SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bike!
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1371231394

Message started by tlm9407 on 06/14/13 at 10:36:34

Title: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bike!
Post by tlm9407 on 06/14/13 at 10:36:34

Hello all, I am interested to see what kind of responses I will get from this!

I am currently considering purchasing my very first motorcycle! (Taking my endorsement class this weekend actually!) I have been around bikes and on the back of bikes for majority of my life and have decided I would like to try it on my own! I am a little over 5'4" tall and about 150lbs, and I will be completely honest, I am not incredibly strong. I went to a local bike shop and they have a 2002 and a 2006 for nearly the same price. Both have decent mileage and are in all around great shape. I am wondering what everyone thinks about starting out with this model? Too much? Is it just right? I have sat on many bikes, but I am extremely comfortable on this bike. The controls are in the perfect position, everything feels right. It doesn't feel too heavy, which is obviously important. I have tried out Rebel 250 and 450's and those just seem a little too cramped. My only concerns with the Savage, (this will sound silly) I am not to sure of the speedo being on the gas tank, and I know it is a 650. Which would obviously have a lot more torque than a smaller bike... But I am sure that is something I could adjust to!

Any suggestions, feedback or anything of that sort would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

-Tara :)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Blinky-FSO on 06/14/13 at 10:49:52

Tara,
I think you hit it when you said the S40/savage feels right and you feel comfortable on it. You made the right choice signing up for the riders course. The 125's or 250's they use will be about the same size and weight of the S40/Savage. The biggest difference will be the more robust torque of the S40/Savage. You will learn to deal with that in just a few starts and it is really a good thing since it is almost impossible to stall a S40.

The speedometer placement is not ideal plus the turn signal indicators are built into the speedometer which is even worse. You will get used to it.

Just my 2 cents and good luck in the course and keep us posted. By the way, my first bike was a S40.

Good hunting

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by tlm9407 on 06/14/13 at 10:57:07

Thanks so much for the quick feedback!

I really do feel comfortable on these bikes! I have spent countless hours trying to find a bike I really liked the feel of. My boyfriend is a fan and owner of an 85 Maxim and he LOVES it. I on the other hand, can maneuver it, but slowly due to its height and weight and the control placement is absolutely horrendous. :P After this weekend, I will be heading down to see if either of the bikes are still available. And if not, I will be searching Craigslist or cycletrader until I can find one! I am not going to settle for something I am not comfortable with just to be able to ride!

I am sure each bike would be mildly different, but is there anything I should know about clutching, etc? Any little quirks about these bikes? Unfortunately out of the 15+ friends we have that ride, not a single one has experience with the Savage.. :(

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Blinky-FSO on 06/14/13 at 11:09:41

Tara,
Every bike is different but there are no true "quirks" in the bike. The rear drum brake can get kind of grabby. It is a single cylinder bike with a carb, not fuel injected, so you will get some pops from back fire when shutting down and shifting, nothing major.

There are two common issues due to design shortfalls, a rubber head plug that can leak oil and the cam chain tensioner that can fail in a most dramatic way. Both are easily fixed and there is a wealth of documentation on this site. other than that, they are basically bullet proof. One member here just turned 100,000 miles.

Good hunting

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by oldNslow on 06/14/13 at 11:17:15

Don't know what kind of bikes they use in the class you are going to take, but when I took mine the bikes were GZ250 Suzukis. They feel very similar to the Savage. If that's what your class uses and you are comfortable on one you'll likely feel fine on the Savage.

I wouldn't worry about it being a 650. The savage engine is very user friendly IMO and is quite happy just putting around until you get more comfortable opening it up a bit.

Take a look at the threads in RSD about the cam chain adjuster and the petcock issues. These could be legitimate concerns if you are not interested in doing your own work on the bike. Not deal breakers, but something to be aware of depending on how many miles you expect to put on the bike.

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Pine on 06/14/13 at 11:26:09

Welcome to the Forum!

Personally I don't think there is a better first bike commonly available at any price. I think Blinky nailed it with the comment on the torque. The savage has enough "ummmfff" so you can miss a shift, and generally be "wrong" with the gas and clutch and she still will rumble through the traffic light.

