SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> The Cafe >> I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1435002707

Message started by stewmills on 06/22/15 at 12:51:47

Title: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/22/15 at 12:51:47

Ok, long story short, I did the Dragon yesterday with my friend from MO (I skipped the savage run last weekend so I could see my old friend). We had a blast and that's another story to be told another time, but I am wondering if it's time to step up to a slightly bigger bike? I rode about 250 miles yesterday all over the area up there and had a blast. I was able to keep up with the group on their bigger bikes and never felt like they were getting away from me, but boy did my arse and such hurt afterwards. Yeah, my ailments are not necessarily the bike's fault because it was a looooong day, but I also felt like I was just punishing my little S40 barreling up and down all of those mountains as well as stretching it out when I could. She did great and ran like a champ, but I could tell she was a tired little girl when we were done.

So, the questions are:
a) If I am loosely considering stepping up to a larger bike, why would I NOT want to do that?
b) I am 5'6", ~165lbs. I have been eyeballing the C50 and the Honda Shadow as potential upgrades.
C50 pros and cons?
Shadow pros and cons?

Note that my forte is not do do the Dragon every weekend, but still want to be able to tackle a good curvy road when the opportunity permits. ;)

Thanks!!!!

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/22/15 at 13:04:44

If I had known that the Kawasaki W650 existed I would not have bought the Savage or the Moto Guzzi.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by LANCER on 06/22/15 at 13:09:24

What is the current condition of your Savage ?
What mod's have been done if any ?
What don't you like about it other than the seat ?

I dare say your Savage is not tired unless you have mega-miles on it and it has not been cared for properly by a previous owner.

If you just need a more comfortable seat then change it out.
If you are simply looking for justification to buy a bigger bike, then just go buy one. Then you can have 2 bikes and use them for different purposes.
I have multiples and I do.
There are many on this site who have multiple bikes and use them accordingly.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by LANCER on 06/22/15 at 13:10:56

607F797E63645565556D7F73380A0 wrote:

If I had known that the Kawasaki W650 existed I would not have bought the Savage or the Moto Guzzi.

What you say ? ? :o ;D

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/22/15 at 13:33:09

What is the current condition of your Savage ?
Excellent IMO

What mod's have been done if any ?
2008 LS650 - Dyna Muffler Conversion - Air Mix Screw 3/4 Turn Out - Rotella T6 w/Redline ZDDP - Seat Lift Mod - Speedo Rattle Mod - 140/90-15 Rear Tire

What don't you like about it other than the seat ?
Nothing else ergonomically. I just feel like when I am running it steady at 60-65mph for 10+ minutes that it's just wearing the poor thing out. And I am hoping to start easing into some short weekend trips where I may want to ride out versus truck the bike.

I dare say your Savage is not tired unless you have mega-miles on it and it has not been cared for properly by a previous owner.
4700 easy miles, except for the 250 yesterday. Those were pretty hard. Got the bike with 408 miles on it in mint condition.

If you just need a more comfortable seat then change it out.
I might consider that. Maybe being around my buddy and all of the big bikes got me excited and it'll wear off in a few weeks?

If you are simply looking for justification to buy a bigger bike, then just go buy one. Then you can have 2 bikes and use them for different purposes.
No way the wife will let me keep both. It's going to be one or the other or I'll be in trouble and moving in with one of you guys.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/22/15 at 13:36:32

Didn't say I wouldn't have regretted it.
The low CG and seat kept me from dropping it at more than one stop.
That was The most likely to fall time for me.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by verslagen1 on 06/22/15 at 14:07:22

6F68796B717570706F1C0 wrote:

I was able to keep up with the group on their bigger bikes and never felt like they were getting away from me, but boy did my arse and such hurt afterwards.

Yeah, did the same and have plans to better the seat which is currently a solo bobber seat. Of course the stock seat wouldn't have been any better. You can get it reupholstered, there are air hawk pads and any number of seats from donor bikes that have been done.

