't much of a move. He thinks I'll just want a bit bigger of a bike again in a year (or less).

The LS650 (S40) is all I've ever ridden. I think the S50 will be a bit of a power upgrade (which I want) but not TOO much of a change in handling. It is not much heavier, and feels practically the same as my S40 when I sit on it.

I like the S83 though. But, I've never ridden a bike with an engine this big and I'm trying to sort out if I will like it or not? I will be doing a lot of short trips in urban traffic, stopping at the store, the gym, traversing the parking lot, etc. and I like the way the smaller bikes handle in these situations. I don't want to drop 8 grand on the S83 only to find out that I don't like the way it operates in an urban environment.

Also, I don't want to find out the hard way that this is way too much engine for a still relatively inexperienced rider (I've been riding for about a year). Another thought along the same lines - if I get into a really tight turn in a parking lot, etc. on my LS650 (S40) and have to put a foot down that bike isn't going to go down. I don't think I'd put that S50 down in the same situation either - but the S83 at about 535lbs., I start to wonder about that - where is my break-off point where some manuevers will have to be handled much differently (or not at all).

Thoughts/comments?
 
I've never ridden the S83 but can tell you the S50 is a pretty powerful bike for it's size. I've been riding for two years and this is my first bike. My husband, who's been riding for 20 years, chose the bike for me. He didn't want to get me something that I would outgrow too fast or that would be too much and after he did some research, he found that the S50, for the middle-class that it is in, was the most powerful. So far, he's been on target with it. Good luck with your decision.

Aloha,
Kehau
 
You say that you have been riding for a year. In that year, how many miles? Are you going to be doing any highway riding? If so, how much? Are you planning on doing any 2 up riding? If you plan to just jet around town with no passsanger then the S50 will be more than enough bike. If you plan on 2 up on the highway for long trips, then you might want to consider the S83.

The last bike that I rode was a VX 800. I put about 3000 mile on it in about 1 1/2 years. I then stopped riding for 12 years and just resently bought the S83. I love the bike. It handles awsome. I plan on a lot of highway riding and long trips, and eventually, if and when she wants to go, take the wife for weekend rides.

I never rode the S50, but I've read that this bike has a ton of power. Can you go to a dealer and ask to take both of them for a ride, then you can determine which is the bike for you. If you deside on the 50 and in a couple of years you want to up grade to the 83, if still in prodution, you should have no problem selling that bike.
Just my 2 cents.

Jim
 
I've put a little over 2000 on LS650 in slightly less than a full year.

There will be some longer rides, and maybe some 2-up as well, but also a lot of city traffic type riding.

I guess the dealership would like to see me on an S83. They've up-front quoted me $7260 for this bike which has an $8499 SRP, but for the S50 they want $6349 ($6499) SRP. That's kind of a wacky spread variation - and they actually have S50's in stock (S83 they would have to order). Bah, this is not the best time of the year for new bike shopping! ;)
 
Thanks for the reply!

If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay for yours? I am not thrilled with where the dealer is at right now on the S50 - and this dealer has been the most straightfoward/reasonable of all I've talked to so far. They threw out $6349 (MSRP $6499) for the S50, but were willing to drop a whopping $1239 from the $8499 MSRP on the S83 right out of the gate. I haven't truly haggled for either bike yet. Both would be brand new '06.

Seems that they might be pushing me toward the S83 or maybe there is some dealer-level incentive on moving those right now.
 
That would depend on whether or not they could arrange to get one from another area dealer. So, anywhere from 2-4 weeks I gathered. I don't mind waiting that period of time if the deal is good and it is the bike I want.

I must admit to being kind of baffled as to why they would go down so far on that S83 with not much haggling effort at all on my part, especially when they don't even have one on the floor. (They've got 2 S50's in stock.)
 
I paid out the door $8300. That is something that you should ask. What is out the door price. They all have hidden costs that they like to hide. Is there another dealer around that hs an 83 that you could take for a ride. When I was looking for mine, I was lucky to find one. I think that I got the last 83 in Ma. Callaround and ask if they have one in stock and take it for a ride. S50's can be found every where around here.

Jim
 
There is currently one of each in my driveway: a VS800 (S50) and VS1400 (S83). Both have about 45,000 miles on them.

