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Message started by the2012 on 07/19/07 at 00:27:32

Title: performance questions
Post by the2012 on 07/19/07 at 00:27:32

hi everyone,
this is my first bike, i love it to death. after riding it for a while now, i find myself wanting more power from the machine. (or at least one more gear!!) i have looked everywhere for "performance parts" and im not really sure what to look for.. i mean, really i just want to know a few things: is there such a thing as a stroker kit for a savage? does anyone know if the later model trannysl mount to the older blocks? it kills me on the interstate wth only 4 gears!! also, i see some of you guys have what looks like the carb poking out from the side of the bike... totally awesome.. what are those called and where can i get them? i read a little of a carb tutorial on here, can i just get bigger jets, is that how it works?

really, i just want some more power, if you guys have any sugestions...

..feel free to become creative here, any input on how to juice this bad boy up, let me know

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by skrapiron on 07/19/07 at 05:20:38

I'm sorry, but having progressed up the food chain of small displacement bikes (I started with a 50cc scooter..) all I can say is 'What'?

If you think that the Savage is under powered, go buy yourself a 50cc scooter (you can get one for about $900.00) and ride it around for a month. Then get yourself a 125cc scooter, then a 150cc scooter, then a 250cc scooter. After you've riddin those for a while, get back on the Savage. The minute you crack the throttle, you're going to say 'Wow' again...

In the mean time, you can swap the carb, upgrade to an open air filter (such as a k&n cone) and swap the exhaust. The above mods should free up a few extra HP, but it's never going to have the snap or the power of a sport bike.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by LANCER on 07/19/07 at 05:33:27

What is the budget you're working with?

If you are looking for something quick, simple and relatively inexpensive, then just stick with replacing the stock muffler with a Sportster muffler (or similar muffler from an assortment of sources)and rejetting the carburetor to match. That can be done for abouit $50-100.
This will produce a very nice increase performance and exhaust sound.

Beyond that, you're looking at changing the carb and/or camshaft. That will run about $500 for both just for the parts. Are you doing the work yourself or need professional help? More $$ there possibly.
This will produce a very significant boost in power, felt from just off idle all the way to redline... I call it the Savage Beast Package.

Performance Carb Kit
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120140850232&rd=1,1

Performance Camshaft
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&sspagename=STRK%3AMEUS%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120140856453&rd=1,1

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by the2012 on 07/19/07 at 11:15:16

excellent, that's the stuff im looking for. (although i think i will stick wth the savage rather than trade in for a 50cc).

i have heard people talking about their savages' front ends lfting up during accelleration, mine most certainly DOES NOT.. am i missing out on somethiing? does my bike just not have the power it is supposed to? could my clutch be slipping or something? ... in the back of my head i keep hearing this little voice telling me "nitrous.. nitrous.."

one more question. on the first page of the rider pics, one guy has this killer seat with the springs. its the first bike i think. do you guys know where i can find that?

if you guys can imagine im trying to build a pretty nasty rat-rod with this savage, any more suggestions would be great, thanks again.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by YonuhAdisi on 07/19/07 at 13:41:50

All I can really tell you is keep reading this forum, most of the performance mods on here are not store bought but several of us just tinkering until we get something we like. Then most of us will post step by step how to's either in this section or the Tech-ref section. That is where I usually get all my mod ideas and how to.

Basically with this particular bike, the performance mods are achieved with tinkering and minor adjustments and sometimes flat out ingenuity and imagination. The only actual purpose built performance parts for the Savage/S40 are built by the guys and gals on this forum. Such as the High performance cam and piston, Tkat fork brace, and a few others.

And have no fear of asking questions, the folks on here love answering questions and giving ideas.

In fact I am in the process of making some extended forward controls for my bike using the idea from the tech sec posted by Nightrain. I'm modifying his instructions a little bit but am still using his over all design.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by skrapiron on 07/19/07 at 20:06:16

Seriously,now. What's the obsession with wanting more power?

The bike will already out accelerate almost any cager you will come across, it will easily cruise at 80mph (with power to spare) and it will run 55mph up a 10% grade at half throttle.

I mean, how much more power can you possibly need?

You could always look at a larger displacement bike, but larger displacement usually means more weight. More weight ususally means a slower bike. There's a reason my carbeurated 650cc Savage can easily out accelerate a fuel injected Boulevard C50T. The Boulevard is nearly 600lbs....

Anyway, What more can you want from the bike? Like I said before, you're never going to give it the performance of a crotch-rocket. (I'm just asking, one enthuiast to another.... Not trying to start anything..)

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by LANCER on 07/19/07 at 20:37:43

For this Savage rider, I just like the expanded torque curve. Yes, I did get a bit more top end along the way, but the main thing was to raise and broaden the torque curve... because that is where the fun is. Torque accelerates, torque pulls, torque is just plain fun.
When ridng on the road, state highway, interstate, whatever, the speed rarely exceeds 85mph and when riding with any other cruisers (regardless of make or model) it is a "cat and mouse" game ... MIGHTY MOUSE that is. Zooming around up to 85 pr 90 is a blast, though that is limited to short isolated blasts in clear and open areas where saftey can be assured.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by justin_o_guy on 07/20/07 at 05:26:20

After messing with it a bit I do have to watch how I use the clutch & throttle in a full on acceleration from a stop. The front end will come up. A stock Savage isnt near as savage as one thats been massaged a bit. Stick a free flowing exhaust on it & rejet the carb. Then, if it needs more, open the intake up. If it needs more, stick a cam in it & go to a better carb. If it needs more, get a crotch rokkit!
You can have fun messing with this bike. The folks on this forum will help along the way.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by LANCER on 07/20/07 at 05:34:29

justin_o_guy wrote:

justin_o_guy ... dude, how is your milage situation working out?

