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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> I need expert comparison. Please help /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1194376144 Message started by shaliloglu on 11/06/07 at 11:09:04 |
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Title: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by shaliloglu on 11/06/07 at 11:09:04 All, I am a new rider and has been riding a SV650S. Love the bike but it is not a comfortable ride after a while. It is a Vtwin and really owesome bike.. I am looking at a Savage 650. How do these compare on the power.? torque.? etc. I am about 6ft - 180 so I hope the savage will not be too low a ride.... Will I like the Savage as much as the SV650S. It had got to be more comfortable than the SV. Anyone have experience on both (or similar) bikes that can tell me more. Will the Savage handle a passanger. ?I want to take the wife on some rides......Thanks in advance.. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by thumperclone on 11/06/07 at 11:20:12 i haul my wife our combined is 300# + got the shocks set to 4 out of 5 being the stiffest... i have no complaints about my 06 ls 650 solo or two up,im 5' 10" have pegs on the engine guard next mod is for offset clamps to move those pegs forward, i like the kick back feel on hwy rides.. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by slavy on 11/06/07 at 11:40:04 I have both bikes. The SV is twise the bike the LS is. At the same CCs, You are getting a lot more speed, I'd say the same pull from the line , and way better handling. The LS gas-mileage is better at lower speeds, but about 75-80, it is about the same /43-44 mpg/. If You are thinking, the LS is a comfortable bike after 1.5 hrs of riding, think again /just read the posts about the numerous attempts to modify the seat/. Where the LS is better- Short trips, tight turns in the parking lots, quisk runs to places close by. Also the LS is a lot lower and narrower, so it is an excellent bike for a shorter person. I have both bikes, but I ride my Savage every day and I hadn't ridden the SV about a month. Both bikes are fun, but the LS is more fun. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by barry68v10 on 11/06/07 at 13:16:01 SV650 has about 65 hp. LS650 has about 31 hp. HOWEVER, the LS650 engine beats the SV650 engine from idle to about 4000 rpms based on published torque and hp curves. If you have an SV650 now, I'll give you the same advise I gave my best friend about a year ago...Keep it, drive it into the ground, then re-evaluate, unless you have the means to keep two bikes ;) |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by verslagen1 on 11/06/07 at 13:40:49 What's not comfortable? All bikes need a little adjustment to make it yours. I put new bars and seat on mine to make it mine. You may have to do the same. ;D |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by shaliloglu on 11/06/07 at 14:04:20 Thanks all for the advise. I found the seat gets very uncomfy after about an hours ride. Also, the bars ar too low and forward for me. Middle age does not help either. Another issue is the SV not really geared for a passenger. I tired it a couple of times but not much luck. I want a cruiser that can handle 2 people any now thinking maybe LS may not be the best entry level cruiser for that either.? Maybe others can chime in with more.. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by barry68v10 on 11/06/07 at 14:10:39 shaliloglu wrote:
I'll have to disagree here...I weigh about 220 and recently took a rode trip with a 200+ lb pillion (don't ask ::) I have a 17/43 chain and had NO PROBLEMS at all. (higher gear ratio than stock) At any legal speed, with or without a pillion, the LS650 can handle it. It has the best torque to 4000 rpms of anything of comparable size on the road. I attribute it to the square bore configuration (3.7" bore x 3.7" stroke) I wouldn't hesitate to take my wife on a trip if she'd ever get over the last time we had a car try to run us off the rode about 14 years ago... :'( |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by rigidchop on 11/06/07 at 17:58:56 i agree with changing the bike to make it fit you. a set of risers or different handlebars can fix your too far forward problem. the sv is one of the most popular bikes out now, i cant imagine them not having great aftermarket support. better than the savage anyway. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Paladin on 11/07/07 at 09:51:33 shaliloglu wrote:
Sounds to me like you'ld be happier on a Volusia. Get a Mustang saddle for $450 with 16" driver and 12" passenger widths. If I didn't love the agility and simplicity of the Savage I'd be on a Volusia. Corbin makes a set of saddles for the SV650. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Paladin on 11/07/07 at 11:24:45 The above was posted from the VW dealer (Wendy's cage being fixed.) Stopped by Del Amo Suzuki on the way home and sat on a couple of bikes. For me: The SV has this lean forward position that is a stopper for me -- can't ride with just one hand. The Volusia (C50) saddle is FAR better than either the SV or the LS -- about 16" wide, stock, nice large floorboards. The handlebars are too wide and too far forward for me -- probably just right for a six footer. The Burgman 650 is intriguing. Very low leg lift to mount, which my knees appreciate. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by verslagen1 on 11/07/07 at 11:51:40 shaliloglu wrote:
For the price, agility, ease of maintenance and seating position (not the actual seat), this may be best entry level available. Handle bar are 1" diameter, the stock size for most all cruisers. Many shapes and sizes readily available. Seat height is low, allowing you to easily place your feet on the ground. Something you really need when taking a passenger. If rider/passenger comfort is essential, spend the money you saved on custom seating. 2 tractor seats for all day comfort. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by barry68v10 on 11/07/07 at 12:42:29 Paladin wrote:
Dare I even say it? If I were looking for a commuter tomorrow that I could take on some trips and occasionally take a passenger, I'd opt for a Burgman 400. It has a 100 mph top speed and gets as good or better mpg then the LS 650, while still being a "thumper"... Also, better protection from the elements than a Goldwing. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Reelthing on 11/07/07 at 14:21:40 Paladin wrote:
