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Message started by Todd Esterburg on 09/29/04 at 08:48:25

Title: Where to begin with mods
Post by Todd Esterburg on 09/29/04 at 08:48:25

The knowledge on this site is great.

I just purchased a 2003 Savage with about 1400 mi on it. So far, I love the bike. I want to have it long term but would like to set it up for its optimum performance on the interstate, comfort at 75mph, power, ability to cruise long distance. Due to cash and no mechanical ability, mods will have to be done one at a time I'm guessing. Suggestions and the order they would best happen?
I've read on the jets, the exhaust, the pegs, maybe a larger gas tank.

Also, I'm 6 ft and was currious if there was any way to scoot the seat back at all, or do anything to help the sitting stance of us taller guys? This site is great. I have a feeling my Girlfriend is going to wish it wasnt here, but she'll sing a different tune when I convince her to get a bike after the spring thaw. Thanks for any steering.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Greg_650 on 09/29/04 at 09:32:11

Since you are 6 ft tall and feel cramped....

You might be able to rotate the handlebars forward a bit (if they are pullback bars) for a little more stretch. Or you can replace them with flat bars.

You can also get forward controls to place your feet further forward.

Aside from that I don't know of an easy way to move the seat rearward.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Todd Esterburg on 09/29/04 at 09:56:50

Thankyou. Is there any main company to look for these parts from?

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Munson_kl279 on 09/29/04 at 11:09:26

I'm also 6' but due to the extreme cost of forward controls I've installed an engine guard with universal highway peg. They put your feet more forward and a little higher up. With my riding style I love it.

I also have changed the handle bars to straight drags and that has helped a lot also...not to mention that I like the look of it better too. ;D

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Old Geezer on 09/29/04 at 12:57:30

If you install an engine guard, you can also get brackets from Kuryakyn that actually will move the highway pegs further forward. They are called offset mounts and come in a variety of styles and shapes. You can in fact get the the engine guard clamp with the offset mount and the pegs in one kit. If you buy the Suzuki engine guard, you will need a 1" clamp for the highway pegs. Check it out at Kuryakyn.com. Enjoy your ride.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Michael on 09/29/04 at 15:45:13

Todd.

This is a great site for info. A lot of us also visit another site on the Savage. The two go hand in hand. here is the link......cheers........Michael

http://www.heise-workstations.de/ls650/Fragen/LS650-Fragen.html

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Ed L. on 09/29/04 at 16:31:59

An easy seat mod is to raise the front of the seat. Get two 60mm long bolts and a stack of washers, remove the seat and take off the front seat mount. Stack the washers and bolt the seat mount back on using the longer bolts. I used a couple of 1" spacers instead of washers. Made a big difference. It allows you to slide your butt all the way back on the seat instead of sliding foward against the tank. It makes a BIG difference for leg room and comfort.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by savagethumper on 09/29/04 at 21:04:41

Excellent idea Ed. I'm gonna try that. It doesn't make it look funny, though, does it?

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Ed L. on 09/30/04 at 15:29:41

Look funny? no way, the front of the seat lines up with the back line of the tank and unless you are parked next to a stock Savage you can't tell the difference. I even recovered my seat with a sheepskin seat cover that came from a cage. Just cut it to fit and stapled it to the underside of the seat pan, didn't even take the stock black cover off, just covered it over. It came out better than I hoped it would. I would post a picture but am not sure how to do it. The sheepskin gives the seat a little more padding which makes a big difference for butt comfort also.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Greg_650 on 10/01/04 at 03:12:14

That's different....but to reinforce the raised seat subject, I have also raised my seat an inch or so with rubber spacers that I cut.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Susan on 10/01/04 at 07:40:51

Ed L. wrote:

...I would post a picture but am not sure how to do it. The sheepskin gives the seat a little more padding which makes a big difference for butt comfort also.