Quote:

She did great and ran like a champ, but I ~~could tell she~~ was a tired little girl when we were done.

There, fixed it for you.

Kept to within the speed limits around the dragon, there's not many bikes that'll beat it for fun or money.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/22/15 at 14:11:18

7B687F7E616C6A68633C0D0 wrote:

She did great and ran like a champ, but I ~~could tell she~~ was a tired little girl when we were done.
There, fixed it for you.

OUCH. now my arse hurts again ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by MMRanch on 06/22/15 at 14:16:08

Stew

I met a feller in Texas back in April that has over 130,000 miles on his Savage. :o

I put a modified Harley Soft-tail seat on my S-40. Between the Dragon run we just finished and a CMA long weekend the same week me and the S-40 did almost 3000 miles together in 10 days. Some of them running down the super-slab at 75mph and some of them put-puting the N.C. back roads.
Some tank-fulls were 50 mpg and some were 65 mpg.

Keep the S-40 --- I've had and rode lots of bike over the last 45+ years and I'll tell ya "The S-40 is as good as any of them." I went through 4 seats on my Sortster before I found one I liked ... but it still ain't as comfortable as my S-40. One of the guys ridding with us was on a Harley 1430 cc bike and we all kept-up with each other just fine. ... he allmost could keep-up on the Dragon even ;D ;D

If some rider on a larger bike ever give ya grief : "Just turn the conversation toward MPG and watch them curl-up in a corner and HIDE ! ;D

If ya go to a two-piece seat you can modify the connector between the seats easier than you can modify one big seat pan. :P

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Tocsik on 06/22/15 at 14:16:11

You guys are crackin' me up here today. Too funny.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Serowbot on 06/22/15 at 14:19:12

If you're not wanting to cruise over 70mph, or travel 2 up... I don't see any advantage to bigger...
Get a sheepskin seat pad... Mine's faux sheepskin, homemade (buddies wife sews)... makes the seat 100% more comfy...
Speeds under 70,.. you aren't straining or hurting your Savage a bit...
... 75+ all day,... you might want a bigger bike...

Seat cover also keeps it cool in summer and warm in winter...
...(you wouldn't believe how hot black vinyl gets in 100'f+ sun)... :o...
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt82/serowbot/rerun/pulley016.jpg

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt82/serowbot/rerun/kit021.jpg

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt82/serowbot/tm002.jpg

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/22/15 at 14:24:29

I don't believe the C50 is an upgrade.........most likely the S40 is a faster and more nimble bike in the mountains.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/22/15 at 14:35:12

2137203D25303D26520 wrote:

buddies wife sews)...

That is just lame. Everybody knows Muppets have a personal seamstress.
Somebody has to keep elbows and knees from leaking polyester.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by springman on 06/22/15 at 14:42:05

I'll throw in my 2 cents worth. After this Dragon run I have over 17,000 miles on my 06 S40 that I got about 3 years ago with 4,000 miles on it. I generally try to ride to work at least once a week which is approximately 35 miles each way, a good part of that on the HOV doing 65-70 (sometimes a bit more). I upgraded to the airhawk seat which helps, but after 45 minutes or more I am squirming. For my regular riding and for the Dragon, the bike is great.

I have been on the superslab at a consistent 75-80 and there it does feel like I am pushing it (and mpg dropped to about 43). If I were to tour more often I would probably want a slightly bigger bike, but I would still hate giving up the light weight of the savage.

p.s. I like the M50 over the C50 and I think the Shadow Spirit 1100 is nice espcially for touring but it is about 200 lbs heavier and average mpg is much lower.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by verslagen1 on 06/22/15 at 14:44:47

2A3C2B362E3B362D590 wrote:

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt82/serowbot/rerun/pulley016.jpg

That's just what beast needs... a little fur. does it come w/out the bottle?