As to quirks:
shifting to 5th - on my bike shifting to fifth is "odd", its like a "half-step" instead of a good solid step out of fourth.
Brakes squeal... mostly the front.. but both
The "fart"- If you end up in slow traffic, and "lugging" the bike much, the bike will backfire just going down the rode. Its embarrassing, but meh.
The "after-run backfire"... several things line up to cause the Savage to backfire when being shutdown. I have learned a series of steps to eliminate it:
Come to a stop
pull the choke out either half or full till the rpms drop
quickly hit the kill switch

The savage has a high idle rpm ( and requires it for proper oiling), it also fires the sparkplug every rotation. This allows for hot gases to be ignited in the exhaust.

Seat is not comfortable on long trips.
Seat dips into the tank too much, use the rubber stopper trick to make it more level.
Handle bars were too low to suit me. Risers really made it comfortable.
Vacume operated petcock can cause various issues, including fuel starvation at interstate speeds for long periods of time, switch to Raptor.
Any bike with a wet clutch will pose issues for obtaining oil. We have "oil wars here.
The rear end is very llight... this is good and bad. I don't like to ride on the interstate for long as the roads here are bad and the bike is easily tossed about in 70+ speeds. (but smooth as silk up to 60/65)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by tlm9407 on 06/14/13 at 11:27:59

Thanks for the input! I will be checking out as much on this forum as I can! I will be doing all the maintenance on my bike. :) I am fairly handy and don't want to have to depend on someone else to fix something that goes wrong. :) The class should have an assortment of bikes. A friend of mine took the same course last year and he said they have a variety. Lets hope I can try something similar! :)

Again, thanks a lot! I appreciate any input!

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Dane Allen on 06/14/13 at 11:28:59

Not much to add that hasn't already been well said by Blinky other than I just got a 2012 back in March and I absolutely love it. The second bonus is the wealth of knowledge on this site. It is true that with a couple of modifications and the right oil this bike can last a very long time with much lesser chance of mechanical failures than other bikes.

As they say, if the shoe fits then wear it and it sounds like it fits well. :)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by paulmarshall on 06/14/13 at 12:00:10

A good choice.
You can't go wrong.
And welcome to the site. :)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by runwyrlph on 06/14/13 at 12:04:06

6776627B7A7665647F767B7B170 wrote:

A good choice.
You can't go wrong.
And welcome to the site. :)

Yep

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Cloudy on 06/14/13 at 13:01:25

I believe it is almost the perfect beginner bike. light enough for anyone, low seat height. enough power to keep up with other road users.
My wife is 160cm tall (5 foot 2? ish).

http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag42/CloudyTriker/Fionasnewbike004_zps4c04bda7.jpg (http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/CloudyTriker/media/Fionasnewbike004_zps4c04bda7.jpg.html)

She just loves this bike. She's had bigger bikes, Honda VF700, she could barely touch the ground with that. Also smaller (400cc) Jap rockets which are just mental fast. This suits her perfectly.

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by jcstokes on 06/14/13 at 13:59:15

Suzuki did make a Savage/S40 with a colour scheme deliberately targeted at the female market. You will find that the Savage /S40 can be backed into places easily, as it's light and the low seat height makes it easy for you to push it backwards. Because of the torque you can choose whether to use the gearbox or do most of your highway riding in fifth. A long ride, 300 miles plus, may rivet your backside, but there are seat pads and aftermarket seats which help combat this. Some on this forum have altered the stock seat to suit themselves. You must also be aware that your main fuel is good for 110 to 120 miles at best, the reserve is good for about 20 miles. I thoroughly enjoy mine and don't intend replacing it unless I win Lotto and then I'd keep it anyway.

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by arteacher on 06/14/13 at 14:32:58

If you are looking for objectivity, you have come to the wrong place- we all love ours. ;) ;) ;)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Steve H on 06/14/13 at 15:05:57

I don't see how you can go wrong...like everyone else has said.

It's got PLENTY of pull. Just twist the throttle. It's well behaved. The balance is good. It's light enough and the center of gravity is low enough that pretty much anyone can pick it up. And, it is big enough to enjoy riding it all over the place. You won't learn to ride it and then almost immediately say I want something bigger.

