I purchased the Boulevard S40 new, 500 miles so far and I love the bike except for the backfiring. It backfires through the muffler when I decelerate to slow down, downshift, and when I shut it off. I called Suzuki's help line and they say it's "normal" & I have to live with it. It's yellowing the pipes already and I don't care to "live with it." Anyone with a similar problem? Any suggestions? I have NO confidence in the dealership's ability to service the bike. Thanks,

I have the same problem. I've done some searches and this seems to be a common problem. I've seen two vague references to a fix. One involves removing some "white spacer" the other involves purchasing a "dynojet stage 1 Kit" to the carburetor. I'm still looking for a posting from someone that gives a little more detail on both solutions; I'm really interested in the "Space" method because it does not require purchasing a rebuild kit. The carb kit can be found at DynoJet (http://www.dynojet.com/carbjet.shtml). It appears the problem has to do with too lean of a fuel mixture.

P.S.

I've also had problems with a really nasty rattle from the head lamp at highway speeds. I fixed it by lining the inside rime of the lamp housing where the lamp frame contacts with double sided foam tape.