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Message started by MarkD1960 on 02/15/05 at 13:35:08

Title: load capacity
Post by MarkD1960 on 02/15/05 at 13:35:08

How many of you out there would ride two-up with both of you being 200 lbs.? Do you think the bike will handle it? Would I bottom out the suspension? I'm deciding whether or not a Savage is big enough before I go out and buy one.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Susan on 02/15/05 at 14:30:56

Well, I think you could do it but I don't think the Savage is the best bike if you are planning lots of 2-up riding with 2 200 lb people. The Savage is a smaller, lighter bike and probably wouldn't be as comfortable for lots of 2-up riding as a larger bike would be. Most of our riders are predominantly solo riders. The bike only weighs 352 lbs.

Because of the Savage's size the passenger seat/area is quite small and feels like you are riding on a board. I think it is ok for an occasional ride but I wouldn't want to ride on it as a passenger frequently.

Don't get me wrong, the Savage is a great bike for lots of things and I love mine but it seems like another bike might be better suited if you are planning lots of 2-up riding. Good luck!

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by sluggo on 02/15/05 at 15:05:08

i concur with susan.

my wife hated the rear pillon so much, she boldly proclaimed "i'm never riding on that seat". so i bobbed the rear. it's a solo machine now

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by MarkD1960 on 02/15/05 at 15:14:07

So, you think the bike would handle it occasionally? I'm really going to commute with it, mainly. The people on this board love theirs so much, I just can't discount it.

How do you feel about highways with 75-MPH speed limits on windy days? Would you feel confident? Not freeways with a lot of traffic, just open highway.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by gitarzan on 02/15/05 at 15:30:19

The rear pillion on the Savage are like the back seats in an MG.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by sluggo on 02/15/05 at 17:25:53

MarkD1960 wrote:

occasional two up would be fine, like i said the seat is not that comfortable, or so my better half says.

i run at 75- 80 all the time with no problems, and have done it two up. but not any longer.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Diane on 02/16/05 at 05:03:25

Just looking at that pillion seat makes my tushie hurt. If you go with the Savage and you really love your wife..... at least get her a gel pad or something.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/16/05 at 05:58:21

MarkD1960 wrote:

How do you feel about highways with 75-MPH speed limits on windy days? Would you feel confident? Not freeways with a lot of traffic, just open highway.

I don't have any difficulty with 75 MPH on the freeway though I prefer 65. I'm not sure what you consider "windy" but the Savage/S40 is a very lightweight bike and you will feel crosswinds far easier than with a heavier one.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by MarkD1960 on 02/17/05 at 08:02:58

I consider "windy" to be 20-30 mph. The winds here get much worse, but common sense takes over at a certain point.

I know some of these questions sound dumb, but I'm trying to avoid hitting that point where you get the itch to buy a new bike because you've "outgrown" the capabilities of your machine. If I wasn't worried about that, I'd just get a brand-new GZ 250 or equivalent. On the other end, my 750 Interceptor was more bike than I would ever use. That thing could just make you wet yourself. I don't need that much any more.

Almost all my riding will be single. This will be my commuter bike. Something inside me, though, won't let me consider anything that's not at least as quick as my car. I love the idea of the Savage, in part because it's different. My other option at this point is to go for a Yamaha Virago. With a 750 or 1100, power wouldn't be an issue, but mileage might not be all that better than with my '04 Cavalier.

As you can see, I don't know what the heck I want. I guess I want everything. I want 60 mpg and a macho rush of power in a bike that corners like it's on rails.

Hey, I read in Motorcycle Cruiser that they got 51 mpg when they tested an S40. What are you guys getting? Is that figure high, low, just right?

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/17/05 at 10:38:23

20-30 MPH winds will definitely be felt on a Savage but are not unmanageable. I get right at 60 MPG on my Savage but I've rejetted the carb and use a K&N air filter and a MAC muffler. I'd bet that most folks who've "upgraded" their air filters and mufflers and rejetted the carb get similar mileage.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by MarkD1960 on 02/17/05 at 11:18:27

I'd be interested to know if that's true. Anybody that reads this, please respond if you get similar mileage with these kinds of mods. 60 MPH would be great. Do you have to baby it to get that kind of mileage?