Here are instructions on how to post a pic:

Posting Picture/Links (http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;num=1096641323)

Hope it helps. Would love to see a pic of your sheepskin. :)

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/01/04 at 11:02:22

This is the first time I've tried to insert an image directly so I hope it works. My main visible additions are the highway bar, the sheepskin seat pad (available at www.sheepyhollow.com) and the trunk. She had the windscreen when I bought her and the tank bib and decals are basically cosmetic. Not visible is the alarm I installed. It's mounted on the other side opposite the horn. A lot of folks won't care for the trunk due to personal opinions on aesthetics but I like the ability to lock stuff up and I don't think it looks bad. Also not visible is the gremlin bell.

http://www.groesbeck.org/db3/00259/groesbeck.org/_uimages/Nadine.jpg

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Old Geezer on 10/01/04 at 11:59:15

Nice job on the customization! Looks really nice.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Ed L. on 10/01/04 at 17:22:36

I need to downsize the pics of my '02 with the sheepskin seat covers, as soon as I get that done I'll post a link. Thanks on the how to do it tip. Ed L.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Susan on 10/01/04 at 18:39:09

Ed L. wrote:

I need to downsize the pics of my '02 with the sheepskin seat covers, as soon as I get that done I'll post a link. Thanks on the how to do it tip. Ed L.

Sure. Looking forward to the pic.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Susan on 10/01/04 at 18:44:16

Best comfort modifications I've made:

Windshield
Custom seat -- cut down foam; added gel pad
Grips with a throttle boss
Heavier Footpegs

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by klx650sm2002 on 10/02/04 at 05:02:47

Like the flames, would like them on My KLX, if and when.

Clive W :D

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Greg_650 on 10/02/04 at 11:13:44

Savage_Rob wrote:

Well, as you know, the trunk isn't my style on my bike, but it looks pretty good on there for you. I wondered how that would turn out. Looks good....Hard saddle bags would really balance it out nicely, too (IMO). Will that trunk hold a full face helmet? It's mounted on the OEM rack?

That isn't the OEM engine guard either. Where'd you get it? Is that the one on Ebay?

I need a Gremlin bell too
;)

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Ed L. on 10/02/04 at 16:33:12

I went over to bikepics.com and have two pics of my '02 with the sheepskin seat covers. Here is the link, hope that it works.
http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/220848/

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Ed L. on 10/02/04 at 16:38:22

Hey, it worked, here's another shot from the other side. You can see the extended shifter lever for my big feet. ;D
http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/220849/

Title: Re: Where to begin with modsand the
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/02/04 at 20:16:40

Thanks.

The flames are actually decals available at Cycle Graphics (http://www.cyclegraphics.com/) and the Wingerline Highwaybar (http://www.accessoryinternational.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AI&Product_Code=AUSWLS02) is from Accessories International. The trunk will easily hold a full-face helmet. I used a 1/8" x 6" x 12" aluminum plate on top of the stock luggage rack as an extension for mounting. I removed the pad from the backrest to allow it to fit more closely but the trunk contains its own backrest pad. Also, I reused the Suzuki nameplate from the backrest on the back of the trunk (to cover two access holes that mount part of the lock mechanism). The only think I want to do is take it apart again and primer/paint the aluminum plate black. Oh, the Gremlin Bells are available here (http://www.gremlinbells.com/).

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Greg_650 on 10/03/04 at 03:49:35

When I installed my flag mount, I moved my Suzuki emblem also.

Thanks for the Gremlin Bell link. Gonna have to get one :)

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by gitarzan on 10/04/04 at 17:59:46

Rob, You need to send a pic of your bike to Cycle Graphics. They don't have any for that sticker.

I've been looking at their site every so often for the last few months. They've got a few more added this time.

Those flames on your bike look wicked.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/08/04 at 08:21:17

I happened to think of something else I should have included in mods... safety items. In particular, a brake light modulator and a xenon headlight bulb.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by gitarzan on 10/08/04 at 19:58:33

Quote:

a brake light modulator and a xenon headlight bulb

I've got those too. Safety mods are easy choices to make.

Todd,

Other cheap, low $ mods:

-Streamers, if they are to your liking.

-Replacement grips. Knock-offs are not too expensive.

-Remove the pad from the Sissybar. I stuck on a cheap concho on the crossbar to dress it up. The leather tassles are black cable ties! But they match my fringe/streamer theme I've got going. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gitarzan/bike/concho.jpg

- Chrome cable ties. http://shop.store.yahoo.com/nichenet-store/chrome-cable-ties.html

-Remove stuff... I removed all decals other than the clearcoated tank logo.

