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Message started by Scooter on 01/13/07 at 09:16:37

Title: What year Savage is best
Post by Scooter on 01/13/07 at 09:16:37

I am not as strong as I used to be and I think I have shrunk as well so I am thinking of trading in my Honda Spirit VT 1100 for a Savage LS650 / S40. Is there a year Savage that is better than other year? Or should I just go for a 2007 model. Thanks for your advice.

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by babbalou on 01/13/07 at 10:09:55

Not much difference year to year but the plug leak was fixed in 2002. The 2005 had a few styling changes & some like the seat better but some don't like the drag bars as much as the pullbacks on earlier models.

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by Greg_650 on 01/13/07 at 10:12:58

Scooter wrote:

I might be a bit biased in saying that 2000 is Best, but I'd also be joking too. Of course, newer is better, but really there have only been a few changes in 20 years.

If I had to choose, I would find out what year the Savage40 recently changed some of the handle bar controls. I'd go for the year they changed the headlight switching if I wanted to get a used one...

Sorry, but I can't remember when that was...

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by Savage_Rob on 01/13/07 at 10:34:28

Same as Greg, I'd say to get a 2005 or later to have the latest changes, including auto shutoff of the headlight during starting. I love my 98 though. I just installed a small toggle switch in the top/back of the headlight bucket which I turn off when I park and turn on after starting.

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by Greg_650 on 01/13/07 at 13:52:27

Isn't there also a "flash" feature on the headlight switch?

I also thought there was some kind of change with the parking light....dunno

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by geo on 01/13/07 at 15:22:26

I like my 2002. I like the handle bars on this model much better that the new ones. It isn't an appearance thing, it is a comfort thing.
This bike fits me perfectly. I just wish the seat would not make my butt go numb after thirty miles.
The seat looks a lot like my old 1969 Yamaha DT1B 250. I don't remember that Yamaha seat giving me this much trouble.
I don't ride very far anyway, so I haven't done anything about the seat. If you ride longer distances, you will have to do something about the seat.

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by Greg_650 on 01/13/07 at 15:51:46

I thought the later models also had a gel seat. Dunno if it's better than my old one or not.

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by hutch on 01/13/07 at 16:07:32

remember also that 2005-07 have went a 5 speed but different gearing so you have lot more acceleration,but less top end for highway cruising

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by justin_o_guy on 01/13/07 at 16:10:00

Left side there is a switch that with just a push flicks the high beam. It says "Passing" but I use it when I am looking at a potential "Left Turn" situation with a cage, too. That or flip my Hi/Lo beam switch back & forth.
The seat on the 05 isn't as mean as some of the older ones I guess. I don't think it's too bad. Could be better, tho.
A later model used ride is what I would do if I had known then what I do now.

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by barry68v10 on 01/13/07 at 20:10:44

"Get which ever one you can get the best deal on!" said the miser ;D

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by Savage_Rob on 01/13/07 at 22:44:24

Greg_650 wrote:

I thought the later models also had a gel seat. Dunno if it's better than my old one or not.

I didn't think a gel seat was stock on any. I thought it was only an available accessory. I could be wrong though. Anyway, it's the S40 gel seat that I put on my 98 but I now have to wonder about the Sportster seat since Henk has used both and sings the praises of the Sporty.

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by firsts40 on 01/13/07 at 23:44:37

I have an 06 S40, and the Gel-Seat is an option and not stock. I wish it was, after 400 miles in one day you are glad to get off it.
It does have the flasher for the head light on the left side. I was told also they improved the counter balance to reduce vibration even more. The vibration on mine is not that bad at all.
The only mod I have done except for factory add ons, is a plate behind the license plate. My license plate started to crack, so I cut a 1/4 inch piece of alluminum and drilled it to match the holes in the license plate, then mounted it behind the plate. I just use the license plate as a template. The crack was caused by the little vibration it does have, and stuff being thrown up from the back tire. Works great. :)

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by Kropatchek on 01/14/07 at 04:58:59

Any Savage after 1996.
1991 Introduction of 5 speed gearbox
1996 Beefed up starter gears with limiter

Other things at some years are either cosmetic or "improved"comfort.

Greetz
Kropatchek ;D

In Germany they prefer the 1986 and '87 frames as there is a difference in noise requirement .
In The Netherlands not.

Title: Re: What year Savage is best
Post by Rockin_John on 01/15/07 at 03:16:03

Kropatchek wrote:

I've also noticed the different states in the U.S. have different regulations regarding lighting etc... according to year model. For instance, my state doesn't require DOT turn signals on anything before 2005. That means the little aftermarket signal lights should be legal. YMMV

http://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/laws.asp