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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> I need your opinions /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1159400924 Message started by mavrik on 09/27/06 at 16:48:44 |
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Title: I need your opinions Post by mavrik on 09/27/06 at 16:48:44 I love my Savage, problem is on the highway it's too light. Never feel comfortable over 60mph. My question is I have been looking at going to Harley for a highway bike. The Savage is great in town but being a new rider I don't have the stability that I need on the highway. Talk me into keeping the Savage maybe with some mods or I'm going to the Dyna. "man I sound like a terrorist" Cheers love the site. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by bikingb on 09/27/06 at 17:19:55 I thought really hard about the Street Bob. The thing is, for me, more time on the bike equals more comfort. I got in about 9K miles this year. Relax the arms, hug w/ the knees. I found that as I lost the death grip on the handle bars I got much more stable. Sure you don't have the weight of a Dyna on the highway. But you don't have the weight of a Dyna for tight turns either which are tricker w/ a bigger bike. I'd hang in there w/ the Savage. The other thing to evaluate is how much time will you really be spending on the highways on long trips? If 80 to 90 percent of your time on the bike is on longs trips it might make sense to go for a bigger bike. Even then, for me at least, there is always the alure of the next bike. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by vroom1776 on 09/27/06 at 17:44:46 Work up to it. Keep riding until you do feel comfy at 60 mph... I rode mine cross country and back safely... after a year of riding... and I second what bikingb said... where will most of yr riding be? |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by thumperclone on 09/27/06 at 17:47:55 hgwy pegs, drivers backrest,super brace(was a post in the classified section for machinist fabbed brace =less $) have mine past 80 a few times 62 seems to be the sweet spot... |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by bikingb on 09/27/06 at 18:25:31 Actually, mine smooths out around 75. Shakes like all get out from about 60-65. Bigger foot-pegs helped that. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by stinger on 09/28/06 at 02:38:24 I have a supertrapp, no carb mods . I just rode a 400 mile trip on Interstate I5 in Oregon and cruised most of it at 65 to 75 the whole trip. Crossed the country this spring and early summer and a good share of the ride was above 65. Seems about the only thing that goes slower than that in the midwest is the farm tractors. Cant speak for the others, but mine rides nice and flat , and I feel perfectly safe at these speeds, even on this light bike. Rode thru 3 states with high cross winds and it handled it well too. You need to get out and take a long ride on a freeway. By the way at 70 I still have plenty of acceration for passing cars :) |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by babbalou on 09/28/06 at 04:16:07 Mine was all over the road in light winds but suspension upgrades helped alot. Still, if I did a lot of long highway rides I'd be looking for something heavier. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by azjay on 09/28/06 at 07:14:42 i ride both, the savage(hers) is light, has a narrow girth, and low saddle height, which are it's advantages at slow speeds, slow manuvers, entry level skills/abilities, and its light weight is a slight disadvantage at highway speeds, and in winds. although debby and many other riders run the savage at 70mph all day long, on the highways and interstates, without difficulty. the fxr/dyna(mine) is heavier, which is a great advantage on the highway, but is less forgiving at slow speeds/ stop light riding. i ride mine everyday all year, and never consider riding hers unless mine is down or she wants me to check hers for an issue. i would suggest that you ride the savage until you're comfortable with it, everywhere! because your rider discomfort will be pronounced on a heavier bike at slower speeds, which is really harder to ride than open highway, that is why they emphasize slow rider skills in the msf course. you may be able to test ride a dyna at your local HD dealer, and see if you're up to the extra weight, some riders develop faster than others. everything is a compromise. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by mavrik on 09/28/06 at 08:41:52 Thanks Everybody for your heartfelt input. that's why I love this site. I am going to keep Suzi Q. I only started riding this June, never rode before, so the highway is something I need to get used to.Since I can see some of you ride it all the time, I believe with more experience it won't be such a uncomfortable place. Highway is only about 20% of my riding now. hopefully it will become alot more. I wanna get a Harley muffler so I can get that rumble all the real bikes have. I have kids that http:can't wait till their 16 so they can ride, and the Suzi is perfect for learners. Since I just saved about $16000 from buying the Harley Dyna, first rounds on me Cheers Here's a pic http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/683840/ |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by mickthelimey on 09/28/06 at 10:40:24 Hi Mavrik, As I have mentioned before on this sight,back in the 50s a 125cc bike was considered a decent bike to learn on,next you would go to a 250 or a 350 more people rode 350s than any other size, a 500cc bike was considered HUGE ,this was in England where a decent 350 had no problem cruising @ 70mph, most 500s could do the magic ton,there were a few guys who rode bigger bikes but they themselves were huge,a 650 cc would be considered just a waist of gas for the few extra mph. Harley Davidson has created the myth that bigger is better,also to take into consideration is the fact that the average American is bigger than the average Englishman,(must be the wonder bread) my 5' 7" is considerd average, Policemen and firemen have to be six foot tall to qualify for the job, thats why every week you see a full page ad in the paper for firemen and cops. Anyway, I love my Savage on all roads and highways,I am adding a tour tank as we speak,just got to hook up the plumbing,I'm getting it ready for next year for my 3000 mile tour, It does have a Harley muffler, makes a great sound,keep the Savage! |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by mornhm on 09/29/06 at 05:27:35 Is your Savage newer and in proper repair? You didn't mention how many highway miles you have under your wheels. Are your tires in good shape and properly matched? Have you ridden a Harley a bunch on the highway and are sure you find an improvement, or are you just going by what you have heard? If you have a fair number of miles (I would say over 5K this year) and personally find the Harley an improvement I'd say go for it or some other big cruiser. Otherwise more experience might prevent you from jumping from the frying pan into the fire so to speak. Sorry, somehow I missed your second post. Anyway I guess the comments are still valid. Anyway if you haven't already, you might want to have someone with experience double check your rubber and MC to make sure there isn't something wrong with your ride. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by Savage_Rob on 09/29/06 at 06:27:55 This is the lightest street bike I've ever owned and for the first few months it was disconcerting riding it in heavier winds. After a while I became accustomed to it though. It is still more susceptible to gusts than a heavier bike but I'm okay with it. It's light weight contributes to its nimbleness (is that a word?) and I love that. My advice is that if it truly makes you uncomfortable, you should get a heavier bike. If you're uptight about your steed, you either won't ride or you'll be uncomfortable when you do. Either way, you won't enjoy it. If you're just not sure, give it some time to see how you feel about it. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by 911radioman on 09/29/06 at 07:03:19 Savage_Rob wrote:
No man, it's nimblicity. ;D 8) |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by pmanntex on 09/29/06 at 09:50:47 I've had several friends recommend a HD sportser or dyna to me but found their balance/center of gravity and ergonomics to be incompatible. I too have noticed that vibrations on the Savage can occur at narrow speed bans at 60+ and then go away with higher speeds. Some days they don't seem to exist at all---lots of factors at play such as tire pressure/balance, ambient temp/humidity (living in houston, body buffets from turbulence with humidity swings), etc. I'd be curious if any folks who have rejetted/increased their HP would comment on seeing any difference regarding changes/elimination in these vibration bans ??? As indicated in another thread, I'm seriously contemplating going up to a S50 to have a little more upper range without sacrificing nimbleness. Some days in Houston you're riding at 80 mph, holding up hwy traffic, and then . . . putt-putting at 5mph in stop and go! |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by Savage_Rob on 09/29/06 at 12:26:44 Personally, I think the fork brace (mine is the Superbrace brand) increased stability quite a bit. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by Dynobob on 09/29/06 at 13:21:42 pmanntex wrote:
I've got mods and notice no vibrations at all. Mine's smooth up to top speed. Check your tires and/or wheel balance. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by curlyhairgirl on 09/30/06 at 19:46:23 I feel the same way as you Mavrik. I started riding in May...never rode before...the Savage is a great first bike. I went on a long trip this summer and found it a bit uncomfortable and the weight issue really bothered me on the main highways. When I got back from my road trip I had decided I was going to get rid of the Savage and get a Harley or something heavier for next year. However, upon further thought I decided that was not the smartest move. I decided to make sure I was really comfortable on my Savage before moving up to a heavier bike. Since I discovered this website, I have really grown to love my Savage. The people here are great and they make me feel proud to own one. To solve my discomfort issue I have ordered small floorboards for it and now I feel I may keep the Savage until she can't run anymore. I have put 6000km on it this summer and I am loving every minute of it. I also find my wind/transport truck problems are not as stressful as they were when I first started riding. Experience on the bike really does help. I can cruise along at 120km/hr now when that would have scared me half to death before. Maybe someday I'll own a Harley but for now I'm loving my Savage. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by PerrydaSavage on 10/01/06 at 14:15:27 I am on my 4th season Riding my Savage ... have thought about moving up to an S50 or a Sporty or a Bonneville many times ... and just as many times I have decided not to ... 'cause every time I Ride my LS, I love her even more! |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by Rogue_Cheddar on 10/01/06 at 14:27:21 Hi Mavrik, I'm a new rider and got my '95 Savage in August. Yesterday I had occasion to take it on I93 and put it up to 70 and was surprised that I had a lot more to go. It was as I suspected though, lots of vibration in the hands and feet. The images in the mirrors reminded of way back when after a hard night of clubbing how all the girls looked kind of fuzzy at closing time. I settled back between 60 - 65 mph. It was tolerable. My bike is stock for now. I can tell you that a month ago, that I would not have gone that fast, as my confidence level just would not allow it. I would suggest living with the bike for while as I suspect your confidence on the bike will grow as it has for me. There was a time when I thought going 45 was more than enough, and I had no problem staying within the speed limit. Now I have to make sure that the speed limit and I are not at cross purposes. Ride safe. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by Brewbrother on 10/01/06 at 17:39:50 I know you have read the other replies but I just wanted to convey that all motorcycles suffer from semi vortex. Its something you deal with when you are on the highway. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by Fido_the_Cat on 10/01/06 at 17:46:21 "Lose the Death Grip", That was me for awhile on hiways because of the vibration. Once I started doing my own maintenance and tightening the foot pegs, muffler mounts, and mirrors alot of the vibration ceased. I am more confident on those roads, I know when I'm setting myself up for a scare and "the Grip" is gone. I can easily do 70. I can go faster, I don't want to pay the fines though. The control around here is tight. Relax and enjoy the ride. BTW After another 10k of experience with Miss Suzi Q I'll bet You could take any "real bike" in the twisties and walk away from them or match them corner for corner. Just wait you'll seee. Weeeeee!!!!! |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by Savage_Rob on 10/02/06 at 12:23:49 Fido_the_Cat wrote:
I'd bet that any experienced rider on a sportbike would have an advantage in the twisties but I still don't feel as comfortable on that style bike. It's just not me. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by mornhm on 10/02/06 at 20:02:10 Savage_Rob wrote:
Advantage doesn't really begin to describe it. I'm not sure if Fido was referring to sport bikes or even sport tourers as "real bike"(s), but don't put anything down on the Savage that you can't afford to lose against one of those. ;D A rider with equal experience on a goldwing will leave you wondering where they went as well. :o |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by gary_ona_savage on 10/03/06 at 20:42:42 A lot's been said already. I would like to just add that you give yourself a set time to get to know the bike. Say to yourself, "I'm going to ride my savage until (some date or odometer reading) then I'll see if I really want a HD". I think once you've gained experience and mileage you will find that getting on a heavier bike may leave you wanting you Savage back. Also, anyone can learn to ride fast on the freeway. But learning to handle a bike when your life depends on it is what matters. There have been many times I've been very thankful for a light, nimble bike...and not just because I love to ride it on the mountain roads. I think there should be a law against selling a newbie a heavy bike with a big engine. But that's what you get when you go to a stealership. I went in the other day looking at the new Kawasaki 900. He said I wouldn't be happy with it because the engine is too small and that I should get a 1600 or 2000. I told him I had a Suzuki Savage and cruise on the freeway at 70. What would I NEED a 2000cc for? Oh..that's right...the bigger the engine the bigger your commission. |
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Title: Re: I need your opinions Post by Tammi on 10/06/06 at 08:17:39 Yeah, having to deal with winds that can push you around is an issue at highway speeds, but I feel safer on my Savage despite the wind factor. Why? Because I know that in an emergency situation, I can stop faster and maneuver better on my lightweight Savage than I could on a heavy Harley. Just another factor you might want to consider. Cheers. Tammi |
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