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/22/15 at 15:14:52

Don't worry. The bottle won't be there when you get off.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by old.indian on 06/22/15 at 15:59:49

OK, so I'm an old man, 6' & 187 lbs. but I do like my comfort. After I did the mods on the S40 (and before I replaced the tires) I did a test ride of 360 miles. Ranged from 4,500 ft. alt to 8,000 ft., 50 miles of I-25, the rest were back roads, including some "interesting" steep downhill twistys with reverse banking. Nine hours lapsed time driveway to driveway, 58.4 MPG. My only complaint is that the factory 'shield is too short, (too many bugs in the face shield.) The S40 is the most comfortable "out of the box" bike I've ever had, the others required changing the bars, the seat, or both. (Cross the country, the Sierras, Calif. Highway 1 / 101 SD to Canada = '70 CB750. The Sierras, highway 1/101 LA to Canada = '73 Norton 750. Blue Ridge, East coast back roads = '95 750 Nighthawk.) The S 40 isn't a 70+ tour bike like the Hondas, or as great in the twisty bits as the Norton, BUT since I putt along at 60 +/- and take a break every 100 miles or so I'm quite content. :)
In Sept. I'll head out with a friend for a long weekend putt. I figure that I'll clock between 1,000 and 1,500 miles that weekend. :)

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by jcstokes on 06/22/15 at 20:27:02

I would go with the Airhawk, I feel it helps and you must face the fact that after two hundred miles, your arse will be riveted. I've just come in from about 150 miles on a glorious winters day. Arse isn't riveted but I'm shaking with cold, should have worn over trousers. I can't offer experience, but if you want bigger, have you considered the Yamaha Bolt?

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by MMRanch on 06/22/15 at 21:18:40

Bot , Thats a nice looking bike ... Well done ! 8-)

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by MMRanch on 06/22/15 at 21:32:37

Check-out the new Indian Scout. 100 HP and its only 450 ish pounds. ! 8-) and its perty !! :)

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/22/15 at 21:34:33

60636B2166616B666E610F0 wrote:

You might be old, but you're a tuff old man.
There's no
Salute
smiley,,,,

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/23/15 at 03:59:57

A friend sent me an email....his brother is selling his 1974 Moto Guzzi V7 sport. Probably not a step up in comfort....but definitely a performance improvement!

http://i59.tinypic.com/2928vgz.jpg

Seriously.....there are plenty of bikes out there to choose from and most likely there will be one that is right for you. The problem is finding one that fits you and your riding style. The Savage is well suited to your height/weight.....you will find that a lot of the Sport Touring or Adventure Touring bikes have too tall of seat heights for you (and me with my 30" inseam). Go to dealers and test ride some bikes....ride some friends bikes....see what you like.

The Savage is a great bike for roads with speeds below 65.....it will do 70 without much fuss......if you want to ride 75-80 that is a bit much for extended rides on a stock bike. (I have modified my engine and gearing and it now will cruise comfortably at 70-80 mph speeds - however it does cost money to do that and I could have sold the Savage and bought a bigger/faster bike for the money.....but I like my Savage).

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Pine on 06/23/15 at 09:25:11

As an FSO.. and now on a much bigger bike.. I offer up the following:
Fun: the savage wins..
taking bumps: the Vstar 1100 wins

Thats pretty much it. I like both bikes.

The Shadow should not be that big a "step up" maybe a step sideways. Different, but not really BETTER. I am with JOG on the W650, but then I like the Triumph America as well.

Good luck to you!

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/23/15 at 09:47:53

For me personally......the cruiser seating is not the most comfortable. Sitting low and reaching up for the handlebars while my legs are out in front of me makes my back and butt tired.

I much prefer a "Touring" or "Standard" style of seating where the handlebars are just below my chest, and the footpegs are underneath me. This seating style seems to keep some of my leg weight in the footpegs and takes it away from my butt.

I am also OK with the "sport touring" seating where you are leaning forward a bit.