You've got at least half the battle won by finding the bike that fits you well and you feel comfortable with it. Only thing worse than having to ride a bike that you hate is having no bike to ride. And, that might be debatable.

Love my Savage. Wish it were a little more comfortable for long rides and maybe a little longer (more room) when riding two-up but it's a great bike.

Anything you want to know about the Savage, someone here knows it and will be glad to help you out.

As for quirks...mine always looks like it's begging me to ride it whenever it is sitting in the driveway. It just looks so lonely. It likes to go "poof" when you kill the engine. They sometimes develop rattles but the solutions for all those are available right here. Nothing major.

Enjoy the class. Learn everything you can. It will put you on a great footing for your first biking experiences. Good luck, have fun. ;D

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by verslagen1 on 06/14/13 at 15:12:36

Tara, you might expand upon what you expect this bike to do for you.
I think this bike is a very good short range commuter.
And excent as a 1st bike, it was mine too, and still is.

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/14/13 at 17:35:59

While other "cute" little bikes are out there that are small & light & dependable, this one has something few Low to the Ground( as in, short folks can handle it), relatively light ( as in those same short folks can pick it up) potential first bikes have. These have enough power that if you mess up & get in front of someone who is faster than you thot, you can grab a gear & twist the gas & youre GONE,,

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by ToesNose on 06/14/13 at 18:44:03

If you feel comfortable with the ergonomics sitting on the LS650 then I would say it's a great first bike. Just remember to always ride within your comfort/skill level no matter what size bike/engine there is under you, you are the one in control not the other way around ;)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by engineer on 06/14/13 at 19:42:40

When you sort through all the current bikes looking for one that has a low seat, low weight, and decent power this is about the only one out there. Going from one stop light to another it is pretty darn quick.

Things I especially like:
Lots of torque.
Nice smooth clutch with light pressure.
Easy shifting.
Legs are not cramped up.
Light weight.
Easy maintenance, no coolant, no fancy electronics.
Mine is very reliable, always starts.

Things I don't like:
The OEM rear shocks ride hard, if you have a tender back get some Progressive shocks.

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Sheriff41 on 06/14/13 at 22:01:23

Well, the S40/Savage is a great second bike also! We bought a V Star 650 for my wife's first bike and she was never comfortable with the bike's size and weight. We sold it to a friend and found her a 2007 S40. She fell in love with the S40 right away. She is much more comfortable and happier riding the S40.

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Serowbot on 06/14/13 at 23:09:55

I think this is at the very upper limit of a beginners bike...

It's small, and fairly light, with a comparatively gentle powerband...
If you are comfortable releasing the clutch and taking off... on a bike general,... it is a fine starter bike...
I started on a 60cc 2-stroke,... then a 125cc.... then a 360cc 4-stroke, a 500, and a much faster 500...

I did have a rider that believed he was experienced,... crash a Savage into a wall on launch...
...if the throttle feels comfortable to you, and you launch easily... this bike is an excellent learner...
Some people just seem to have a different relationship with the throttle...

Many of us have gone through quite a few bikes.... and this one isn't our first,... it will likely be our last...
It's actually,... pretty adequate for a first, middle, and last bike...
I've owned faster, slower, lighter, heavier... but, no bike ever covered as many bases as this one...
Just enough, but not too much...
Enough power to get me out of trouble,... but not get me into trouble...
;D...
To me,.. it feels the way a motorcycle should feel...

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by apache snow on 06/15/13 at 06:06:49

Yeah, they are good for short people, easy for women to hold up, easy for first timers and good for old men finishing up. :)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by paulmarshall on 06/15/13 at 13:14:15

3928393B303D2B36372F580 wrote:

Yeah, they are good for short people, easy for women to hold up, easy for first timers and good for old men finishing up. :)

They can be modified to cater for the not so short too. ;)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by jcstokes on 06/15/13 at 13:16:22

If as some suggest, sixty is the new forty, they're good for middle aged men returning to motorcycling too.

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Jack_650 on 06/15/13 at 15:24:49

I was "about" 60 when I decided to get my first bike. Went to a place to check out and probably buy a Honda 250 Rebel. Sitting next to it for the same price was the Savage. Never heard of it and had done a lot of research on the Honda. Called a friend and he got online and filled me in on all the important stuff. Ended up buying the Savage of course. Both bikes would have done what I wanted but it turns out the Suzi-Q does it stronger and easier. The only thing I would change would be to get the gas mileage the Rebel gets.

