|
SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> old savage same as new s40?..also good beginner? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1194917829 Message started by SoNew on 11/12/07 at 17:37:09 |
|
Title: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginner? Post by SoNew on 11/12/07 at 17:37:09 Hi I am considering buying a savage/s40 as my first bike....it was highly pushed by a dealer, and I did like the feel a whole lot (my only concern is that it goes against the newbie power/handling warnings). So first question- is this a good beginner bike? Honestly! Or a better second bike when comfortable...I am SO green and didn't even totally trust the 125 I took my safety course on (u-turns, not my friend yet!). 2nd question, is a used savage (specifically a 2000) going to handle the same way as th 07 I looked at at the dealer? If not- are there any years that people would say are most "forgiving" bikes? Thanks! |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by bill67 on 11/12/07 at 17:50:34 Your better off buy new if you can . You buy used your buying someone elses troubles |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by T-Mack1 on 11/12/07 at 18:10:06 I've had a Honda 175, Honda 250 and now the '01 Savage. As for the power, big thing to remember is that you don't have to use full throttle. But it is nice to have just in case a car (cager) does something dumb. ALso, as you become more comfortable with riding, you will be happy that you didn't go smaller. Big thing for all bikes is , how well it stops. Of my three bikes, the LS650 stops the best. Probably could stop better with a rear disc brake, but.... I have locked up the rear already, so a disc would have locked faster. As for a 2000 handling any different than a 2007...well if the 2000 had equal miles as the 2007 and new tires, then they should be real close to the same. But I would hazard to guess they don't have same mileage. SO handling may be slightly different. New tires help a lot. Mod's you can put on help a ton too. And agreed will Bill, if you can affort new do it. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by T140V on 11/12/07 at 18:14:15 The Savage is my wife's first bike. She loves it. She was a little concerned with power and weight just like you but I told her it wasn't that much different as far as weight was concerned. Power is relative to how much do you need or want at the time you twist the throttle. My opinion is it's a great first bike. What's the mileage and how much does the person want for it? |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by PhotoProf on 11/12/07 at 19:09:45 I'm probably old school but when I started riding, a 650 was a BIG bike. My early miles were primarily on a Honda CL100. I'm glad I started small and worked up... building confidence and riding skills. Next came a 350 Honda which was a great bike. My largest bike was a Yamaha 750 and am now back to the 650 which is one of the most enjoyable bikes I've had. Having worked up to large seem to work well for me... not having to worry about dumping a bigger machine fit my learning curve. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by verslagen1 on 11/12/07 at 19:14:58 Check the weights of the bikes you're looking at. The savage is only 350 lbs. What's your goal? Street only, a 250 will be ok. Freeway, you'll want the 650. As for power, from the factory it's just right. Last year I was just a green as you as far as power bikes are concerned. Yet with a little extra twist the power is there. Lots of torque to get you started though. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by justin_o_guy2 on 11/12/07 at 20:14:27 If I had known this forum was here & that I could do the maintenance I woulda bought used, IF I could have found one close by. But, I thought I needed tha warranty so I went for new. But, is it a good Starter bike? Yep. I had not ridden in over 20 years & had been in very poor health for over 10 years when I got on it. I am 52 & no even close to heaslthy, but I can hold that thing up. Anyone can handle this bike. You will see people from all walks doing their own maintenance. Impressively, I might add. Grab one & join the group. You will never be sorry. It has enough get up & go to make a beginner happy & when yoiu get ready for more performance, it is just a few simple mods away. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by Paladin on 11/12/07 at 22:40:36 Compared with the Kawasaki 125 Eliminator used by the MSF the Savage is 0.8" higher in the saddle on a 0.4" longer wheelbase. Due to the larger engine, the Savage is 25% heavier -- 352 vs. 282 pounds. Not unmanageable, and you get a "beginner" motorcycle that can keep you happy indefinitely. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by clueless on 11/13/07 at 08:27:32 When I started looking for a bike again, number one on my list was maintenance. One piston, 4 valves, one carb. What I did not realize.....what a deal!!! Most versatile, easy to work on , and fun motorcycle you will find! I've even ridden in the dirt ( that was an adventure!!) |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by Moofed on 11/13/07 at 08:58:55 I bought my '02 Savage in August with less than 1k miles. My prior riding experience consisted solely of 45 minutes in a parking lot on a '76 Yamaha XS650. After riding that 500 pound bike in circles my hands were pretty sore from pushing on the bars. Even though it was for sale really cheap, I didn't feel safe on it. Instead I found my Savage and 1k miles and a few minor mods later (carb spacer and seat lift), I am very pleased with it. People tell newbies not to get a big displacement bike not so much because it has too much power, but because that power usually comes with a large increase in the bike's mass, making it hard to handle. Happily, the Savage is an exception to this rule. 8) Then again, if you are not trusting a 125... Sounds like a test ride is needed if you haven't already. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by Dave48 on 11/13/07 at 12:43:50 First post here, so no wish to be controversial but I'm with earlier comment: "I'm probably old school but when I started riding, a 650 was a BIG bike. " OTOH my very first bike was a 250 Rickman Metisse Bultaco, just about street-legaled! Slowly worked up to a 750 K7 and then....22 year gap. Re-started witha 250 - seemed about right! Reckon if not ENTIRELY comfortable with a 125, then a 650 however "single" and light not the greatest of ideas! And thanks to Hutch from the RE USA Forum for sign-posting me here! |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by bill67 on 11/13/07 at 13:09:21 You don't say if your boy are girl and how big you are. In a way a small bike isn't as safe. I started with 200 and 2 month later bought a 550 which was a bigger bike than the s40.To me at 65 the s40 feel to light. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by Polar_Pilot on 11/13/07 at 15:47:38 2nd question, is a used savage (specifically a 2000) going to handle the same way as th 07 I looked at at the dealer? Any S40 or Savage all the way back to 1986 will handle the same. Other than the switch from a 4 speed to a 5 speed transmission in 1996 there have only been cosmetic changes and a few minor design changes over the last 21 years. Weights angles engine etc have also seen minor changes but nothing of much consequence to power. So an old Savage is going to ride pretty much exactly the same as a new S40 |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by Paladin on 11/13/07 at 15:49:08 Dave48 wrote:
While not my first bike, it was my longest riden bike -- a 1974 Yamaha DT175 Enduro (what they now call dual sport.) Don't recall, but probably under 250 pounds, "freeway legal" but only so I could ride from the campground to the dirt via the interstate. Stock it topped at about 60 -- I replaced the countershaft sprocket with a pair that gave me top ends of 50 for dirt and 70 for street. I rode that 175cc two-stroke single from early '74 thru late '86 both dirt and on the streets of Greater Los Angeles. Never did "out grow it." Did get a GS450E in the early '80's, rode to Seatle and back to L.A. where it got stolen. The 175 by then was so ratty I normally left the key in the ignition -- proably could have place a sign on it "Please steal me!" and no one would. This time around the dual sport option was not available in a seat height that would allow me to flat foot it; not to mention I don't play in the dirt any more -- maybe later. So I went for a cruiser. Just about settled on the GS250 when I noticed the specs on the Savage. Just 50 pounds heavier, same small size to fit my aging 5'8.5" body -- why not?? If you got the legs for a dual sport and a place to go play in the dirt you might consider something like the 200-250 cc range. Really depends on where and how you'll be riding. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by bennyc on 11/13/07 at 15:56:10 I was just like you a few months back-I took the MSF course and that was really the first time I rode a motorcycle-an Eliminator 125. As far as a first bike-I could not be happier with the S40 (I got a new 07). It has the right amount of power, the weight is right, etc. It is also nice that it has a little room to grow with you as you get more confident on the bike. I really feel a smaller cc bike would have left me wanting more. GO FOR IT!!! 8) |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by bill67 on 11/13/07 at 17:32:25 Then again does and old car handle as good as a new one. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by joeh100 on 11/13/07 at 19:15:45 SoNew, I just bought mine Saturday. I was a little shaky for a couple of hours, and nervous as hell the first time I got on the highway. I've been riding for a couple of days now and I already feel very confident on it. Probably a bad thing! ;D It is my first bike also and I was actually considering buying bigger, but didn't because of the prices. By the way, I'm a small guy, about 5'10, 150. It doesn't have scary power to me, but might after the rejet ::) I haven't taken the safety course but I'm guessing that you didn't get much practice. As someone told me in another post "Time in the saddle" is very important. The real skills come from experience. So far I am very happy with it. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by joeh100 on 11/13/07 at 19:34:29 This is a little off topic, but as a new rider how should I handle this. Today I was riding and looked in my mirror and all I saw was a chrome grill from an 18 wheeler. I wasn't in a situation where I could let him pass so I sped up, but he stayed right with me. I finally got to a place where I could let him pass and he cuts right back in front of me, very close. I had to find a place to pull over and clean my shorts if you know what I mean. He was intentionally being an A$$ hole. It's bad enough for a car, but a big truck would never be able to stop if he had to. Should I report a driver like this to the DOT or just the cops. Can't report that one because I don't remember anything specific about the truck now :-/ Oh well, just a rant I guess, ~Joe |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by SoNew on 11/13/07 at 22:51:20 Thanks everyone...I can't believe how many responses! :) I'm going to go feel them all out again...but feel much more confident to go with what feels best. I'll keep you posted! |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by greidel on 11/14/07 at 01:45:46 I bought an '06 S40 as a first bike a week after taking the MSF course. Prior to that, I had only a 50cc scooter (which is a completely different animal). I was a little shakey on it for a week or 2. Stalled it at an intersection on the way home, almost lurched into a guiderail. I half-dropped it in a parking lot, scuffing a peg. But after that, I was glad I didn't get a smaller bike. I would have been disappointed in the top speed. Within a month, I was riding it from Lancaster, PA to Frederick, MD. I now have 1,800 miles on it in 3 months and it is still challenging me. I have locked up the back tire (girl cager turned left) and I have spun the back wheel pulling into traffic. I see these as good things because I consider this my beginner bike and they mean I am finding the limits. This bike has been a forgiving teacher and still has lessons for me. BTW, the s40 is listed as a beginner bike on this greate site: http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/MotorcycleIntroA.html |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by LANCER on 11/14/07 at 03:25:52 Very interesting website. I especially like the plain truth style in part of the explanation why a beginner should not get a sport bike ... "it will kill you", and then goes on to give some examples of pro football players who in spite of being strong and having quicker reflexes than most of the population have nearly killed themselves on a powerful sportbike that was more than they could handle. EXCELLENT INFO ! ;) |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by mornhm on 11/14/07 at 05:51:17 I think the Savage is a better choice for beginners than a 250 simply because it's easier to ride - less chance of a well running Savage bogging down than a 250 when the rider doesn't get enough revs (common beginner problem from my observations), and the power comes on pretty smoothly to a manageable level. Another real advantage a Savage has is the ability to flat foot the MC for all but the shortest people (who aren't going to be able to flat foot other MC's either). Personally there are other choices out there for a beginner, but none significantly better than the Savage. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by Paladin on 11/14/07 at 06:14:04 The Savage is acknowledged as a good beginner's bike. What is not widelt acknowledged is that it is a good final bike -- look at the number of us with many decades of riding experience who ride Savages. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by skatnbnc on 11/14/07 at 06:40:46 joeh100 wrote:
YES - you can report him, but be prepared. License plate is good, and if it was a private rig pulling a company trailer, get both info. (the 800 number off the trailer and the state stickers on the side of the rig.) Problem is it is often too difficult to get all this while being tailed and harrassed. As an added bonus, most cops don't care UNLESS you also see another infraction that can be fined such as lights out, overweighted truck, wrong state stickers on the rig or other 'physical' thing they can ticket. These are times when I would like my magic helmet camera working.... |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by Paladin on 11/14/07 at 09:38:08 Doesn't matter if you do have that camera ready: http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/000869.html Sent e-mail to Forward Air about their law breaking employee. No response so I assume it is company policy to break the law if you feel like it. |
