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Message started by SavageBlues on 09/12/08 at 16:05:35

Title: New member
Post by SavageBlues on 09/12/08 at 16:05:35

Hi guys,
I'm new to this site though I've been lurking for a few weeks. I'm currently looking for a savage. I've always been attracted by that big 650 thumper motor.But I'm not very fond of custom looking bikes (my background is bikes from the 60's and 70's). But I want to feel that big thumper and the price is very reasonable for a used bike. I plan on modifying the savage in such a way that it will be between a roadster and a cafe. I know the frame is not an ideal start but I'll go from there.

I do have a lot of questions but for the time being, I'll ask only one that will help me in selecting a model .

Should I go 4 or 5 speeds?
Is it possible to drop a 5 speed gear cluster in a 4 speed motor?
Any one can tell me the speed by 1000rpm for each gearbox?
What's the rpm's at 60mph?

Well I guess that's 4 questions! :-/
By for now.

Title: Re: New member
Post by Savage_Rob on 09/12/08 at 16:10:26

I like the 5-speed. Note that the 4-speeds were only on the first few years' models. That said, there's not a lot of difference between 4th and 5th gear in the5-speed and I could see how the 4-speed would be just peachy. Seems like there were other issues on some of those early models though too (search for "stop the backlash"). I don't think it's a simple thing to try to mate up a 4-speed gearbox with the engine from a 5-speed (or the reverse). I think the speed/RPM info is in a post in the Tech Ref forum but I'm not positive.

Title: Re: New member
Post by Trippah on 09/12/08 at 16:20:42

While it usually is dependent on money available, I definately recommend newer 5 speed vs 4 speed (older). Like me and the other grey haired fools, metal wears with age so for the $1,000. diff between a decade of the savage /ls40 model, get the newest you can afford.
Opinion = prepare flamethrowers.. Don't know about the rpms, actually I no longer care what rpm I am at, i ride a little bit of throttle over lugging, giving me lots of reserve. I think Tachs are important for bikes with a 500-1500 rpm sweetspot, where you try to stay "in the groove" for maximum control(my old RD350 for example), but it counterproductive on the Savage.
Most importantly, welcome. :D

Title: Re: New member
Post by Trippah on 09/12/08 at 16:25:52

Back in march Hutch was working on gearing and posted some rpm listings..if you search by name and rpm, give it i year..it'll come up. ^Then you might be able to pm him for more info..although he unfortuneately hasn't been on the site recently.

Title: Re: New member
Post by serowbot on 09/12/08 at 16:28:47

"Motorcycle Cruiser" magazine says, "RPM at 60 mph, top gear: 3940".
Depends on tire size, mine is about 3800rpm with a 140/90-15. Top speed around 90mph. Around 1/4 mile 16sec.

Title: Re: New member
Post by verslagen1 on 09/12/08 at 16:41:14

My preference is the 5 speed but not for the gear box. Older models have a problem with the starter motor.

Redline is 6500, 5500 will have you doing 84, 4400 is 75.

Title: Re: New member
Post by SavageBlues on 09/13/08 at 04:16:43

Guys, thanks for the info on rpm but I was looking at the difference between a 4speeds and a 5speeds cruising at 60mph. I want to find out if the 5th is really an overdrive.

As to placing a 5speed tranny in the 4speed crankcase, well from the parts fiches, 86 and 95 has the same crankcase set part number . So if the crankcase didn't change, it should be a simple case of dropping the 5speed clusters in with the shift drum and forks.

From 86 to 95 they are listing the same 2 different crankcase sets. I wonder what the difference is between them?
In 1996 and later they are still listing a crankcase set from 1986 but came out with a new number for the second set? Anyone knows the difference?

Title: Re: New member
Post by rigidchop on 09/13/08 at 04:39:53

when i asked about the rpm drop before, someone who owns both types 4/5 speeds said it was only a 200 rpm drop.

Title: Re: New member
Post by T Mack 1 on 09/13/08 at 05:07:02

The differenc between the trannies are very little. Mainly more gear to play with. A handy thing when driving thru town. The Final output ratio are very close.