I imagine the "sport bike" seating could be tiring on long rides, especially for the passenger. When I see young girls riding on the back of a sport bike with their legs all folded up and their body all bent over......I just can't help but feel sorry for them.

If I was looking for a bike in the $ 3,000 - $ 5,000 range right now....I would be looking at a BMW RT 1100/1150. Plenty of power, great handling, very reliable and comfortable.....the downside is that when you need parts they may not be available locally and are a bit expensive. I currently have a Honda ST1100 and it was very affordable, very cheap to buy and keep ($ 3,400 for a 2002 with 34,000 miles....the only downside of me is the seat is a bit high for my 30" inseam and the bike is kinda' heavy for me to hold up when sitting stilll (once under motion it rides great).

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 06/23/15 at 11:37:57

I have two bikes; the S40 and an old XS 1100
comfort, especially on longer rides, XS wins hands down
handling, XS also wins (sorry guys, a well balanced riding position gives me the confidence to USE the bikes cornering ability, and less rake = quicker steering)
I prefer the S40 due to engine vibes (I find a single sounds / feels more relaxed, for me personally) and the ease of parking lot maneuvers (the XS is TALL and HEAVY, making it hard to back on uneven surfaces)
If I hadda have one, though, especially if it also had to be my main transport, it's be the XS

however, if the seat is your only gripe, fix it
if I had just the S40, I'd likely think about the CS2 kit
on th other hand, for that money, I could get a nighthawk
otoh, I still like a single better

:-/

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/23/15 at 19:45:27

Ok...so I went and drove an '06 C50 today and honestly, I hated it. I am not sure if there are different styles (other than cosmetics) that have different bars, etc. but this one was just not for me. It was much wider than I expected . I guess the guys on the internet riding them are bigger and make the bike appear smaller. And I guess I am so used to the S40 drag bars that driving the C50 made me feel like I was trying to steer an elephant by his ears.

So, C50 is no longer a candidate. I am going to still look around and maybe drive a Shadow 750 as some of them seem to be more along the S40 set-up, but when I come home and look at my S40 sitting there it really is not a bad looking bike, so maybe I need to do some research on the seat upgrade and let go of the idea of trading up. :-?

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/23/15 at 19:59:48

Let go of the ideathat trading bigger equals trading up.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 06/23/15 at 20:22:17

5B5C4D5F454144445B280 wrote:

All the Boulevard line EXCEPT the S40 comes in 3 trim levels:
C (lassic) tends to hark back to the big 'ol cruisers of yesteryear, with fat tires, skirted fenders, and big cushy seats
S (port) are more bobberish, with smaller fenders, narrower tires, and drag bars
M (uscle) takes the S and blacks it out, and adds mag wheels

all the Boulevards above the S40 are bigger, heavier, liquid cooled bikes that are more suited to highway use and are less tossable
The shadow 750 I sat on was not to my liking, controls more forward than the S40, and less ground clearance, YMMV

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by old_rider on 06/23/15 at 20:33:07

The shadow 750 is a bit bulkier also, but the bar position won't seem quite as wide as the C50 and the body won't either.
But it IS heavier and still the seat will need to be "adjusted" for softness, my buds 750 had a bit of "mods" to help him adapt to it (but he is like 6'2").
With the 750 you also will "struggle" to keep up with the bigger bikes, although it won't vibrate half as much or sound like it is screaming its last breath at 80, but you are limited to 5 gears and always reaching for the 6th one that never appears.
I had a Honda 1300 (same frame style bigger engine) and went through a gamut of seats and mods to them, I still have a couple in my garage left over that I haven't sold.
Like most folks, see if you can find a cheap seat on Ebay and adapt it to fit... I think MMR has a Harley one, I actually mod'd one of the vtx1300 seats to fit (made me sit a bit higher), I took it off, but I am thinking on re-installing it now that I broke the windscreen I was using.
Make it comfortable first, and keep up with your maintenance, it will stay healthy.... like Timex always used to say... "takes a licking and keeps on ticking" (see what I done there?). ::)

(edited to add photo of vtx1300 seat on savage)

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/Orphistle/2001%20savage/IMG_20140409_165642939_HDR.jpg

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Paladin. on 06/23/15 at 21:48:07

6A6D7C6E747075756A190 wrote:

... What don't you like ....
I just feel like when I am running it steady at 60-65mph for 10+ minutes that it's just wearing the poor thing out....