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by HotFix on 02/17/05 at 11:24:58

Savage_Rob wrote:

I concur with that statement 100%.
65 - fine
75 - shaky in the wind

I have found that the small flyscreen I just put on does help a lot. 75 is not as bad, but the bike is still 352#.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Paladin on 02/17/05 at 12:00:06

MarkD1960 wrote:

...If I wasn't worried about that, I'd just get a brand-new GZ 250 or equivalent.

I was that closeto getting the GZ250 when I noticed the specs on the Savage -- nearly the same physical size and only 50 pounds (17%) heavier.

Quote:

...Something inside me, though, won't let me consider anything that's not at least as quick as my car.

My Savage is (so far) bone stock -- I understand you can get considerable more power with a rejet of the carb and an aftermarket muffler. That said, the end of my morning commute is a traffic signal at Alondra and Broadway. The light changes to green, I accelerate through the intersection to the speed limit sign 50 feet or so beyond. It says 40mph. I don't know what you drive, my my car is a '72 Camaro 350 LT1. I can hit 40 mph passing the sign before I have to brake hard for the driveway about 100 yards past the intersection. The Savage matches that. On the freeway it will hit 80 too easy, and from what people have been saying about the fork brace I think I want one.

Quote:

...I love the idea of the Savage, in part because it's different..... I want 60 mpg and a macho rush of power in a bike that corners like it's on rails.

I came from the dirt. I wanted a lightweight bike, 400 pounds absolute max. I did not want to have to crouch over the tank in a fetal position. I did not want to have to stand on tippy-toe at the lights. Which left me with the choice of 250cc cruisers. Or the Savage.
Quote:

Hey, I read in Motorcycle Cruiser that they got 51 mpg when they tested an S40. What are you guys getting? Is that figure high, low, just right?

About right; street riding, short runs, fairly aggressive aceleration. HOW you ride make the biggest difference. I managed to get 30mpg from a Honda sport 50. Cruising the 2-lane backroads from L.A. to Seatle at a leisurely 45-50mph I hit over 80mpg on my GS450E

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/17/05 at 12:00:42

i have the flyscreen and a full windshield. The bike had a National Cycle windshield on it when I bought it and I got the flyscreen on eBay for a good price. I just decided to wait for warmer weather before changing it out. I've never ridden the bike without the shield, so I can't say what the difference would be. I was speaking only of crosswinds. I haven't encountered any problems with headwinds or tailwinds yet. I will say that while my trunk is generally more aerodynamic than saddlebags, it does enhance the feel of crosswinds more than the saddlebags, though not to a great extent.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by MarkD1960 on 02/17/05 at 13:15:37

So, what I'm hearing you say, Paladin, is that the bike is quick ;D

That would be the most important thing in town; as far as top end, I can't imagine wanting to go more than 80 very often. The test I read says that in 200-yard accel from 50 mph in top gear, the Savage (S40) is running very close to, say, a Kawasaki Vulcan 800. So why do some people feel they need more passing power?

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Paladin on 02/17/05 at 15:23:21

Quick like a bunny. And nimble. What pulls you off the line is torque, not horsepower. What impedes you off the line is inertia -- mass. You know, like the 553 pounds of a HD 883 Sportster. Check out the competition (http://savage.andruschak.net/compare/)

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by sluggo on 02/17/05 at 16:04:43

Paladin wrote:

with the exception of the savage they all looked the same. cookie cutter motorcycles. all way to heavy

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by gitarzan on 02/17/05 at 19:46:36

Those pics aren't to scale... Some of those bikes are way bigger. The C50 and the V-Star are as big as any 1100. I've sat on many of those bikes in the showroom.

The Kaw 800 Drifter was also a big hummer.

I'll agree with the comments about speed and nimbleness.