When I say the only I thing I would change, what I really mean is that I've already changed so much (superficial) stuff that the poor bike doesn't even know what it is anymore. Harley and V-Star parts all over it, darksider tire on the back, Vetter luggage hanging on the back . . .

I've done super long trips on it cross country and putted around town. It does everything that the big boys do, even pulls a trailer. First, last, only bike. Your choice. Can't go wrong. And nobody steals them hardly. Just remember that 50 years ago this bike would have been a monster road machine.

Advice from he who knows:
Always wear footwear that grips the ground.
Don't let the clutch out too fast on wet grass. It will lay down.
Don't start moving with a disc brake lock in place. It will stop on you.
Don't expect it to stay standing with the kickstand down in gravel on the side of a two lane when an 18 wheeler roars past. It will lay down.
Get someone to show you the trick for picking a bike back up when it does (not if) get tired and lies down.

Jack

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/15/13 at 15:28:59

A 250 will Do it. The 650 makes it FUN!

I typed that a few years ago. IIRC, Paladin STOLE it!
Yea ya did, Paladin,, you know you did!
I was honored.,

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by paulmarshall on 06/15/13 at 15:30:38

Telling us what you have done without pics is just a tease. ;)

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by arteacher on 06/15/13 at 20:27:40

7A6C7B667E6B667D090 wrote:

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Jack_650 on 06/15/13 at 22:29:25

I've pasted this link in here so many times I figured everybody knew where to look at my tinkered up machine. Oh well 26 is the charm.

http://www.bikepics.com/members/jazzcarter/00savage/

Now go and see what a fella with a big bike bone yard up the road a piece can do without spending too much money.

Jack

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by kimchris1 on 06/16/13 at 17:24:21

Tara, first of all, welcome to the forum. You have discovered not only a great bike, but a great forum as well.
Their is nothing about this bike that you can't learn from these guys.
Their is a tech section that covers everything you can probably think about concerning this bike.

Myself I started with a 2 stroke 50 cc scooter and went to a Honda Rebel 250 for 2 years, Then I got my S-40.. Her name is Genie and she is an 09 model.
She has given me hrs and hrs of riding with no mechanical problems.
She has the torque that has already been mentioned to get me out of places when I feel the need.
She has been looked at by HD riders and given the thumbs up.
She gets great gas mileage, yet again as already mentioned not as good as a Rebel, then again, she is a bit larger than a Rebel.
I have again ridden her for many miles and look forward to many more. I ride a total of 50 miles to work and back.
I will admit on a recent 300 mile ride, my hiney was a bit sore and back was a little as well. Yet that was easily remedied with a hot shower. So have fun and I do hope if you choose one of these bikes you will come back and show us a pic, and join our fun family.. Best of luck, :) kim

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Dj12midnit on 06/16/13 at 17:35:03

Kim kim kim. A hot shower is not how you take care of a sore bottom. Just saying...

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Jack_650 on 06/16/13 at 18:52:39

Yeah. Hot shower. Good one.

Take the Ibuprofin before the long ride and again during. Get off and do some walking and stretching once in a while. Get a gel pad and swap it out from time to time during the ride. I've found that sitting on one cheek for a few minutes and then back to full bottom helps. Alternate solo cheeks as needed. It's the only true way to get "buns of steel" and ya'll know it.

Jack

Title: Re: Would like info/opinions on Savage as first bi
Post by Dave on 06/17/13 at 08:04:25

As Serowbot and others have mentioned....this bike is torguey. If you are not yet coordinated at the clutch/throttle/front brake thingies......it can become a real handful real fast. The Savage is a wonderful bike to own......once you have mastered the use of the various controls. Some have posted that they learned on the Savage by riding very carefully around a parking lot, then around the block, then finally out in traffic.....but do go slowly and get very coordinated before trying the higher gears and higher speeds. When looking for used Savage parts on ebay it is scary to see how many of them have become parts bikes after running into things.......lots of bent forks and smashed front wheels from running head first into big stuff.