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Message started by coke687 on 05/13/07 at 11:56:06

Title: Possible passenger?
Post by coke687 on 05/13/07 at 11:56:06

Hello, Looking for my first bike, and I am reading that the s40 is a great starter bike. The problem is my wife is going to want the occasional country road ride. Is this bike big enough for us? About 340 lbs of us. Im leary about going any bigger, because i am just learning to ride. Thanks for any imput.

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/13/07 at 12:06:08

I take my daughter with me quite a bit and we are a combined 300 or so. Not a problem. The rear shocks bottom out on the worst bumps but I could stiffen up the rear shocks to fix that. I wouldn't advise taking a passenger until you have plenty of solo time first though. Having someone on the back makes a big difference in every aspect of riding. Good luck.

AL

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by coke687 on 05/13/07 at 12:10:22

thanks Al. I plan on waiting a year or so for that. I was hoping this bike would fit the bill, as the price tag is right, new or used.

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by YonuhAdisi on 05/13/07 at 12:26:16

Yes, you can ride two up on this bike, and it is a great starter bike. But like Al said, you might want to stiffen up the shocks a bit which is very easily done and can be done yourself.

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by georgekathe on 05/13/07 at 12:53:37

rear seat is not the biggest for taking a passenger - would recommend trying one out for size on dealer's showroom floor.

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by Paladin on 05/13/07 at 13:08:21

coke687 wrote:

.... The problem is my wife is going to want the occasional country road ride. Is this bike big enough for us? .... i am just learning to ride. .

For the bike, no problem. Country road, thumping along at 35-55, you're talking the Savage's home territory. Your wife -- possible problem. You do not want to go leaning into a turn while she is trying to remain vertical to the world. My rule for passenger is that they hold onto me, not the bike. They rise when I rise, lean when I lean. They plaster themself to my back and if I cannot feel nipples they ain't riding.

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by skatnbnc on 05/13/07 at 14:08:58

It would be a help if your wife took the MC safety class too. There she will learn why you are doing what, how she needs to react, and learn how to ride by learning how to drive.

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by Savage = HD eater on 05/13/07 at 14:26:20

YonuhAdisi wrote:

Yes, you can ride two up on this bike, and it is a great starter bike. But like Al said, you might want to stiffen up the shocks a bit which is very easily done and can be done yourself.

Hi guys. How would you go about stiffening the shocks? I know that on my VTX I'm able to simply turn the shock to do it. How about the Savage?

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/13/07 at 14:59:16

there is a thread in the tech section

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1137768473

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by mavrik on 05/13/07 at 14:59:18

Well Here's my two cents:

Take the safety course first

before you can take a passenger you must have FULL CONTROL of your abilities.

That means learning to ride in all kinds of conditions, turning being very important because with a passenger it's alot harder.

When YOU feel ready try 2 up. Everybody has a different learning curve, it might take you until next season to feel comfortable.

That's OK better safe than sorry :o

Ride safe

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by Doc_Holliday on 05/13/07 at 16:13:48

Ive had my bike a month or so and im just getting comfy riding solo. I rode bikes my whole life but mostly dirtbikes ect, so today i decided to try 2 up. I must say its a whole different ball game. Ill be riding at least another month and practicing in an empty parking lot 2 up to get the feel down. DEFINATLEY take everyones advice and make sure you are totally at one with your bike before ya carry a passenger. -DOC

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by PA KID on 05/14/07 at 16:22:19

wife an i ride alot 2 up through twisty back roads and the savage is perfect for that.It's only on the open road that i felt
a little underpowered going up long hills.That i worked out by
reading an opening up the little savage,this forum is packed with good info that'll help get you feelin confident on the road.It's not a cavalcade it's a cruiser ;D

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by thumperclone on 05/14/07 at 17:29:21

wifey and i push 320 on my 06 got the shocks turned to 4 out of 5 being the stiffest,the newer ls 650s have a bit bigger (in the rear)one piece seat wife gets antsey
after 50 miles or so butt she over hangs the sides a bit(shh dont tell her i said that)..
do take the course and get some miles under YOUR arse B4 you let her on... later option: lash a 80#sack of cement to the back and pratice then 2 of them...she MUST stay at YOUR angle and never take her feet off the pegs till you say...

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by Grove_Tucky_650 on 05/14/07 at 17:38:50

I kept hearing that our savages don't do the best 2 up. Well I don't think that is true. 300+ pounds and it drove like it was just me. No problems getting to and staying @ 65 mph. I thought to myself wounder what these folks are talking about ;D

As for taking a passenger around... Well I just took the old lady around town to get the feel of things and off we went. You can tell a difference but that is to be expected. Practice makes perfect.. Take the safety course WITH your wife and maybe she will just get her own and you wont have to worry about a passenger!!

Title: Re: Possible passenger?
Post by Rockin_John on 05/14/07 at 21:30:23

I assure you that for "country lane" putting at 30-55mph the weight you are talking about is not much of a factor for the Savage. It will thump right along. What are points of consideration are the small rear pillion pad, and the ability of the two of you to coordinate riding together.