-Chrome Bric-Brac http://www.jpcycles.com/groups.aspx?LID=B3C4D0EC-067D-482F-B765-E4FF75BD916F&cs=Metric I've installed a chrome license plate cover, pointy little bolts, valve stem covers with Suzuki logos on them, a headlight visor, and I'm thinking about getting a bugeye grill for the headlight.

-New Mirrors. A little more expensive, but not that much. Arlen Ness inspired cheapies can be had fron JCWhitney.

-Handle Bars. I picked up a nice set of very wide cruising bars for $20 at a grubby (but very cool) metric bike repair shop.

-Clean, Polish and Wax. No matter what's on your bike, it never looks better than when every single part sparkles.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Greg_650 on 10/09/04 at 10:08:31

Remove the sidecovers and airbox.
Move the battery box.
Install ignition unit in tool box.
Re-route all wiring and cover with spiral wrap.
Install a K&N pod filter.

Remove and toss the stock exhaust.
Modify rear muffler mount.
Install a drag pipe.

Remove carb.
Install thinner spacer.
Install larger main jets.
Reinstall carb.

Buy an engine guard.
Remove engine.
Toss engine guard u-bolts.
Weld permenant mounts to the frame for engine guard.
Fill all frame holes with Bondo and repaint frame.
Reinstall engine and everything else.

Remove the swingarm.
Remove the rear footpegs.
Toss rear footpegs.
Grind off, weld and fill footpeg mounting holes.
Grind off, weld and fill drive belt guard mounts.
Toss belt guards.
Paint rear drive pulley with high temp ceramic paint.
Repaint swingarm and install everything else.

Remove rear turn signals and disassemble.
Install 3 wire sockets and wiring.
Install dual element bulbs.
You now have rear running lights.

Go to bike rally.
Have custom painting and pin stiping done.
You, too, can have your name on rear fender.

Remove engine again.
Remove cases and external stuff.
Paint engine with high temp ceramic black paint.
Bake until well done.
Sand edges of fins on head.
Reinstall engine and everything else.

Remove front forks.
Buy P J coatings gloss black paint.
Paint lower fork sliders.
Can't have inspection sticker on paint, so...
Make inspection sticker bracket and mount by left footpeg.

Disassemble brake caliper.
Paint caliper with high temp ceramic paint.
Reassemble.

Remove grips.
Install Kuryakyn grips.

Remove front footpegs.
Install Highway Hawk pegs.

Buy leather lace on tassles for levers.

Buy leather tank bib.

Buy windshield.

Install mud flap on front fender.

Remove side stand switch

Remove clutch lever switch.

Bypass neutral safety switch

And along with everything else...
Change every possible screw and bolt to stainless steel Allen head type everywhere.

Tada 8)

Now, this coming winter?

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Susan on 10/09/04 at 14:24:56

What is on the agenda this winter? Hmm, this could be a good topic...I think I'll start a new one.

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by Greg_650 on 10/10/04 at 02:02:01

This winter?

Carb change?

Solo seat/ rear fender mod?

Open exhaust port?

Not sure.....

???

Title: Re: Where to begin with mods
Post by klx650sm2002 on 10/10/04 at 09:24:05

So far on KLX:-

Rear wheel up from 2.5/17 to 4.25/17 fitted with a 140/70/17 tyre, EBC disc and pads.

Front up from 1.85/21 to 3.5/17 fitted with 110/70/17 (will go to 120/60/17 when the 110's worn) also EBC disc and pads.

Dumped the std. exhaust and fitted a one off designed by me and made by a friend and I.

Got rid of airbox, carb and de-icer, to be replaced with an FCR41 with an air filter off a mini of all things.

No side stand or clutch switch, and a nice stubby little clutch lever.

Renthal bars and sprockets.

Leather grips and those little leather things on the levers too.

Stainless brake lines.

Trimed side panels and front and rear mud gaurds.

All light duty bolts replaced with anodised aluminium.

Lowered front gaurd.

Hope you all like it.

Clive W :D