I went to the GEEIA Reunion in OKC in September 2007 (http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/002421.html).
http://www.savageriders.com/paladin/LA-OKC/Ready2Ride.jpg
Gardena to Holbrook, 570 miles. Holbrook to Amarillo, 520 miles. Just 260 miles more to OKC, arriving about 1 pm. The Savage is just fine doing 65-70 mph down the Interstates.
http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/images/1000_Smiles.jpg -- 1000 miles from home in less than 34 hours

Tens of thousands of miles does not bother the Savage. Neglecting your oil does.

You cannot know what bike you want until you buy one and ride for a while. Some people go on from the little Savage to a bigger bike. Some of them like it. Some sell the big bike and new S40. Some go smaller.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by jcstokes on 06/23/15 at 22:36:11

At least consider sitting on a Bolt, low seat height and 950 cc, apparently they will out perform a Harley 883cc. There is a comparison video out there somewhere.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by old_rider on 06/24/15 at 06:11:25

Here is one from 2013

http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/08/26/2013-yamaha-star-bolt-vs-harley-davidson-sportster-iron-883-urban-cruiser-comparison-test/

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/24/15 at 06:53:44

Thanks for the replies!

One of the guys I rode with this weekend said he sent his seat off to have gel inserted for about $150. I also looked and saw some videos of folks doing it themselves, removing and then replacing the factory seat cover so it looks stock.

Any of you ever done a gel insert install or sent your stock seat off to get it done and have a recommendation of a good vendor?

I am hankering with the idea of trying it myself.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/24/15 at 07:51:46

The king of mail order seat mods is a guy called Spencer. It appears that it costs about $ 50 - $ 75 for him to make custom padding for your seat.

http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 06/24/15 at 08:48:06

Spencer is well known and respected on the Rebel forums

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by engineer on 06/24/15 at 08:59:35

I did a gel insert into the seat of one of my bikes a couple years ago. I didn't like it, the gel pad was too hard with very little give to it. After a couple months I did the whole seat over again with a home made seat pan shaped to fit and the highest density foam I could find. It is much better now.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 06/24/15 at 09:19:19

Actually isn't the later S40 seat gel already? I seem to remember reading that here somewhere?

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/24/15 at 09:23:24

37242221333434560 wrote:

Actually isn't the later S40 seat gel already? I seem to remember reading that here somewhere?

No....just stiff foam.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 06/24/15 at 09:28:45

ok, bad info, then

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by sjaskow - FSO on 06/24/15 at 09:29:16

One of the guys I ride with on trips with upgraded from a 750 ACE to a C90T BOSS and his only complaint so far has been the seat. However, as he's gotten some break in miles on the new seat, the complaints have lessened. ::)

I did a Victory demo days a couple of weekend ago and I test rode a Victory Gunner: http://www.victorymotorcycles.com/en-us/cruisers/gunner-titanium-metallic and it was blast. It'd be the perfect commuter with a wind screen and the rack.

I test drove a lot of others during my search for the S40 replacement. I'll have to write up my thoughts and post them at pictures some place.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Pine on 06/24/15 at 11:00:58

7F6D7F6D60737C717A320 wrote:

Check-out the new Indian Scout. 100 HP and its only 450 ish pounds. ! 8-) and its perty !! :)

100Hp and 538 lbs...
starting at 10999, but when I went to customize it started at 11899.