But you guys forgot the topic: Load Capacity. The Savage is a butt buster and can't carry anyone bigger than 50 lbs on the pillion w/out giving them 'roids.

Any of those other bikes have a much better seat than the Savage. The C50/Volusia is adored by it's riders as much as we like our tyro. And they can ride long distances without getting bedsores. They can ride two up easily on most. (Not the Drifter, obviously).

I sat on a Drifter for awhile. Same for the Volusia. I could do some serious butt time on those bikes. Maybe they aren't as nimble or fast outta the hole, but after 500 miles, they'll have their charm.

The Savage savages me after 150 miles. And I lost weight this winter, my hiney is going to get callused. I hope my new seat feels as good as it looks.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Greg_650 on 02/18/05 at 08:22:22

gitarzan wrote:

The rear pillion on the Savage are like the back seats in an MG.

Gee, I didn't know the MG had a backseat ::)

You're right, it's not a seat. Really just a padded luggage rack.

2-200 pound riders is cramped. Even just 300 pounds of people is pushing it. The gross vehicle weight capacity on the steering head is pretty accurate.

That's why we have 2 Savages.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by gitarzan on 02/18/05 at 10:05:26

Greg, next time you're at a car show, check out an MGB. There's this tiny little useless car seat in the back.

It's like having a third nipple.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Greg_650 on 02/18/05 at 10:10:45

gitarzan wrote:

Greg, next time you're at a car show, check out an MGB. There's this tiny little useless car seat in the back.

It's like having a third nipple.

I guess that I was thinking of the little 2 seater model, kinda like the Triumph Spitfire that I once owned and wrecked ::)

Third nipple? Shoot, I got 2 useless ones anyway.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by gitarzan on 02/18/05 at 10:23:53

I almost got a TR6 once. Ended up with a 68 Camaro convertible. I sold it for $100 in 1978.

???

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Greg_650 on 02/18/05 at 11:24:22

gitarzan wrote:

I almost got a TR6 once. Ended up with a 68 Camaro convertible. I sold it for $100 in 1978.

???

Bet you wish that you still had it for that $100....

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Red_Wine on 02/22/05 at 03:45:23

gitarzan wrote:

I almost got a TR6 once. Ended up with a 68 Camaro convertible. I sold it for $100 in 1978.

???

$100 for a 68 Camaro convertible?!?!?!? What were you thinking of, Git??? :o
Had you wrecked it or what?!?!?!? ;) something like that is bib bucks now, so my advice is stick to your cheap Japanese cars now, and wait for 20-30 years and you'll retire to Florida!!! ;D
Ride Safe,

RW

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by gitarzan on 02/22/05 at 04:11:45

1. It was 1978. It was a cool car, but not yet considered a classic. It was considered to be a 10 old car. An OLD car.

2. It had about 125,000 miles on it. That was from the days when a car with 50,000 miles was considered ready to be shot.

3. It was about 3/4 Bondo.

4. It had a turboglide tranny that I had ruined rocking it out of a snow drift. Ohioans may remember the "Blizzard of '78."

5. As a poor college student I could not afford to get the radiator fixed and could not afford antifreeze which had recently risen fron about $1.00 a gal. to $4.00 a gal. The radiator and engine had about 10 cans each of every kind of stop leak there was, a couple eggs, and I used windshield washer fluid as antifreeze all winter.

6. I traded it on at my uncle's car lot. He told me it went straight to the scrapping yard.

7. I ended up with a nice tight 72 VW type 3 Wagon with a factory sunroof and a stick. It handled better and got better gas mileage.

8. The Camaro got only 7mpg and after gas rose to 50 cents a gal. it was draining my already empty wallet.

9. Needless to say I was out there wrenching on the Camaro everytime I turned around. Hitting the starter with a hammer, etc.

10. The rag top was shredded and held together with the then newfangled black silicone sealer. The back window was obliterated by an 8 track that I threw through it one time when the battery was barely cranking it and a girlfriend suddenly pushed in a tape, saying "At least we can hear some music!"