To be honest, I like the 800 much better. It is faster, much quicker, and more nimble. Around town, in the mountians, or in a drag race the 800 is a better bike. The 1400 is a touch bigger physically, so it is a touch better on the interstate. I don't see enough difference in performance or comfort to justify the extra money for the bigger bike. I guess that's why they sell so few S83s. But my GF likes the 1400 better so it stays.

If you get a good deal on the S83, and you honestly like it better, then buy it. If you like the looks and performance of the 800 better, buy that instead. I would definately ride both before buying either. If the dealer won't let you test ride, find another dealer.
 
DrBob,

Thanks for commenting - you own both, talk about the benefits of experience right? :)



There seems to be a big discrepency between the weight of the bikes and the engine size. The S83 is not much of a bigger bike (about 75 lbs. heavier than the S50) while having a noticeably larger engine. I would think this would allow the S83 to have a helluva lot of zip. Is there some other aspect of the S50's engine design that gives it more oomph than one might expect (relative to the larger S83's 1300cc)? What does your g/f like about the S83 that causes her to favor it?
 
The 800cc motor revs up quickly, revs higher, and just flat out makes more power per pound than any other cruiser motor. It makes 61 HP, while the 1400 motor makes 71 HP: 40% more motor only gets you 12% more HP. The 800 has a different ratio final drive, allowing the motor to rev up more quickly, so it is a LOT zippier than the 1400. It does the quarter mile in 13.31 sec. at 97.2 mph, while the 1400 does the quarter in 13.71 sec. @ 93.2 mph. The smaller bikes 0-60 time is much better than the bigger bike's also, so off the line the 800 runs away from the 1400. The 1400 is a bit faster on the top end, 110 Vs only 105 for the smaller bike, but who runs that fast on a cruiser?



The color, mostly, and the 1400 is set up for her with a custom seat, leatherlike hard bags, and a luggage rack. I use my Harley FLH for road trips and the Intruder is just a toy, so the 800 has no bags, rack, or sissybar. She had a Volusia, but it was too wide for her short legs, so she decided on a used Intruder, either an 800 or a 1400. She happened to find a used 1400 first.


Both are great bikes, and you can't go wrong with either. Ride both, buy the one you like better.
 
Aha, very insightful, and now I understand much better the oomph that the S50 has!

Once again folks, thank you, your advice and comments have been very helpful in my decision-making process.

I look forward to hanging out here again later when I have a new bike "in hand". :)
 
My wife is currently riding a Savage (predecesor to the S40). Today in the showroom when we were picking up her bike fro mthe shop, she sat on an S50. I suspect I know what next year's payment book will be for :)
 
Yes it does have a helluva lot of zip! Compared to other non sport V-Twins. In everyday riding the torque of the 1400 will be noticable. Load it up and in the mountains, on the highways, even around town the torque of the 1400 is going to be noticable. If its about the quarter mile times, speed and acceleration any cruiser is a big compromise. Would look outside the cruiser lines.

The only reason I went with the S83 is mainly because of the 2" higher seat height and slightly larger frame. I'm 6'06" with a 37" inseam. S50 too small for me, in fact even the S83 is too small but better. Visually in my opinion the lines of the bike look better with out the radiator. I do like the looks of the bike, but looks are a personal thing.

If most of your riding is going to be slow and local, stop and go, hot summer days I would recommend the S50 (VS800). The S50 is liquidcooled. Much better suited for leisurely cruising.

The 1400 won't be too much engine, it isn't any where near it's potential. If the 800 gets to where it isn't enough probably time to move up and out of the cruiser line or maybe start looking at the M109R. If the S50 fits you well, isn't too small (like in my case), I would think it would be the better choice.

Just my $.02
 
Thank you to DrBob and others for your advice in selecting a new bike.

I ended up going with a brand new 2006 S50 in the blue/silver color scheme, very sharp looking bike especially in that color! Managed to score it for $5499 out the door, which I felt was a fantastic deal. Had to travel a little bit to get it for that price, but no biggie I thought since that beat any price in the St. Louis area by a grand.

I am looking forward to getting it out on the street very soon. It definitely sounds a little meaner than my Savage. :) Speaking of the Savage, mine is now for sale, if interested check it out over in the "Cruisers Forsale" area of the board.
 
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