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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
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Message started by TheAyudo on 12/12/10 at 21:09:44

Title: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by TheAyudo on 12/12/10 at 21:09:44

Hello,

I've been reading these boards off and on since the summer and have recently found an '06 savage for sale for $2500 with low mileage.

I've been interested in picking up a good entry level bike that can take me around town (New Orleans) and occasionally take me down I-10 to visit family and friends back in Texas. The savage has been one of several bikes I've considered picking up, and the combination of great gas mileage and low entry cost give it a slight edge over other bikes.

My main concern is how well an LS650 would handle on the highway. How it's affected by cross winds and how stable it is at higher rpm's. As a commuter any bike would fit my needs; my current commute is only 5 or 10 minutes through moderate traffic.

Also if the bike could be improved by modding, what are some essential mods that can improve it's usefulness on long level concrete, and rutty, poorly maintained city roads?

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by Boofer on 12/12/10 at 21:45:51

Depenging on what you consider low mileage, it sounds like a good deal. Take someone who knows bikes to check it out. This is not opinion, but fact--the LS650/S40 is great as is. I assume you are new to riding as well as this site. Buy one and ride it 500 miles in all seasons. Then will you have an idea of what you don't like about it. A lot of folks don't like the seat, BUTT you may find it ok. ;D The only real problem I see on the Savage is the petcock. After 7,000 miles (14,000 all together) I'm about ready to go to the Raptor petcock on my '01. It is a light bike at 352 lbs. and wind does affect it. Again, if you get one that has not been ragged out, it will give you good service even if just run as stock. The people on here (including me) like to "personalize" our bikes, but most probably wait till something fails before we upgrade; at least the parts that make it go. Now cosmetic changes is a whole 'nuther story. IHTH

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by PerrydaSavage on 12/12/10 at 23:57:48

Suzuki's LS650 S40/Savage has been around virtually unchanged for 25 years ... that alone should be in indication of just how good a Bike it is ... get one ... you won't regret it! 8-)

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by stinger on 12/13/10 at 00:47:04

I do not understand this entry level bike stuff when your talking about the 650. I ride with guys with much larger bikes and they consider the Savage a big bike! I rode mine across the US, and had not one problem, and that was running most of the time at freeway speeds. It is quicker than most big cruisers to 50 or 60 mph, and it will cruise all day long at 70 to 75 mph. It is dependable! The draw backs is it is light weight and not as comfortable as a larger cruiser at high speeds, but still handles it well. A lot of air space threw the frame so cross winds are not a real problem. No more than most bikes. Too windy is when it's time to park it anyway. Another drawback for me is its small frame makes carrying lots of stuff, like sleeping bags and tents a bit of a problem but many in here do. Riding two up is not a problem on this bike for short trips, but I wouldn't advise it on a long one. To hard on the passenger. Also another drawback is the small gas tank. Your limited to maybe 120 miles on a tank. I'd have liked a slightly larger tank. This bike gets lots of respect from other riders and they seem to think it's just a big bike in a small frame.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by Oldfeller on 12/13/10 at 08:29:22

Federally Required Warning: Addictive Substance

The Savage in all its forms is noted as forming addictive bonds to the owner/operator which can cause great distress if severed.

Symptoms include performance tuning, customization and full bore modding all of which act to increase the bond between Savage and Operator.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by mornhm - FSO on 12/13/10 at 08:36:52

The Savage is a good MC, no question about it. However, it's weakest point is it's ability to travel or tour on super slabs (interstates, autobans or whatever you want to call them). IMHO it is underpowered for all day travel on these roads. The gas tank is also undersized.