sure agree there - seems kinda strange to ride - man watch out for your left hand - that ain't no clutch! and they will haul tail - run off and leave a lot of bikes that are picking on them |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Paladin on 11/07/07 at 18:12:50 I've been switching between vehicles all my life, vans, trucks, sports cars, motorbikes -- stick, auto, and even a Dodge Gyromatic. I drive an american auto as taught by 1950's vintage Detroit Cops -- left foot braking. On a stick I double clutch and heel-and-toe. Never a problem switching vehicles until we got matching '03 and '04 New Beetles -- one automatic and one stick. And that confusion only lasted a month. The seating on the Bergman is so different, not to mention missing foot controls, that I do not see switching between rides to be a problem for me. Not to mention that with a Bergman in the garage I could bob the Savage. ;D |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by bill67 on 11/07/07 at 18:21:42 I remember the Dodge Gyromatic in 1953 it had a clutch. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Paladin on 11/08/07 at 05:56:50 :D That's the one I had! :D My first car. The little 240 cid Hemi V8. 2 speed auto coupled with a 2 speed stick. 9-year-old dark blue four door, front end damage, affectionally named The Galloping Warthog. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by skatnbnc on 11/08/07 at 07:39:35 shaliloglu wrote:
I don't know of too many people out of those on this list who have NOT done the seat mod for better long distance comfort. The LS is great for passengers. I carry a bear on mine with no trouble at all (will eventually post photo). ;) The best entry level cruiser is the one that fits you the best. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Capt._Ron on 11/08/07 at 13:54:35 OK kids, I have to jump in here and subject myself to whatever ridicule you might wish to impart due to my newbieness. Like the originator of this thread, I am looking for a bike that can take myself and the wifey for long weekend rides and occassionally 300-500 mile trips. I can adjust on the comfort issue. The bottom line questions for me are: 1. Does the LS650/S40/Savage have the guts (power) to haul 400-500 pounds of people and gear and still travel highway speeds? I live on the coastal plains of Texas so hills are not much of an issue. 2. Is it reliable enough to last moving those kinds of loads. I have read an awful lot about the dreaded cam chain failures and this concerns me greatly. I currently ride a GZ250 and am a member of that forum. I have seen no mention of cam tensioner issues for that engine. Funds are limited, especially this time of year,I can't afford to make the wrong choice. A little serious advice? |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by youzguyz on 11/08/07 at 14:07:59 According to the manual, GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) for the LS650 is 785 pounds. That is how much it will carry (including itself). So, bike weighs in around 352 pounds, which leaves you 433 pounds for you, your 2nd in command, and any cargo you wish to carry. As far as "is there enough power?", will depend on how well it is running, and power mods done. In other words.. I dunno. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by barry68v10 on 11/08/07 at 16:01:42 Capt._Ron wrote:
Recently took a daytrip...me 220 lbs, pillion maybe another 220 lbs, plus 40-50 lbs of stuff. Not a bit short on power, but no 7% grades at 1 mile+ altitude either... Do you live in the mountains, at sea level, etc. That will make a difference. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Reelthing on 11/08/07 at 20:25:45 Capt._Ron wrote:
Guess I look at it as more of a 1-up bike - wonderful in town - very good on back roads - highway speeds - guess that all depends on what you mean. I can have the '02 down at the bridge sometime you can give it a go and see what you think |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by verslagen1 on 11/08/07 at 20:55:21 Capt._Ron wrote:
1. I'd say yes, just ask dr_jim and his boat hauling sidecar. 2. I might avoid 110° weather while doing it, but with proper maitenance even the cam chain isn't a problem. 3. Used bikes are easily found between $1 & 2k. Know of better bargain? |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by shaliloglu on 11/09/07 at 05:27:05 All, I know it depends on a lot of factor but what would a 96 savage with 8K miles be worth.? Seems to be in very good shape , with no issues.? Private seller wants 1,800 and agreed to 1,650. decent deal for me .? the buyer.. I really want to stay at 1,500 max. thanks |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Reelthing on 11/09/07 at 05:40:59 pretty good deal if it's in good shape - Kelly Blue Book has the retail price at $1905 http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/PricingReport.aspx?VehicleId=79015&ManufacturerId=48&VehicleClass=Motorcycle&PriceType=Retail&YearId=1996 and the trade-in value at $1255 http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/PricingReport.aspx?VehicleId=79015&ManufacturerId=48&VehicleClass=Motorcycle&PriceType=Trade-In&YearId=1996 |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Capt._Ron on 11/09/07 at 06:23:01 Barry, I live in Galveston, TX. The only mountains around here are called overpasses. Reelthing, very kind offer. I just may have to take you up on that. Any idea when you will be back down this way? Thanks for the friendly input everyone. I have noticed there are a lot of late model Vulcans and Shadows for sale in the area but the idea of a single cylinder really appeals to me. I guess I have a lot to think about. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by verslagen1 on 11/09/07 at 07:03:19 shaliloglu wrote:
one trick to knock the price down a bit, is to ask about all the little sounds it make and state of maitenance. Ask when the head bolts were last torqued and say way past due, should of been done every 5k. of course very few do. That should be good for $250. Ticking valves? Open up the drain valve on the bottom. Take a ruler to the tires, look up the tread depth. etc. etc. etc. |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Reelthing on 11/09/07 at 10:14:26 Capt._Ron wrote:
if I can get life together I'll head down in the truck this afternoon - what me to try to bring down the '02? |
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Title: Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Post by Capt._Ron on 11/09/07 at 10:41:01 If your coming down anyway, sure. Don't make a special trip just for me. I have to work tonight so I won't be able to hunt you down until tomorrow about noon. Let me know if you'll be there for sure and I will call you when I head out. And thanks. |
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