|
Title: GREAT beginner bike. Post by Stimpy on 11/14/07 at 18:35:04 Yes, a savage is a perfect first bike ;) - Light - Quick - Nimble - Stable (even w/passenger!) - Lots of power if you chose, or need, to use it - Solid quality - Not too big, not too small. - Great for weekends, daily commute or even cross-county - And how do $10-20 bucks of gasoline a month sound! ;D You MUST not buy new; you can buy "previously owned" from the stealership (or private) with low miles (less than 2,000mi and no more than a couple of years old should be fine) and ask for some form of warranty on paper. This way your price will drop dramatically! 2008 Suzuki Boulevard S40 MSRP $4399.00 (new) 2007 Suzuki Boulevard S40 MSRP $3899.00 (new) 2006 Suzuki Boulevard S40 MSRP $2999.00 (used <2K) 2000 Suzuki Boulevard S40 MSRP $1799.00 (used <20K) Good Luck & welcome noob. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by kingcrowofoctober on 11/17/07 at 20:48:13 I bought a 2006 S40 with 1700 miles on it. Trailered it home where I learned to ride it from scratch. I'm 5'11 and 250 pounds and this bike fits my frame pretty well. It has plenty of spunk (torque) when the throttle is called upon.~~~I liked it so much I bought a 2007 for my wife to get back into riding. These S40 bikes are more fun than a barrel of monkies. I don't think you'd regret getting one! Oh, yeah I prefer mine with a bit louder pipes than my wifes stock muffler. Most important thing is just get out there and ride. ;) |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by J Mac on 11/21/07 at 21:00:24 I disagree that you have to get "new". I love to get "new", but one reason I'm not further ahead these days than I am is because of too much "new" (cars, cycles, etc.) in my past. I found my 2003 Savage this past Spring for $2400 w/1700 miles on it. It was nearly new condition with a couple defects due to a standing drop on its side. Motorcycles are unique in that you can often find them in like-new condition with low miles for much, much less than current-year prices. You'll never find low-mileage late-model cars at a bargain price. There's always the possibility that the rider(s) abused them, but it's quite likely they just sat in the garage due to the owners' fear, disillusionment, or lack of time to ride them. I'd venture to say there are riders out there who would caution you to NEVER buy new. Why give the "stealership" that unfair depreciation? Someday I'll extend that theory to cars :P. Cars are a bit different, though, because the new-car warranties now are ridiculously long. Cycles are still at the cheesy 1-year warranty period I think. That being said, Japanese cycles are high-quality, and my guess is that warranty claims are low compared to cars. Anyway, a used sport bike might be a gamble due to the potential for past abuse, but a used low-mileage Savage / S40 is likely a safe bet. My local stealership turns me off, and I'm glad I did not purchase from them. |
|
Title: Re: old savage same as new s40?..also good beginne Post by Trippah on 11/22/07 at 15:13:56 Logically, as an inexperienced rider you really do not know if you will still want to be riding in a year. If money is not a issue (that is 1-1.5 K extra for new) then buying new makes sense as there seems to be three reasons to leave a motorcycle 1) You dont want to ride anymore (boredom, fear, extra hassles putting on gear etc) 2) you gain experience and want to move up/down or accross to bigger, smaller different style of ride, or 3) you get tired with a specific bike/model/brand because its unreliable. So why buy new, it will probably rule out the issue of reliability which can really turn you off. If you hold off on mods (modifications) until you determine if the bike is close to what you want, you will then be able to sell it easier to move on/up/over/down/ or away from bikes as suits your needs. Can't beat used if you need to save the 1K though ;D Of course, you might like us, love the bike and then mod away. |
|
Title: used vs. new Post by Stimpy on 11/25/07 at 12:16:59 ...then again, if you have it $$$, buy new. Basically because the ENTIRE life of that engine depends on how you ride those first 500-800 miles. That is the reason why my 1997' with 6,500mi (about 4000 of those are mine) is burning oil and smoking out the tailpipe a bit. I mean, it strill runs like a champ and pulls like a tractor (almost 90mph top speed ;D) but the truth is that it will need rings and a new piston before it hits 10k. (but I allready have everything except the piston, hey! where was that piston buy group ;) ) God knows what the previous owner did to the poor thing during it's first couple of 100miles. ...I guess as with everything else in life, it's a luck thing. |
|
SuzukiSavage.com » Powered by YaBB 2.2! YaBB © 2000-2007. All Rights Reserved. |