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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1338125339 Message started by Drifter on 05/27/12 at 06:28:59 |
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Title: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Drifter on 05/27/12 at 06:28:59 Here are some of my reasons what are yours? 1. Light weight 2. Cheap to Buy. 3. Simple and basic. 4. Reliable!! 5. Produced for 26 years...amazing! 2013? 6. Easy to mod. 7. Parts are cheap and easy to find. 8. Single cylinder. 9. Air cooled 10. Threaded valve adjusters..no shims! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/27/12 at 06:48:49 I fellfor it because it was low enough to let me feel comfortable that I could hold it up & has a big enough motor to run along & not be turning 10,000 rpm. & I think its a nice lookin thing, too,. That it has been in production forever is a nice addition,, |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by arteacher on 05/27/12 at 07:59:19 My first bike was a big single. A '37 Royal Enfield 500 Supersport. I wanted to relive that experience. + all the reasons above. http://p1.bikepics.com/2011%5C11%5C13%5Cbikepics-2302013-full.jpg |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Greg on 05/27/12 at 08:33:26 I really love the classic cruiser style. I don't think anything else comes close. Simplicity, from air-cooled to one carb, is the name of the game as well. Low seat height and lightweight. It is just a blast to ride! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by WD on 05/27/12 at 08:38:10 Closest thing I could find to an AJS. Or a Matchless. You'd think I'd have shied away from a Brit knock-off, had two 1964 Triumph T120C Bonneville projects at the time... |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Serowbot on 05/27/12 at 10:07:59 Simplest bike made... ...and it ain't a Harley... :-?... |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by PiaFea on 05/27/12 at 13:21:57 It was the bike that my wife and my daughters have choosen to give it to me on my 50th birthday as a surprise gift! The bike was esthetically appealling to them at the first look, reasonable pricing, strong enought to carry me, light enuff for me to enjoy the ride. After 7 years and having 2 more bigger bikes, I still have and enjoy my 2005 S40. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Starlifter on 05/27/12 at 15:16:03 Good bike for a guy gitt'in up in age. Fits me like a glove. The first time I saw one I knew I had to have it. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by AlphaBarney on 05/27/12 at 15:29:12 Got mine as my first bike about a year ago mainly because it was what I could afford and was comfortable for me to ride. At 5'7" 170 the larger bikes would have been too much for me as a beginner. While I bought it for price and size, I have come to love it for the reasons you listed already. I really want to upgrade for trips to the beach, the mountains, and trips home to NY, but I think this will be my daily rider for the most part until it quits on me. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/27/12 at 16:24:34 5E676F486B6F0E0 wrote:
Thats really goin out on a limb, buyin someone a bike, hopin theyll dig it,, They must really, REALLY know you well & like you something Fierce! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by kimchris1 on 05/27/12 at 16:53:36 Liike the way it fits my body.. Easy to ride and makes me look good.. :) kim |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by gerald.hughes on 05/27/12 at 17:00:10 3C3E3A343F253E2466570 wrote:
Kim, That is the real reason that Serowbot rides one. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by PiaFea on 05/27/12 at 17:09:22 Quote:
Well, I have been riding before I got married (Honda Twinstar 250), riding when I first got married. Stop riding in my mid 20 when my wife said "it is too dangerous". Been nagging my family about missing riding for almost 25 years, then they finally surprise me with the S40 bike. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/27/12 at 17:21:42 Well,, they sure picked a winner for ya,, Thats just super cool. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Serowbot on 05/27/12 at 17:55:20 3E3C2B38353D77312C3E313C2A590 wrote:
Kim, That is the real reason that Serowbot rides one. [/quote] Naaa,.. I don't care if it's easy to ride... :-?... |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Southpaw on 05/27/12 at 18:01:54 lightweight, aircooled simplicity, and I knew the previous owner so I knew it was taken care of. ...and, like Serobot, it wasn't "just another Harley". (Man I get tired of those guys, even the other H-D riders get tired of those guys) The first time I opened her up I was hooked! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Pine on 05/27/12 at 18:06:53 I was looking locally for a small crusier style bike, and this is what I found. I have only had it a month, but I have enjoyed it. There are some things that Ihave had on other bikes that I like as done by them better, but overall this is nice bike. I am only 5'7" and 160lbs, so the bike is pleanty big, and commutes great. Good on gas, seems easy to work on, though I haven't had to yet. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by 360k+ on 05/27/12 at 19:23:43 I like the thump and simplicity, but wish the handlebars were dampened a bit so I could ride further. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by MMRanch on 05/27/12 at 21:11:22 Thump ! Thump ! Thump ! and There ain't anything else even close to being so simple . :) |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by bikertrash on 05/27/12 at 21:20:32 Great donor bike for the RYCA cafe conversion. It turns heads everywhere I go. ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Boofer on 05/27/12 at 21:23:43 I was looking to get back in the business after 30+ years, and it was in a small local sale paper and dropping in price after the first week. After the owner sent me an email and a side view of the Savage I told him I needed to ride it. He said fine, but if I went down it was mine. After a mile down the road and back it was a deal. I guess I just got lucky? But I didn't have to keep it. That was all the Savage's charm. Fast, pretty, reliable, light, cheap, mechanic friendly, and nobody around knows what it is since I removed the side cover decals. ;D And this support group is good, too. :) |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by PerrydaSavage on 05/28/12 at 02:09:08 I've had two LS650's in the past and loved 'em both ... I no longer own one, but I did Ride a Savage yesterday ... am teaching a friend to Ride and she has an old '96 LS ... scooting on that brought back a lot of memories and a lot of familiar sensations! (In voice of Wayne Campbell), Oh yes ... one day I will have another Savage! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by scottnj on 05/28/12 at 05:24:46 Because this forum is awesome! Every question has been asked and answered on here -- it's the best manual in the world. ;D |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by mpescatori on 05/28/12 at 08:15:24 Why do I ride a Savage ? 1) it's a BIKE, not a child's electric scooter http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/mc/motorcycles/imageimport/Suzuki-Savage-650-3.jpg http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/scootercatalog/big-bug.jpghttp://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aH6lYQzKDho/RqfAItrnnRI/AAAAAAAAByw/roaixr943Eg/s400/IMG_1789.jpg 2) it's a thumper, just like my first love http://www.arronet.it/images/scrambler450.jpghttp://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1986/1986_LS650_Savage_450.jpg 8-) |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by LANCER on 05/28/12 at 13:15:41 My first big single experience was in 1969, Olathe Kansas, it was a 1956 BSA Goldstar freshly rebuilt for 1/2 & 1 mile flat track racing. It was LOVE @ FIRST RIDE. It was bad to the bone ! The photo is of a '62 Goldstar with all the stuff needed to ride on the street. http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A7%3A%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D336%3B%3B267%3C4339nu0mrj My '96 Savage early on in its transformation. http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A%3A4%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D33%3B7%3A6434%3B339nu0mrj http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp356%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D3234%3A%3B%3B%3B%3B%3A3%3A6nu0mrj |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Arizuno on 05/28/12 at 20:06:51 All the reasons listed, especially #3. The existence and quality of this forum, was, and remains, a HUGE factor. And the cool thing is, the longer I own it, the more I like my decision to buy it. EVERYTHING else I look at costs too much &/or weighs too much &/or is too complex (oxy sensors, multiple everything, etc., etc.). I LOVE the way this bike invites my involvement, tinkering, changing, adding, subtracting - all without breaking the bank. This has been perhaps the most rewarding and satisfying purchase I've ever made. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by prsavage on 05/28/12 at 22:13:44 I fell for it the first time I saw it on display at Vancouver's Expo '86. It is a great looking bike. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by cowboy on 05/29/12 at 06:40:39 i got mine because i needed a lite bike that i can load and unload by my self. and not fast. i know me and i,d be pulling wheelies and gettn tickets. mine is used as a small parts runner.and to spot equipment. and i use it for fun too. i had two other thumpers both yamaha s a sr500 and a xt500 loved both. and a bsa 250 8-) |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Dead Fish on 05/29/12 at 09:32:54 As a new adult rider, I did a lot of research and decided on the s40 based on this web site as well as the web site at the link below. Although number 9 on the top ten list, the s40 has the largest displacement and I believed would be the best all around for me. After learning the basics on the much bent 250's at the MSF course, migration to the S40 was easy. The weight is about the same and the extra torque really helps. Just my 2 cents. http://motorcycles.about.com/od/howtostartridin1/tp/Ten-Beginner-Bikes.htm |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by weracerc on 05/29/12 at 10:29:35 i got mine because it was the best "fit" for me when i wanted to learn to ride - then i was glad i got it instead others i had sat on because it was easy to maintain, got great gas mileage, looked cool, sounded cool was a pleasure to ride.......some day i will get another one just because of the sentimental value of having owned one as my first ever bike. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by EJID on 05/29/12 at 12:21:55 I bought mine as my first road bike because it was inexpensive and large enough to put a smile on my face ;D My wife initially had no interest in riding with me, but I always hoped that she would want to. After about 18 months of riding, and giving my daughters rides to school and such, she finally asked if I was ever going to take her for a ride. I did, and she was hooked ;D She still says she has no interest in riding it herself, but enjoys riding with me. The bike is a little small for the two of us, so eventually I will add another bigger bike, but when I do, I don't think I will be able to sell my first bike. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by TheShaggyDA on 05/29/12 at 12:57:13 Fell in love with the Savage when I first saw one in a dealers in the early 90's. I've always liked simplicity, and here was a bike that just looked so clean, it quickly became my yardstick for comparing other bikes. Unfortunately it never seemed to be the right price or time to buy one. Over the years I've had a lot of bikes, but my favourites have been the singles, with low down torquey grunt - particularly my '63 AJS M16 :- http://p1.bikepics.com/2004%5C08%5C28%5Cbikepics-202564-320.jpg and a 2004 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic :- http://p1.bikepics.com/2004%5C12%5C02%5Cbikepics-252773-320.jpg When I had the Bullet, I saw a line drawing of an Enfield chop that is pleasing to the eye :- http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3526686/enfield%20chop.JPG Look familiar? :-) Hopefully, a '94 Savage will be sitting in my garage in place of the '99 CB500X in the next week :-) |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by SALB on 05/29/12 at 14:03:09 Low buy in price (used), light weight, belt drive, no carbs to sync, lots of torque, everybody not in the know thinks its a sportster ;D, this forum, and just to be different. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by martinfilms34 on 05/29/12 at 15:00:26 Couldn't ask for a better bike to learn on. Has the perfect amount of room to learn, by that I mean you wont get bored of it to quick like you might with a 250. Perfect bike to learn on, Even for a guy of my stature the bike is perfect. There have been several instances that if I head a much heavier bike I would've lost a couple turn signals and foot pegs...... Its simple!! If you're learning how to do work on a bike a single cylinder is perfect! if only somehow i could convince all the kids my age that you shouldn't ask your rich parents to buy you a hayabusa for your first bike then we'd have less motorcycle accidents.... |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by rl153 on 05/29/12 at 15:32:42 This is my 4th bike . But I didn't have one from 1989 to 2009. I went down to the Suzuki dealer to see what was available . I spotted the s40 and liked it's style and size . I imagined I wanted a black one,and a few days later there was a black 2005 with 2,500 mi on craigslist not too far from me . I contacted the seller ,and bought it . A decent price too ,I thought. I ride almost every day and really enjoy it . And this forum is the icing on the cake! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by drharveys on 05/29/12 at 20:47:37 It's a bit roundabout, but here's the story: http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e204/drharveys/DSC00876.jpg When my daughter wanted to move from the pillion to the rider's seat, I found the Buell Blast that a friend had used as her first bike. It needed a little work, so I was riding it back and forth to a local Harley shop. It was so much fun getting on a thumper, that I just had to have one. So I indulged myself with an '04 Royal Enfield 500. The nearest dealer was 90 miles away, I had some fun fitting it out so that, aside from the disk brake, it was pretty true to it's 1953 heritage. Right foot shift, solo springer seat, lots of fun things. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e204/drharveys/DSC00676-1.jpg I had it for a few years and finally found out that the combination of British design and Indian quality control was, at least for me, insurmountable. So I found the Savage -- the RELIABLE thumper. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e204/drharveys/DSC01878.jpg To quote Forrest Gump, "Simple is as simple does." And, in a quote attributed to the Soviet era industrial designer, Mikhael Kalashnakov, "What is simple is beautiful, and what is simple always works." |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Savage_Rob on 05/30/12 at 07:20:11 Yup. I think of it as the VW bug (the old ones, not the bugs they make now) of bikes. Carbureted, air-cooled, (belt-driven is good too, but not part of the VW analogy); in short, relatively simple to maintain and inexpensive to own and operate. These are important to me as I'm not a professional mechanic but I want to do most of my own maintenance and I don't have a lot of disposable income. If I could get rid of the electronic ignition and revert to a points & condenser setup, I'd be completely satisfied. Even with the igniter unit, she's still a great bike. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by ZAR on 06/06/12 at 20:52:28 Like arteacher and Lancer I started out on a thumper. Mine was a Harley Sprint SS350. I've had other bikes and always wanted a Triumph Bonnie but when it's time to put up or shut up..........the big singles always win! Simple design,simple maintenance,tourqey as He&& and just a fun ride that's dependable for my 80 mile a day commute to work. And it ain't another Harley wanna-be!!!!!! PLUS.....one really great group here at Savage.com ;D |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by verslagen1 on 06/07/12 at 15:09:16 because it has 2 wheels, belt drive, single, between 500 and 750. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Drifter on 06/27/12 at 14:33:45 I forgot to add someone that is handicapped or has a hand injury it has a very easy pull clutch even 2 fingers will pull it and the light weight is easy to get off the side stand and move around period. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by rfw2003 on 06/27/12 at 14:55:14 I bought mine because it was within the price range I was looking at. Plus it was a large single. I also love the basic lines of the Savage kinda looks like a smaller HD but without all the breakdown issues :) R.F. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by wambr on 06/27/12 at 23:33:05 http://i-131.jpglow price, easy, dynamic (I have LS 400.compared with other bikes, Honda, Yamaha), light weight, belt drive, no carbs to sync. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by PerrydaSavage on 06/28/12 at 06:18:15 I (sadly) no longer own an LS650, despite owning 2 in the past (an '03 Savage and an '05 S40) ... loved 'em both; perfect fit and near-ideal for my life/riding style. Currently own and enjoy Riding a 2007 Kawasaki ZZ-R250 (EX250-H) but after Riding a lady-friend's recently acquired 2004 Savage a couple of weeks ago, I know I won't rest until I have another LS650 someday! 