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by justin_o_guy on 07/20/07 at 12:15:59

My daughter has been riding it & I havent been able to get a tank thru it to see lately. I guess I need to just take it out & do that. It would be a good opportunity to use a couple of the plugs Reelthing gave me when we were down at his place.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by the2012 on 07/20/07 at 12:20:48

skrapiron wrote:

Seriously,now. What's the obsession with wanting more power?

if you show me a machine, i'll show you a man who wants to make it go faster.

skrapiron, maybe it's because i'm young and senseless? i just think there is this air of curiousity that surrounds cars and motorcycles that begs their operators to wonder, "how quick can i make this sucker?"

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by skrapiron on 07/21/07 at 09:17:11

Ok, I can buy that.. I was young and reckless once too... (had more money than sense, my father always said).

Anyway, good luck in your pursuit.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by justin_o_guy on 07/21/07 at 11:12:40

Not dead certain but I think the 4 speed has a taller high gear than the 5 speed. so your engine would be running slower at 70 mph with the 4 speed. IF I remember what I read right.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by verslagen1 on 07/21/07 at 15:33:30

My '96 turns 5000 rpm's at 76mph. And I think the 4speed's were geared for the same top end. ;D

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by clarkj35 on 07/23/07 at 19:09:07

Has anyone put the cam shaft-carb upgrade on their bike? If so did you notice nice gains and still have drivability, durability, reliability,etc...? MPG up or down? If so how drastic? And finally was it worth the money?

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by LesGolden on 07/24/07 at 21:35:37

About a 50% increase in power. It is very noticable. Drivability is still fine, takes off with no clutch slipping and no loss in low end pull. I thought it was well worth it. Just make sure to do the cam chain tensioner mod at the same time.

I must add, that increase assumes a more open exhaust and air filter.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by clarkj35 on 07/24/07 at 22:13:28

Thanks for the feedback. Will keep this in mind when I have a bit of extra cash around. Hey, my birthday is soon. Now I know what to ask for. Like that will go over well with the missus.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by cx500_Rider on 09/28/07 at 09:52:55

I was looking on e-bay and saw new jets which are very reasonably priced, so I'm tempted to buy a set.

However, they lead you to believe the this is a 30 minute swap. This would lead me to believe that the jets could be changed with the carb still on the bike.

Is this the case, or are they saying that once the carb is out of the bike it's a 30 minute job?

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by verslagen1 on 09/28/07 at 10:11:08

The jets can be changed with the carb on the bike. drop the bowl and they're right there, just hard to see.

Loosen the clamps on the carb and twist to one side for easier access. Or use a mirror to see what you are doing. ;D

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by cx500_Rider on 09/28/07 at 10:57:12

AWESOME!!!! :D

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by gary_ona_savage on 09/28/07 at 11:30:09

cx500_Rider wrote:

I was looking on e-bay and saw new jets which are very reasonably priced, so I'm tempted to buy a set.

I bought mine at the local Cycle Gear shop for a lot less an no shipping. Check local before you buy those on ebay.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by Savage_Rob on 09/28/07 at 12:13:12

Mikuni jets can often be had at the local HD dealer.

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by grandpa on 09/28/07 at 13:55:11

Some of the folks have switched from the belt drive to chain drive. This allows you much more flexibility to adjust your overall gear ratio. Do a search for 'Chain Drive Conversion'. It's pretty indepth about ratio's etc. If I remember right, the recommended gears for most folks gives 70 mph when the speedometer says 60 mph. The RPM change makes a huge difference at highway speeds as far as vibration etc. I am wanting to do that but I am waiting for different belt sprockets maybe. Been a long time since I had to keep a chain clean. I love that belt drive!!!

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by barry68v10 on 09/28/07 at 14:39:49

I'm one that has done the chain conversion. 17/43 sprockets with 530 chain. Love it and won't go back, but it all depends on what you want. I demand a bike that can cruise at 70-75 mph and have ample acceleration left if I need it. I have that now. I can go 80-85 for extended periods if I need to, but the wind blast gets a little tiring at that point so I don't do it much. The real question is: What are you looking for? If you want a 150mph sport bike you're barking up the wrong tree. If you want a quick and manuverable cruiser, you've come to the right place. ;D

Title: Re: performance questions
Post by LANCER on 09/28/07 at 18:06:47

the2012 wrote:

young and senseless? i just think there is this air of curiousity that surrounds cars and motorcycles that begs their operators to wonder, "how quick can i make this sucker?"

Young and senseless? Ahhhhh. I am older and sensable and definitely believe that any machine, especially one that you ride for fun, is made to be tinkered with in order to improve "efficiency". I consider efficiency to be more usable torque, power and responsiveness ... within practical reason of course.

Sooo, go forth and tinker!
;D