As far your concerns about handling and wind, mine was stable at all speeds, and was less effected by crosswinds than my Concours, headwinds are a different story. The Savage would labor in a strong headwind, I don't even notice one on my Concours.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by lukeduck on 12/13/10 at 08:57:44

Which bike? Wonderful question. The LS650 is a good bike, quick and handles well in traffic, rides nicely at 70-75 mph, a tad short in avaliable range, not a major problem, tho a larger tank would be nice, quite reliable.---My CB250 is a better bike around town, lighter, quicker handling, more fun in traffic. Works well on the road also, did 2500 mile trip on it in 08.----My GSX650F works really well on the road, from 50-100 mph it's like a hot knife in soft butter, bit of a pig around town, but not bad. I think most of the bikes out ther would meet your needs. Does the LS650 "fit" you? I would have a bike that was not comfortable for me. I bet this hasn't helped a bit. The LS650 is a good solid bike, fairly cheap to purchase and operate. Could be a really good choice. If I had to go to only one bike (of those I have) it would be the Ls650. By the way, have you seen the new Royal Enfield, Bonneville LE and Tiger, Ural? So many bikes, so little time and money---Now I'm off in dreamland with Peter Egan. Gotta go decide which bike to ride today :-/---Good luck---Luke

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by weracerc on 12/13/10 at 11:43:21

some of the long time riders have spoken to the longevity and endurance of the Savage - I was a complete newb to motorcycling when i bought mine in May 2010.....my only previous experience with a motorcycle was less than 2 minutes as a passenger (NEVER AGAIN!) & less than 10 minutes as a driver on a 175 dirt bike in 1979..couldn't get it out of 1st gear, it wheeled on me and I found myself stradling it while the front tire was setting on the back window of my buddy's vw.....no more cycling for me until May 2010......I am a freakin huge guy 6'1" 400+lbs....when i decided to get a bike i sat on everything from Honda Nighthawk 750, Virago 750, Vulcan 500 (too small for me), Vulcan 1800 (too big for beginner).....all of the beginner size cruiser style bikes I sat on had the pegs too far back under my hips - bad knees mean i need forward controls - the bone stock 1995 savage i sat on was perfect.....I found a lower mileage 1996 (6900miles) and got it for $1200. I did not like the factory exhaust - so I put a Jardine slash cut on it, replaced the petcock with a Raptor, changed the oil, filter and spark plug, left the factory style air filter and box as is, put a spitfire winshield on it and I drive it everyday 5-10 minute commute - 60 mile round trip once a month to one of our other facilities.....have not taken it on any extended highway rides yet - been on the 70-75 zones for 5-10 miles at a time a few times - I just am not comfy with the higher speeds yet since i am a newb...but the 45-55 and around town riding I LOVE IT!......yes the seat could use a little help especially for a big guy but I can tolerate it for now....since May I have put 1600 miles on mine.....looking foreward to many years/miles of smiles and fun from this machine.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by Bubba on 12/13/10 at 11:52:34

Really like mine around town and for commuting. Have ridden on the highway up to the mountains and a few of the highways around the city. I'm light (145) and do get blown around a bit but I think I would on a bigger bike too. As far as power I love the low end torque but feel as if it's trying hard to pass at highway speeds. I also do not have a windshield which means I get the full brunt of wind blast on the highway speeds. I don't particularly like riding on the slab tho'

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by verslagen1 on 12/13/10 at 11:59:34

Let's put it this way... It's a bike w/o any agreegeous handling faults. It's light weight for ease of man-handling when necessary. It has the torque and power to get out of it's own way and not be tempremental. Maintenance can be performed with a modest collection of tools and skills. And one of the best Owners groups of all time. 8-)

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by TheAyudo on 12/13/10 at 15:21:59

A lot of good advice, I really appreciate the replies. I expected that the ls650 would fit my needs, and the replies have put any worries I've had to bed. Once I've looked at the bike this weekend I'll have a better feel for how it fits, and so long as I can find a decent price on the insurance I'll probably be picking it up in short order.

I'll post some updates once I've taken a look at it this weekend.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/13/10 at 22:45:30

One of the cheapest to insure,,

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by Oldfeller on 12/14/10 at 01:39:02

And the least likely to get stolen too.