8-) |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by splash07 on 06/29/12 at 06:10:53 Because it is what I can afford |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by greenmonster on 06/29/12 at 10:43:23 I got mine because: - it was big enough to ride two up safely on the highway. - it had disc brakes in the front (my previous bike had drum front and back) - had a sissy bar for Mrs. Tolerance - was in good shape even though it was 20 years old - I could afford it I keep it because: - I can do all my own servicing on it. (even if it does take me a while to get around to it) - I can wind it out and still be in control (no 300km/hr bikes for me) - It has more torque than I need around the city - It's light enough to bomb around the city through traffic all that, and besides, I've grown rather fond of dear Nessy. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by DangRider on 07/02/12 at 11:20:02 I have a co-worker who's hobby is buying / fixing / selling cars and motorcycles and he usually turns a profit in the process. I thought that sounded like fun so I looked around and found a Savage for $500 with a major oil leak and dove in. Turns out I dove in way over my head. Some stripped threads in the cylinder required removing the engine and finding a machinist to install heli-coils. A bit intimidating for a guy who's only done simple repairs (valve cover gasket, water pump, etc.) but I had more time than money so I proceeded carefully, with lots of reading in Clymer's and here. It's back together now and it fired up after priming the carb. I quickly turned it off so I could break it in properly later (replaced valve seals, honed the cylinder and replaced rings while it was open). My wife saw how I was grinning each time I came in from working on it and said "why don't you keep it?" Really? - Yes! So now I have two hobbies - wrenching and reading here while I wait on forks to replace the bent ones I didn't notice earlier :-/. Two other guys at work have picked up Savages so we have a bit of a club starting here. Makes for great water cooler talk! So I lucked into a Savage with my naive buying, but I'm staying for the fun wrenching on a reliable, simple bike and the wide open modification possibilities down the road. I have to say that this forum, the people here, make a big difference in the experience of owning the bike. Really appreciate the wealth of great information shared and friendly, courteous tone of the forums (most of the time, anyway ;)). |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Jimmer on 07/02/12 at 17:27:00 I've had and ridden quite a few different bike, ya including the HD . As I got older I found myself wanting the classic throw back style bike , without the big headaches and price tag. Saw a used Savage at a dealers took a test drive and took it home. Great,even for us shade tree mechanics, it has taught me a lot, so easy to work on, with the forum's help. Started to mod the bike for my personality and my liking. I do not thing I'll ever buy a different bike, just a great all around ride. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by T-Dawg on 07/03/12 at 05:38:17 I got mine as something to learn on. -It's my first bike -It's the biggest engine I could get (400cc) as a first bike to learn on (military rules). -It looks cool, except for the rust from a lazy PO -Gives me something to work on.. I'm bored so I needed a hobby -It's small and lightweight, so it's easy to maneuver -I hate sport bikes (uncomfortable for my back, shoulders, knees) -It's comfortable to ride for the most part -And.. this forum is awesome. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by High_Plains_Thumpr on 07/03/12 at 14:35:37 47716A65776671030 wrote:
All the above. What more does one need? ;D |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by SuperSavage on 07/03/12 at 23:15:33 It's a primal experience to ride an ls650. It reminds me of riding my Rupp minibike back in the day. The sound and feel of a Thumper is unparalled. I love the weight to torque ratio, the flickability, the simple design, the "what is that" questions it evokes, belt drive, reliability and quirkiness. With my mods to the bike, it really is a beaut to ride, I have a Vulcan 800A as well,(it has it's own merits) but the s40 is a great scoot! The mirrors on the s40 don't vibrate a bit, but the Vulcan's do? Time for homemade bar snake... JohnnyCat |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by High_Plains_Thumpr on 07/04/12 at 08:07:48 193C3B3D3D2A30322761636262530 wrote:
The utility of the Savage was best illustrated during a recent 650 mile round trip from Clovis, NM near the Texas Panhandle border to Chama, NM near the Colorado border. Traveled in 106F heat near Fort Sumner to 53F cool (wunderground.com data) near Chama, with 44 mile portion at 75 MPH on I-40, climbing at grades to 6%, etc. The Savage kept chugging right along. A few bikers commented on the big single jug it has. Had absolutely no problems keeping up with the traffic. Yes, she's cruise capable. Maintenance during ride consisting adding a quarter quart of oil every 200 miles. (AFAIK, the air cooled engine''s looser fit and warmer operating temperatures contribute to this. Some have ruined the head cam bearing surfaces by not keeping the oil level up, the cost of simplicity, LOL. With no water jacket, there's no worry of overheating.) Next, I'm planning a trip from Clovis, NM to Hatfield, AR (1250 mi. R/T) in October. Will keep all posted. ;D Oh, and BTW, my mirrors do shake a little. I've got extra long stems to see past my broad shoulders. :D |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Drifter on 07/05/12 at 05:00:02 Its way cheaper and more reliable than the Royal Enfield bullet. Now if suzuki were smart they would build a retro version, a bobber version, a cafe version a bagger version etc. I am considering putting a savage motor in a RE frame, best of both worlds. Cant understand why no factory can do this???? |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by ZAR on 07/05/12 at 07:42:04 182E353A28392E5C0 wrote:
Drifter all the manufacturers have missed the boat as far as the big singles and 360* twins are concerned. Every brand used to have several of each in their lineup. Look now and almost everything is V-Twin Harley knockoffs except the crotch-rockets that are triples and fours. Yamaha has even dropped their VStar 650 now. Kawasaki has dropped the Vulcan 500 360* twin. The 883 Sportster is considered a "starter" bike. It seems that everyone has bought into the American advertising gimmick of "size matters" :( . My first bike was a thumper...a Harley Sprint SS350. HD now refuses to acknowledge they ever had them! Go figure! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by High_Plains_Thumpr on 07/05/12 at 10:44:35 182E353A28392E5C0 wrote:
They do market surveys, go with what they think will obtain sales with optimum (least) manufacturing costs at good profit. Even Harley more or less makes "basic" models, to which owners and rebuild shops enhance and modify. I've had sales people steer me from the "beginner" Savage and Kawasaki 500 LTD for more expensive larger cc bikes as "more desirable" ("You'll grow tired of that Savage/500LTD quickly!") Also there is ignorance in the riding community, looking at the S40 as a beginner's bike. Personally, I'd like to see an 800 cc Savage. Now that would be a real rider. I don't know if someone makes an overbore and oversized piston combo in that size. If one goes for an overbore of 2 mm with say, a Wiseco oversize piston, effective volume goes up from 652 cc to 695 cc, enough to call the bike 700 cc's. 5B4053010 wrote:
These including the Harley 883 are not beginner bikes. A newbie needs something that is light, easy to tool around in to get their basic riding skills in order. Something in the 100 to 250 cc range is really what they need. Once they have their basic skills in order (balance, riding, gear shifting, acceleration, braking, maneuvering, lane positioning, evasive maneuvers, etc.), moving on to one of these "intermediate" bikes would be the right ticket. I am grateful during my college years, I had a used 1971 Honda CB100 bike. (In 1979 as a student, I picked it up from a used parts dealer (breakers) for $300.) During those couple years, I dropped that bike a number of times (indestructible!), but I got totally familiar with it. (Still have it!) However, there is a cult following with the Savage/S40. During a recent CMA motorcycle meet in Chama, a number of riders took an interest in the Savage, especially in light that I rode it in on my 325 mile (524 km) trek, taking note of the engine's very large jug. It's an attention getter. And there was a 44 mile (71 km) portion of I-40 that I traveled 75 MPH (121 kmh at 5200 rpm). 5B4053010 wrote:
This is not hard to figure out. Harley Davidson was purchased by AMF some 4 decades ago. The Sprint SS 350 although an excellent bike, was an Italian Aermacchi sold under the Harley name. IMO, current Harley upper management doesn't consider AMF ownership as under the Harley tradition. That is when quality control in Harley suffered with their home produced offerings. I think it would be neat if Harley would reproduce the Sprint as retro with say a Buell Blast 500 cc thumper engine. [smiley=evil.gif] |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by ZAR on 07/05/12 at 11:13:11 HPT I've been throwing the SprintSS/Buell 500 thumper idea at HD dealers for several years now with mixed results. Mostly those results have been either laughed out of the joint or pitched out of it!!! And like you,my Savage gets a lot of comments everywhere I go. And when people see that I run the Interstate at 70mph and travel 500-1000 miles a week on it they sit up and really take notice. Then they mumble something about crazy fools on mopeds on the Interstate and go shopping for an even bigger HD knockoff! Go figure! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Drifter on 07/05/12 at 15:26:45 I agree with you guys, Harley uses the same engine in 20 different models, Suzuki would have to invest very little to make different versions of this bike. Its a hole lot cheaper to make a new frame seat and tank than to start from scratch with a new bike and engine. Besides they have street cred world wide with this bike its been built for so long. 1986-2012....13? I have a 500 vulcan and Ninja 500 both are great bikes, with 180 cranks, its hard to get them to sound good...i finally did after several experiments. The Ninja will run 132 MPH stock. Plenty fast for me anymore and to fast for most to start with! I dont get the bigger is better thing....i think alot of HD riders are senile and impotent and need the loud pipes ..cant here to good...look at me....1800cc...long stroke...dreams.. 800 lbs like them and 50 hp average 500cc metric...dont bother they wont believe you :o Would be a great study for some PHD. darn i better be carefull of what i say i might be a few short years away from being a harley owner.... :o Best marketing in the world!! All manufactures could learn from them ...using the same engine works!! There have been rumors that Triumph is developing a new cub in 250-350cc look forward to that. Suzukis TU 250 is a cool little retro bike with FI. I do hope Suzuki keeps the S40 around next year and adds FI. 2012 is the last year for carbs on street bikes so it might be the end of the line for the savage.....it would be so easy to add FI and a bigger tank!! Suzuki are you listening???? :) |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by High_Plains_Thumpr on 07/05/12 at 16:30:48 73687B290 wrote:
IMO, laughing is basically a psycological defense mechanism and poor strategy to put down people who don't fit the mold or meet their conceptual interest of a buyer. If they really were to consider you a customer or a potential friend that might steer others toward them, they would have stated something more kind and express a willingness to help you when you decide you'd like to look further down the road at one of their offerings. Quote:
Yes, the Savage is definitely capable and an attention getter. Quote:
To be a leader is to stand apart from others. The reason for a bigger bike is to impress others. Just like you, I don't need to spend as much for as for a car, to enjoy my ride. Besides, motorcycles, especially the "rice" brands depreciate heavily. If I want something larger, I'll wait patiently and pick something up in near mint condition (like my Savage in 2002) for a song! ;D [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] [smiley=evil.gif] |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by tizzyfit on 07/06/12 at 01:05:46 182E353A28392E5C0 wrote:
Yes to all of these statements PLUS, with a 30" inseam, I needed a ride with a relatively low seat height and my 06 S40 is perfect! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by arteacher on 07/06/12 at 06:34:39 I too get quite a few comments. "Look at the size of that jug! How many cc's is it?" Being the most common. I ride with a few guys- A Harley, a Honda 750 and a BMW 1200. I can easily ride away from them all up to 50 mph, and pretty much keep up till 70 mph. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Oldfeller on 07/06/12 at 11:41:56 Just take that action up into the mountains where the windy roads say you can't ever break 65mph -- the Savage rules up there where the air is thin. To which statement the 600cc crotch rockets all laugh quietly amongst themselves .... |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Pine on 07/06/12 at 12:02:00 767D7D747877766C6D190 wrote:
A sunday school member taht is in the CMA and traded up from his Honda 750 to an HD ( that he admits to me had $4k in upgrades), couldn't figure out just what I had. He's best guess was a 350. When i said it was a 650 he was impressed. I didn't buy mine to impress anyone. I like it, my son is ready to kill me to get it (ok maybe not kill, tie up), and his youth director is iching to as well. Me, I just toodle back and forth, putting $5.00 a week in gas. I figure in 3 weeks I saved $150 in gas. Might go on an overnight MC trip.. even if the hotel cost $80 I would be ahead. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by zippythezip on 07/10/12 at 16:57:38 Well I opened my shed door this spring and there she was...my old corroded, rusted 1981 CB750c. Every year it was getting harder and harder to steel wool it to perfection. But it always ran like a top. Almost 50000km and never missed a beat. Then I got a "dirt bike" on the brain so I went window shopping. The klr650, very nice, but could not touch the ground. No I say to the dealer I don't want a lower kit and new seat. so then at the Suzuki dealer I try the DR400, I thought the 650 was high. Only bike that I could get a foot down easy was the dr200, it felt so so small. Like I had tried the "three bears bikes" I was baby bear. Then at the back I saw a new S40, I sat on it and loved it. Love at first sight ;D So I told them yea I want it. Then on the way home I saw a used 03 savage, the condition was pretty much the same as the new one, and it only had 4600 km. Sold to me :) I only wanted a smaller bike the huge buses found at coffee shops don't interest me and I also wanted to drop an insurance bracket, and have good gas mileage to save money. Then I came here, read lot and lots and lots of posts and the tech section. Saw what ryca were doing and I said I want a tracker style bike. After riding her for a few months now I think I am happy the way it is, well the seat sucks, makes the top of my tushy go numb. The bike is light, quick enough for what I want, looks good. I really enjoy riding the bike. I will change the seat later and maybe some nice person here will sell me the bars and risers from their S40. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by MarcosS40 on 07/14/12 at 14:04:53 I can think of several good ones... 1 I'm a firm believer in the K.I.S.S. Principle. And after looking around at what's available, it doesn't seem to get much simpler than this. I guess if I could rebuild a Holly Double pumper, w/mechanical secondaries, I can keep My S40 running. 2 I am a cheap SOB. I hate giving my money to someone when I can do it as good or better. The S40 is tailor made for the shadetree mechanic. The tough stuff? I know who to call. 8-) 3 This Bike takes me back to the days of my youth. My first MC ride was on the back of my Dad's mid 50's Indian 125. Seems to me it was the first year it had a foot shift. 2-stroke. I was about 4. Later, I had friends with BSA's and Trophy Trails. Thumpers were still "in". 4 I love the light nimble handling. I can toss this bike around a lot better than some 600lb monster. Yes the seat is a little uncomfortable, But after the seat lift mod, better than stock. I'm 6'2" 230lbs, and I actually feel quite comfortable overall. 5 Lastly, but not least(ly)... I like it's rakish good looks. Very clean. Uncluttered. What's that word again? Oh yeah! SIMPLE. Single. Thumpers-4-ever! Happy Riding! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by ZAR on 07/14/12 at 23:00:25 Marcos that's about as good a description as I've heard. And yes..these great scooters do take me back to a day when thumpers were "cool"! |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Mike W. on 07/29/12 at 18:16:59 I bought it cheap. It's a blast to ride. I can't afford the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone that I lust for. :'( I have the Verslavy Mod and this bike will run forever! Did I mention this bike is a blast to ride???? (Oh, and I have short legs.) Mike |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Charon on 07/30/12 at 20:20:53 Because nobody seems willing to offer me NADA book value for it. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Badass94Cad on 07/31/12 at 10:19:57 7D4B505F4D5C4B390 wrote:
If by "the same engine" you mean V-twin, then yes, they're the same. But if you mean by displacement, IIRC Harley offers 4 different displacement V-Twin engines currently. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Badass94Cad on 07/31/12 at 10:21:38 54757B74434C707D75726F43487469716C6E1C0 wrote:
True, but the Harley and Buell partnership ended a couple years ago. Buell barely has any funding ($20M from China, last I heard) and no dealership network these days. |
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Title: Re: Why Do You Ride or Own A Savage/S40? Post by Badass94Cad on 07/31/12 at 10:26:23 I'll echo what a lot of people are saying - people can't believe it's a 650! ;D ;) :o ::) |
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