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Red_Wine on 02/22/05 at 04:30:09

Well Git,
now, if you put it that way... I can understand it...
I just don't get that "3/4 Bondo" thing... what's that?
Anyway, stick to your current car, and you'll be rich in 20-30 years... even Citroens have a fun club!!! ;D

Title: Re: load capacityBondo is a putty used to fill in
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/22/05 at 05:53:32

Bondo is a putty used to fill in dents and then sanded and primered/painted. It's much heavier than fiberglas but is pretty easy to use. However, if not done properly it has a propensity to fall off in chunks at the slightest provocation. That's from memory in my teens... the stuff has probably improved since then.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Paladin on 02/22/05 at 06:30:30

Bondo is plastic body filler. Good enough to make the car sellable. Not good enough if you plan to keep the car indefinitely. For that you pound the dents out as much as possible and finish with metal body filler. (http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=519&itemType=CATEGORY&iMainCat=516&iSubCat=519)

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by bobo383 on 02/22/05 at 21:58:55

50 mpg? Now I feel bad. I've been getting a sorry 37, albeit with frequent 88-mph runs with me & a passenger. That seems to be as fast as it will go with 2 people and a slippy clutch. It'd probably do better solo and 65-70. But from what yall are saying I'm probably still too rich and need to tune.

Or just put up with the mileage and thank God for 88 with 2 people.

That cruiser comparison is a rude awakening, weight wise. No wonder my neighbor's 883 seems to have about the same acceleration as my Savage.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Patty on 02/25/05 at 17:54:13

Hubby says the bike will handle the weight alright and the motor is okay with it...but he says you better watch the tires. Check the load rating cause 400 lbs of people plus the weight of the bike seriously overloads the tires!

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Paladin on 02/25/05 at 20:17:08

Got me curious so I went to check the load rating on the sidewall of my rear tire (a 140/90-15 D404) -- max 789 pounds at 41 psi. The bike and 400 pounds of rider doing a wheelie is still within limits.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Reelthing on 02/25/05 at 20:28:03

The Metz 880 rear says 677lb @ 42 psi - so no wheelies on the stock tires

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Reelthing on 02/25/05 at 20:30:25

Quote:

That cruiser comparison is a rude awakening, weight wise. No wonder my neighbor's 883 seems to have about the same acceleration as my Savage.

Real close to the same power/weight ratio

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by bobo383 on 02/25/05 at 21:53:27

I like HDs, I really do, but beating a $5000 Sporty 883 with my $1000 bike is really fun. I could drag out my XR500 and really spank some a__.

Title: Re: load capacityBondo is a putty used to fill in
Post by Greg_650 on 02/26/05 at 07:07:38

Savage_Rob wrote:

I got into a project in the winter of '03 that involved welding mounting tabs on the frame for my engine guard (no u-bolts). While I was there, I attended my first self-help class on bondo since I had never used it before. It takes a little practice, but isn't too bad, and you do have to keep track of time while applying it.

This is where I smoothed the factory frame welds and filled other holes before I repainted the frame.

http://home.comcast.net/~gmdinusa/Frame07web.jpg

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by RadarORiley on 02/26/05 at 15:10:42

Diane wrote:

Just looking at that pillion seat makes my tushie hurt. If you go with the Savage and you really love your wife..... at least get her a gel pad or something.

If you make her ride there too much, you may need a new wife. I drive & make my hubby ride behind. I ;) taught my daughters to do the same with their husbands.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Susan on 03/02/05 at 07:11:36

That's why we have our own bikes... Neither of us wanted to ride beotch!

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by Paladin on 03/02/05 at 14:21:47

On a trip, with separate bikes each capable of riding double, mechanical trouble on one does not leave you stranded.

Title: Re: load capacity
Post by gitarzan on 03/02/05 at 15:31:52

Paladin wrote:

On a trip, with separate bikes each capable of riding double, mechanical trouble on one does not leave you stranded.

That's an old Harley owners technique. ;D