Simplicity or safistication?

[vortexau]

Originally Posted by ErikDK

. . .

What can leave you stranded on a trip is the regulator/rectifier, which the 400 and 650 share.

A big thumbs-up to that! It was the failure of just that item (regulator/rectifier) which forced me to cancel a planned ride to a scooter rally. In the course of 11-14 days it was replaced while yet in warranty, so without being billed, but I did miss the rally.

Its also a good practice to know what measure of fuel remains when the last segment in the fuel gauge is alone showing and the fuel pump symbol flashes. I estimate there's more than 20% left, and that its got at least 66km left if the throttle use remains sensible.

[knucklehead90]

When I get down to one segment remaining on my 650 and it starts flashing I usually head directly for the gas station. I'm putting in anywhere from 2.6-2.8 gallons. Since the tank holds 4.1 gallons 20% is a low estimate IMO. I like the 08 650 just fine but wish Suzuki had put analog gauges in it. I dislike LED gauges. The 07 Majesty has the same LED fuel gauge - same problem - it starts flashing well before its even close to out.

Fuel mileage has been pretty decent - I drive a combination of in and out of town - 50-50 mix and I'm getting 47-48mpg. I expect over 50 when I take a few trips later in the riding season. One trip I'm planning is a short one but beautiful. I have friends and family on the 'Wet' side of Washington state. I live in the high desert of Eastern Washington - much less rain - hotter in summer - cooler in winter - evens out to be riding weather for at least 7 months of the year. One of my favorite roads is the North Cascades Highway - Highway 20 between Winthrop and Mount Vernon. Many 30-50mph sweeping turns - some 25mph turns - not many straight stretches - and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world IMO.

The other ride I'm looking forward to is riding the Columbia Gorge on Highway 14 to Vancouver Wa - then up to Longview and take Highway 4 which follows the Columbia River to the coast. Then take 101 and 105 and 109 to Forks. Get on the ferry at Port Townsend then to Whidby Island and the beginning of Highway 20 at Oak Harbor - over highway 20 and the North Cascades - then home. That would be a minimum of 2 days riding. Of course I could easily get to the Astoria bridge and turn left and down the Oregon coast - and the Redwoods.

So many good roads around here to take for 2-3 days ride. Got a 3-4 day ride coming up next month down to and through Hell's Canyon with 10-15 riders - don't know how many yet but even if its only 3-4 riders it'll be fun stuff.

[CaseyJones]

An analog gauge isn't the answer. My Chinese Burgman clone, has a dial gauge...hits E with about a quarter tank still in it.

It's the way they're set up....I guess they figure their customers always push to the limit, so they give them extra after the needle or bar-graf shows nothing.

[Phipsd]

Originally Posted by ErikDK

Then don't go to Buzzards Canyon.

OTOH, with the 400's rubber band transmission, which is a regular wear item, you will now how to fix it if you do your own maintenance. Just remember to bring a powered impact wrench with you on your trips.

With carbs, you have 4 to 6 nozzles in each carb, and float valves to go bad.

With injection you have one nozzle per cylinder.

What can leave you stranded on a trip is the regulator/rectifier, which the 400 and 650 share.

Oh yeah,,,,,,crappy Suzuki electrics. You forgot stators. Mine went on my DL1000 at 16000 km (10000 miles). The bike now has 60000 km on it. I love the bike but I fear riding it too far from home.

If the electrics were as reliable as my el-cheapo Korean car I would be riding it alot more.

[ErikDK]

Even BMW have problems with crappy regulators and stators on the singles and parallel twins.
As far as I can tell, it's actually much more common than on Suzukis

[thunderkat59]

I have about 250,000 miles, some racing, between 3 Suzuki motorcycles and 1 car.
Never one electrical problem.

[Dranrab Luap]

Originally Posted by knucklehead90

When I get down to one segment remaining on my 650 and it starts flashing I usually head directly for the gas station. I'm putting in anywhere from 2.6-2.8 gallons. Since the tank holds 4.1 gallons 20% is a low estimate IMO. I like the 08 650 just fine but wish Suzuki had put analog gauges in it. I dislike LED gauges. The 07 Majesty has the same LED fuel gauge - same problem - it starts flashing well before its even close to out.

Fuel mileage has been pretty decent - I drive a combination of in and out of town - 50-50 mix and I'm getting 47-48mpg. I expect over 50 when I take a few trips later in the riding season. One trip I'm planning is a short one but beautiful. I have friends and family on the 'Wet' side of Washington state. I live in the high desert of Eastern Washington - much less rain - hotter in summer - cooler in winter - evens out to be riding weather for at least 7 months of the year. One of my favorite roads is the North Cascades Highway - Highway 20 between Winthrop and Mount Vernon. Many 30-50mph sweeping turns - some 25mph turns - not many straight stretches - and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world IMO.

The other ride I'm looking forward to is riding the Columbia Gorge on Highway 14 to Vancouver Wa - then up to Longview and take Highway 4 which follows the Columbia River to the coast. Then take 101 and 105 and 109 to Forks. Get on the ferry at Port Townsend then to Whidby Island and the beginning of Highway 20 at Oak Harbor - over highway 20 and the North Cascades - then home. That would be a minimum of 2 days riding. Of course I could easily get to the Astoria bridge and turn left and down the Oregon coast - and the Redwoods.

So many good roads around here to take for 2-3 days ride. Got a 3-4 day ride coming up next month down to and through Hell's Canyon with 10-15 riders - don't know how many yet but even if its only 3-4 riders it'll be fun stuff.

That sounds like my kind of riding there.