|
SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1214843462 Message started by Josh C on 06/30/08 at 09:31:01 |
|
Title: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Josh C on 06/30/08 at 09:31:01 I'm sure you get posts like this all the time, but I've spent awhile going through forums reading them, and I still can't make a decision. I live in NW arkansas and need a bike mainly for commuting to school. It's a brief drive with speed up to 55, and I will be riding 2 up at least 50% of the time at this speed. My wife is tiny and our combined weight is 270. I also want to be able to make the occasional trip home to see our families, or an occasional road trip. Nothing over 800 miles round trip, most of the time 400 miles round trip (maybe doing this once a month). Also, an occasional 10 mile interstate short cut would be nice, but I wouldn't mind making road trips on back highways at 55-60 mph. The main thing we want, though, is fuel efficiency. We're really poor and plan to be for awhile. The bike is really an investment to our future poorness, buying it now while I have a little money. Between the savage and the v-star 650 I've read a lot of different gas mileage claims, up to 60+ mpg for the both of them, but what I think I believe at this point is that the v-star's gonna get slightly less, maybe 5-10 mpg less. My gut is telling me to get a savage and deal with less power on longer trips. The low maintenance side of it sounds great, but it seems like the backfire mods and leak fixing will require a lot of initial work - which, as a complete newb - I have no idea how to do. I've read about drilling out the brass plug, turning the mixture screw, switchin' the spacer around the needle for a couple of #4 washers, etc - but reading is different than doing, and i don't even have a drill. Also, I've read alot on people needing to rejet, which I have no idea how to do and only a small idea what it means, but I usually like learning this stuff and picking it up. Once you turn the mixture screw, change the spacer, and maybe rejet - have I lost the fuel efficiency advantage over the v-star? If I'm gonna see less than 5 mpg difference between them, should I opt for the v-star to keep us powered during brief interstate travel? Thanks, sorry this is so long. Josh |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Charon on 06/30/08 at 09:38:57 I can't speak for the V-Star, but my wife tells me the Savage/S40 is not at all comfortable riding two-up. I believe the V-Star is a physically larger motorcycle, as well as a two-cylinder engine. I doubt there is any substantial difference in power or fuel economy. I would go to a dealership, with spouse in tow, and actually sit on both machines for a few minutes. Neither has a centerstand, so you will have to hold it up while she tries out the passenger seat. On the other hand, I suspect the MSRP of the V-Star is higher. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by bill67 on 06/30/08 at 09:39:15 I would say the v-star would be better,more room for two up,and the ride would be a lot better,smooth motor,lot more stable on freeways,the plus for s40 cost and a lite weight. some here will say s40 good for freeways and it can be done and and can be done on a 250 too. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by skrapiron on 06/30/08 at 09:51:07 Just get the V-Star. The Savage won't fit your needs at all. You'll hate it, you'll hate yourself for buying it and you'll trade up for a bigger bike in less than a year anyway. Neither bike is good for 2 up riding long distance. The Savage is good for a solo cruiser, but is small and the passenger pillion is cramped and uncomfortbale. The V-Star is much more comfortable and has enough room to stretch out, but the bike is UBER heavy and the 39hp 650cc engine feels sluggish. Its even worse on the interstate with 2 riders. If you're planning on any 2 up riding, you need to look in the 750cc and up range. I would suggest you look at the Honda Shadow (750), Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800) (not the S50. Same small frame as the S40, but with an 800cc engine squeezed in) or the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 (900cc). Yes, they're expensive. Yes they're heavy. But any of the 3 I mentioned above will carry you and a passenger on the interstate with no trouble. The Savage and the V-Star can, but it won't be comfortable and you'll be wishing for more power from day 1. My god. Did I really just type that???? |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Josh C on 06/30/08 at 10:19:08 The interstate travel I intend to do is so brief that I don't