Plus, you can put your feet down on the ground at a stop light and effectively put a dab down if you need to when turning on wet grass.

And you can pick it up with no sweat by yourself if your dab doesn't keep your footpeg up off the grass ....

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by weracerc on 12/14/10 at 05:49:21

here in NC for bare minimum to put a license plate on it was $107 yr...All State

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by sexombob on 12/14/10 at 08:51:02

04272F2D2E27272E394B0 wrote:

And the least likely to get stolen too.

I used to put a big ulock through the back wheel and put a cover over it and everything. Now it's just like whatever...

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by ThumperS40 on 12/15/10 at 19:02:05

I've been a motorcycle mechanic for over 40 years and have my second Savage (S40). Always regretted selling the first one. I am 150# and 5'6" it fits me to a "T". Always a fan of thumpers I enjoy the torque that encourages short shifts and hard throttle roll-ons. Do the carb mods and change the muffler and the improvement is quite satisfying. The Savage is only smallish when compared to modern tanks! In the 60's this would have been an average sized big bike. For my money motorcycling was more fun in the 60's! These bikes are fun at legal speeds. The new ones bore me when ridden sanely.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by TheAyudo on 12/23/10 at 11:18:49

Took a look at the bike over the Holiday and it looks like it's in great shape. A shallow dime sized dent on top of the gas tank, and he had trouble starting the bike (he said it was the original battery so I felt this was the most likely culprit).

However the big discovery was that when he said the bike had 46 miles he didn't mean 4600, he meant 46. That's under 12 miles a year! He said he'd give the bike a once over between now and new year's so I'll be taking another look then.

My dad has all the riding experience in the family, so once he okays the handling and braking I'll probably be picking it up (assuming the bike starts).

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by babyhog on 12/23/10 at 11:44:48

46 miles? Must have been a whim purchase. I can't imagine much that could be wrong with an '06 with barely any miles. Even the rubber shouldn't stiffen up much, unless it was exposed to cold/heat/rain alot. How was it stored? Sounds like a great find!

As far as the dent, some here have had success with a few different techniques. If there is no pucker, I'd try the "dust remover" method. Heat up the surface with a hair dryer or heat gun, turn the can upside down and spray on the dent, be sure to cover the entire dent and out a little bit around it. As it evaporates, the dent "should" pop right out.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by TheAyudo on 12/23/10 at 12:15:59

He said the bike's been garage kept at his dad's place, and it looked the part.

I'll give that dent removal method a try, but is there any other maintenance I should consider doing before use? Could the brake lines need replacement or the petcock go bad just from sitting in a garage?

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by mornhm - FSO on 12/23/10 at 12:48:56

If it really looks like 46 miles (no wear on anything) then I would treat it like a new MC that's been sitting for four years - flush the gas, carbs, change the oil etc. Go through all the adjustments and set up. Someone around here probably has a check list if not, you can probably get one from your local dealership. If it looks like it has wear on on the pegs, or handgrips I would run, not walk away. This would mean the odometer isn't right. The damage on top of the tank is not wear, but if it looks like it is from a crash, it might explain the low mileage - can the owner even ride? Personally, I'd probably put that many or more miles on a MC the first day I owned it. I'd probably put over ten for a test ride if the owner approved.

In my experience a MC with almost no miles is not that unusual. My first MC was purchased with under 20 miles and my second had less than 1 on the odometer when I started riding it (test ride at the dealer) all the miles were put on it by me.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by sluggo on 12/23/10 at 14:57:41

do ya really need me to post of pic of thumper, like nobody's seen it before ;D

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by sluggo on 12/23/10 at 14:59:27

0809263C274F0 wrote:

boy howdy, ya just took the words out of my mouth,
honestly, yours was a great report on what the savage is, and can be.

Title: Re: Newb looking to get talked into a Savage.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/24/10 at 00:36:35

Change the oil & ride it a while, then ditch the old brake fluid.

The rubber is the same age it would have been if someone rode it every day.