really want to sacrifice my real objective - good gas mileage - for about 10 minutes of comfort a couple times a month. Right now we drive a 150cc scooter into town on that 55 mph road, so I feel like anything is going to be a comfort increase, mpg decrease. I'm just looking for the best bike that can handle the task. The scooter is definitely being pushed a little too hard. A 20 miles round trip 55mph ride is what we'll be doing daily, sometimes twice daily. Riding around the town we ride to will be done daily as well (that's why the torquiness of the savage appealed to me). Interstate maybe twice a week for 10 miles, back highways for 400 miles round trip once a month max. Once a year maybe 800 mile round trip. We're generally not very picky when it comes to comfort, a lot more picky when it comes to price - but if its a general consensus that the savage is going to destroy my wife's ass on the kind of trips we'll be taking, I'll take it off my radar. I know a lot of people who have been telling me to go bigger displacement, and you're probably right. I just know that at 40 mpg I wouldn't ever drive it. I'd end up convincing myself to push the scooter once more, or I'd take the car and my mountain bikes for a longer excursion. I feel like an uncomfortable highway trip is just gonna be better than one that's too expensive. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by dills84 on 06/30/08 at 10:33:10 my buddy has a VStar 650 and in my opinion it is a hands down better bike than my savage. Its much larger, a 2 cylender for smoother highway speeds, and has a roomier back seat. on the other hand. i paid 1500$ and he paid 4200$. riding 2 up on my savage is NOT fun at all. my helmet keeps hitting my girlfriends helmet, and its very cramped. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Keith_T on 06/30/08 at 10:36:53 I almost bought a Vulcan 900. When researching it I saw a lot of folks that said it got in the high 40's for MPG. My Savage has been averaging 49 mpg. So I'm not sure the Kaw would be a huge penalty in MPG. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by serowbot on 06/30/08 at 10:45:44 I ride with a V-star, regularly. I get 60 to 65mpg on my Savage w/mods, he gets 50 to 55mpg. The V-star has more range on a tankfull. The Savage has better torque for take offs, the v-star is more stable in crosswinds. The V-star is way more comfortable for the rider but the pillion sucks on both. I would add padding to either one if I were going to go 2-up often. Either bike will do the job, and the Savage is more fun and easier to maintain. I like the Savage better, that's why I own one. And I'm notoriously thrifty. Got the feeling you guys are too. Shop around, buy a used one at the right price, and try it. If you don't like it, sell it for what you paid. I think you'll like it. Good luck! |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Josh C on 06/30/08 at 10:57:45 The only thing I've got like motorcycle repair experience is changing the motor/gear oil on my scooter and cleaning the air filter. Supposing I did get the savage, how difficult would those backfire mods going to be for me? Rejetting? I've read through the tech section, and was wondering if there's a place with similarly detailed instruction with some picture accompaniment. I'd really like to tinker with my bike a little (another reason why the Savage simplicity appealed to me), and a constant backfire would be a good motivator to get me started. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by dills84 on 06/30/08 at 10:59:06 mine didnt backfire until i changed the pipe. i think its luck of the draw, plus your location. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Dj12midnit on 06/30/08 at 11:11:22 So here is the thing. My wife did two hours on the Pillion saturday. and she did mention the seat could be more comfortable. but the bike had no problems. We took the twisties up and the freeway back. Went as fast as 70 with throtal to spare. And lets just say I alone weigh in at 280. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by verslagen1 on 06/30/08 at 11:31:17 I'd have to second serowbots opinion. But w/o this web family, i'd have been lost and afraid of doing any of the major maintenance myself. You say you're poor and the economics of ownership will make or break you. Then the decision is simple. Gas mileage will be a minor fator but the easiest to start with. Estimate miles per week/month whatever you want to work with. $/gal and you have your cost of travel. Cost for maitenance, oil change every 2k miles, 2 qts oil 1 filter for the savage. How many qts for the yamy? prices for the filters can be found at the dealer just ask. Also ask them cost for oil change if they did it. I assume there's a yami web site, do the same there that you're doing here, you should get the same enthousiastic reply, family you have to live with but you get to choose your friends. making the bike comfortably to you and the misses depends on how creative you want to be. There was a pillion extender shown here that you could make. It doesn't sound like either of you are very big, while tight by cager standards, certainly capable. Little bird may have looked like dust bowl itenerant worker but you can pack the bike like a mule and it will go w/o complaint. So there's some home work for you to do. And let the economics make the decision for you. And we'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by bill67 on 06/30/08 at 11:39:06 There was a 2004 v-star with 300 miles saddlebags and windshield in the paper yesterday for $3500, I called I wanted to take it for a ride,but it was sold and hour earlier. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by mornhm on 06/30/08 at 11:40:56 I think you can rely on the Savage to get over 50 mpg. I averaged 52 mpg over several thousand miles of all kinds of riding. I don't think you will get that with a V-star. For frugality it only makes sense to do your own wrenching. The Savage is much simpler to learn on than a V-Star. With the type of riding you are describing the Savage will do fine. You're not spending the money to get a Rolls Royce ride, so enjoy the breeze and the money you're saving - and the fact that you can still afford to make the ride. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Josh C on 06/30/08 at 11:45:43 It's been incredibly hard to calculate fuel costs, because its hard for me to get any real reliable prediction of mileage. Even in these last couple of posts numbers have gone from 49-65 mpg in the savage. Riding 2 up (270 lbs) at 50 mph speed, not too many lights, what should I expect? I know that mpg range is largely based on how you drive the thing. I have no motorcycle driving experience, but once I figure out how to drive it efficiently, I will for sure. By the way, thanks for all this help so far - I've already told my wife that I have a little more confidence in modding the bike because of the quick help here. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by SV og LS on 06/30/08 at 11:52:32 I'm sure Savage is at least slightly cheaper to run than V*. Passenger ergonomics is a problem. We had to add another bike for two up riding. What about GS500? Those things have been around since 1989, use less fuel than a Savage and also have a bit more space for two adults. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by SimonTuffGuy on 06/30/08 at 12:01:30 Josh - I just picked up an S40 about 2 months ago... First time riding a bike (not even a scooter or anything prior). My mileage ranges have been between 55 and 65, depending on where I'm going. A lot of my travels are short, in town trips, anywhere from .5 to 5 or 10 miles... I believe that's when I'm seeing the lower of the two numbers. On our several longer trips (anywhere from 60 to 100+ miles), I was seeing much higher. As for re-jetting and tuning the carb... You may not have to do anything to it... The backfire isn't horrible, generally just when you get off the gas after a good bit of acceleration (ie. Rip out at a stop sign and then get off the gas, you'll get a backfire). The backfire when you kill the engine is normal. People will say to tune the carb either way because the bike comes from the facrory running pretty lean. I think you would do alright driving it completely stock, as many people do, and be alright doing so. Good luck on your decision. -edit- Forgot to mention the 2-up for the S40... The girlfriend and I ride 2-up pretty often. We have a combined weight of about 250 lbs and we are both pretty small (I'm 5'6" and she's about 5'2") - We ride comfortably on the thing, except we have to make frequent (50-60 mile) stops because her butt gets numb. :P It's got more than enough power for us, even on highway rides up to 65-70 mph. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Jerry Eichenberger on 06/30/08 at 12:02:40 Josh - For what it's worth, I ride in central Ohio. Fairly flat country, a few very slight hills is all. Riding in the country, and in the suburban traffic to work and home, I average right at 55 mpg. I'm 61 years old, and drive like it. I seldom go to anywhere near full throttle going up thru the gears, and cruise on 2 lane roads between 50 and 55 mph. Mine is a 2006 S40. I do have an OEM windshield, which I presume helps the mileage a small amount. Leave your bike stock if you wish. The backfiring is no big deal, and can be almost totally eliminated if, as you decelerate, you just back off the throttle slowly, and not quite all of the way. It's sudden closure of the throttle that causes the most backfiring. I know nothing about the V Star, so I can't comment. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by serowbot on 06/30/08 at 12:15:09 50mph on the Savage is just about as slow as you can cruise in 5th gear. Riding 2 up, it might be happier at 55mph. I would expect maximum efficiency at around that speed. 60+mpg. Every little thing effects mileage on a bike. Flappy clothes, posture, humidity makes the air thicker, tire pressure..., count on 5 to 10 mpg better than the V-star. Tires are smaller and cheaper on the Savage too. Bikes wear tires out much faster than cars. New tires every 8 to 12k miles. When pennies count you have to think of everything. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by photojoe on 06/30/08 at 12:18:03 Just came back from a 30 mile ride up the coast with my gf. One the way back we picked up Indian food including rice and nan bread which gf held between us for about 8 miles back to the house. I'll admit that in stop & go traffic, the Savage is not quick off the line riding 2-up but once on the highway it's fine for me, and not one complaint from her. She rarely complains about anything though, I think she's just happy riding. She said that the sissy bar and backpad help a lot. We'll have to see if she feels the same way when we head out by Imlaystown and the surrounding areas in a few weeks. We'll be riding for most of the day. I sat on a V-star 650 the week before I bought this bike when I was looking around. It seems like a very comfortable machine for highway riding. Most of my riding is off highway, and the Savage is sweet in those conditions. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by skrapiron on 06/30/08 at 12:57:12 I think you discount the importance of rider comfort and are focusing too much on fuel economy. You'll soon learn that if the bike is not comfortable, you'll find some otherway of getting where you want to go. That includes trading it in for a bigger bike. Have you considered a Maxi-Scooter instead? Any one from the Yamaha Majesty, Suzuki Burgman, Piaggio X9 or Honda Silverwing will deliver 50+mpg and reasonably comfortable 2 up riding. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Gary On A Savage on 06/30/08 at 13:05:43 756D7467766F746968060 wrote:
I was thinking the same thing. I hear the Honda Helix scooter gets 60-65 MPG running flat out and 2 up. The smaller the engine, the better your gas mileage. You just loose HP for the quick takeoffs. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by skrapiron on 06/30/08 at 13:15:31 Mrs. Skrapiron's Piaggio X9 is averaging 55mpg (all city riding) yet has a pillion saddle big enough for Santa Claus. It rides like a Cadillac compared to my Savage, especially with us 2 up. My kids fight with each other to see who will ride with MOM, not dad. They hate riding with me on the Savage. The loser gripes the whole ride 'My Butt hurts!' |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by wrenchbender on 06/30/08 at 13:17:41 I'll try not to over analyze this too much. I doubt fuel milage difference between the two bikes will be that substantial. It will probably depend more on the rider's acceleration habits than mfg's fuel milage claims. I'm willing to wager if you get a group of biker's together of any paticular brand today, at some point carburation will enter into the discussion. Just about everything being built is running leaner than it should (matter of opinion) due to EPA mfg. compliance issues. Bottom line is you need to set on both bikes while asking how much lighter your wallet will be should you choose to leave with that bike and then decide what's more important to you... the difference in money or comfort. Have you gotton insurance quotes on either bike yet? |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by ALittlebird on 06/30/08 at 15:40:45 293A2D2C333E383A316E5F0 wrote:
Stop!! I laughed so hard I had to head to the bathroom. ;D Gotta find that picture when I went to the NAMMY's, actors in tow. This itinerant worker looked pretty darn good in black leather and heels. I can't stop laughing. See you have to go with the Savage - these guys will pick on you unmercifully, give you awesome advice and make you smile. What more could you ask? Oh and I really don't think the Vstrom would be as much fun or addictive as the Savage but what do I know. I'm just the dust bowl worker. ;) |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by ParkerKane on 06/30/08 at 16:28:03 Why not get the stock bike and go with a sportster seat? I haven't done it myself (so I don't know if there is any serious modding necessary) but everybody on the site that has says it's a heck of a lot more comfortable. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by 4carbcorvair on 06/30/08 at 18:48:03 Get what is comfortable for you both. Backfiring, mine only does it when I shut it off. Doesn't bother me enough to do anything about it. Just checked my mileage for the first time, with just 220+ miles on it, 65mpg. Get what works for you. :) |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Paladin. on 06/30/08 at 20:08:34 My two bits: 757E7C7E726F7D1F0 wrote:
757E7C7E726F7D1F0 wrote:
757E7C7E726F7D1F0 wrote:
Savage will handle the interstate at 65-70 no problem -- for the bike. Some people complain about the vibration as speed increases, for me it is not objectionable 'til I hit about 80. 10 miles at 80 is only 8 minutes -- you can put up with a lot for a mere 8 minutes. 757E7C7E726F7D1F0 wrote:
I believe Progressive Insurance will give you an on-line quote, so you can plug in the two bikes and see if they each will cost. If you go with the V* it would be for highway comfort, particularly two-up, so you'ld be wanting the heavier seatier Classic rather than the sporty Custom. About 190 pounds heavier, 5+ inches more between the wheels. If the pillion on the Savage is uncomfortable you might not have much of a choice. This sounds like the wife's call once she checks out the seating position on each bike. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Paladin. on 06/30/08 at 20:10:59 OH, and as far as the backfiring stopping and stuff, it's optional -- many (most) leave the bike bone stock. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by Cory on 06/30/08 at 20:42:23 Well as far as speed i think the savage is better than the v-star my best friend has one and he has trouble keeping up with my savage . As far as being comfortable i would go with a 900 vulcan i am getting ready to move up to that bike myself i love my savage but i have outgrown it for the price i would get that or the suzuki c50 both great bikes and still not bad on gas verses a 1300 or something like that the honda shadow is nice but is too pricey for only being a 750 and it's size isn't all that big pretty much for a couple hundred bucks or more less you can get an 800 or 900 cc bike with lots more room and very comfy for 2 riders . That's just my opinion i would do what others say go around and sit on different bikes you and your wife both and see what feels the best to you aswell as what fits best for your wallet . Good luck and let us know what you end up with . ;) |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by verslagen1 on 06/30/08 at 21:19:06 74795C41415950575C4751350 wrote:
Stop!! I laughed so hard I had to head to the bathroom. ;D Gotta find that picture when I went to the NAMMY's, actors in tow. This itinerant worker looked pretty darn good in black leather and heels. I can't stop laughing. See you have to go with the Savage - these guys will pick on you unmercifully, give you awesome advice and make you smile. What more could you ask? Oh and I really don't think the Vstrom would be as much fun or addictive as the Savage but what do I know. I'm just the dust bowl worker. ;)[/quote] Well now black leather and heels would certain ranked a different comment, but the bike loaded to the gills all by it's lonesome all I could think of was 'where's granny's rockin' chair?' ;D Glad I made you smile, you make me smile too. ;) |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by rpgpgmr on 07/01/08 at 13:53:14 I have an '05 S40 and an '07 V-Star. I DO NOT like the V-Star. My wife rides it and she loves it, but it doesn't 'fit' me right. I'm a big guy so it's not that, I think it's just the way it handles. Neither is great on the Interstate. The V-Star is obviously better for 2-up, but if you're gonna be 2-up riding that's definitely not the bike for you. The hardware is every bit as cheap as what's in the Savage. The S40 is 10 times more fun to ride and that's why I rarely ride the V-Star. For you, I'd look into the C50T from Suzuki. For the price and the setup, I don't see how you could beat it. |
|
Title: Re: Having trouble deciding, savage or v-star Post by sluggo on 07/01/08 at 22:09:23 202D2828377C70440 wrote:
ding ding ding ... we have a winner.. one of the simplest answeres i've heard to date. |
|
SuzukiSavage.com » Powered by YaBB 2.2! YaBB © 2000-2007. All Rights Reserved. |