Pretty thing though. The biggest dealership in town is really pushing the Indians.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/24/15 at 11:08:44

003B3621303C27213A323F20530 wrote:

The king of mail order seat mods is a guy called Spencer. It appears that it costs about $ 50 - $ 75 for him to make custom padding for your seat.

http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

I contacted Spencer via email and got a super quick reply. Basically I need to send my seat in with some details on the 'problem area' and some pics of my riding posture and he'll handle it. It'll be $50 basic service and material plus $25 for the supracore material that he recommends. I cover shipping both ways in addition to those fees.

Sounds like he knows his game and he says that if you get your seat back and can tell it has been worked on (visually, not comfortably) then he didn't do his job.

So...I'll try to make note of the before and after and provide some feedback that we can maybe save in the "tech" or "how to" section for one of the possibilities in seat modification options (unless this is already in there...I didn't look :o :o)

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/24/15 at 12:40:18

On the Honda ST Forum Spencer is a near God.....but I don't believe anyone on this forum has used him yet.

The ST1100 I bought has a Spencerized seat as the previous female owner could barely touch the ground with the stock seat. If he built the seat for her.....her bottom was shaped a lot different than mine is! ;).

The longest ride I took so far was 570 miles in one day......and my butt was tired when I got off! I think a sheepskin or furry cover like Serowbot had might have helped...I think my tired but was caused more by the lack of ventilation between my butt and the vinyl than the seat padding caused. My butt couldn't "breathe".

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/24/15 at 13:06:29

It's worth $100 to me to not screw it up and let the expert do his thing.

I'll probably get s sheepskin for longer rides and see how that does in combination with the new seat. 80% of my riding is in town for short 15-20 minute stretches, but I want to be comfy as I can as I start going on more group rides, etc.

BTW, my butt breathes pretty well, it's just that it exhales only and my wife usually doesn't like it when I do it in the bed ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/24/15 at 13:24:34

242332203A3E3B3B24570 wrote:

BTW, my butt breathes pretty well, it's just that it exhales only and my wife usually doesn't like it when I do it in the bed ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Scuba divers call it "outgassing"....well at least when it is the built up Nitrogen that you are getting rid of.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/24/15 at 14:28:09

stewmills wrote on Today at 21:06:29:
BTW, my butt breathes pretty well, it's just that it exhales only.

Just an FYI, but the truth be told, there are many people so equipped.
Some people, I dunno if they are more advanced or what, but some are equipped with vocal cords near the end of the large intestine.
They are also ventriloquists,throwing that voice and able to lip sync, making it appear that they are actually speaking, but they are really just talkin outta their A55.
For proof, remember any presidential candidates speeches. Compare to the realities that followed.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by verslagen1 on 06/24/15 at 14:43:10

5F64697E6F63787E656D607F0C0 wrote:

Scuba divers call it "outgassing"....well at least when it is the built up Nitrogen that you are getting rid of.

Nitrogen wouldn't be a problem... but it's methane.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/24/15 at 19:35:30

methane, colourless odourless gas that occurs abundantly in nature and as a product of certain human activities.

Yeah, I'm not certain about the color, but, I Do know that, depending on the source, it might not be completely odorless. I'm pretty sure that the odor is directly proportional to the amount of potential embarrassment for farting.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by MMRanch on 06/24/15 at 21:53:26

Justin wrote :

Post! Quote Let go of the idea that trading bigger equals trading up.

X 2

350 to 450 lbs = FUN 8-)

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/25/15 at 04:17:37

For this "Trading Up"......does Stewmills have a budget in mind? That makes a lot of difference in what could be available.

For me personally......I will never buy a new bike and have found a lot of used bikes with low miles, good condition, and great prices. I do believe the used bike market is pretty well saturated and on Craigslist in Cincinnati there are always 5-20 bikes for sale of any model you are looking for....and it changes weekly.

I have a personal limit of about $ 5,000 for a used bike.....and there is a huge selection of good bikes to choose from. The Honda ST1100 is well below that limit, the ST1300 is just barely in that limit, good BMW K and RT models, the Suzuki 650 V-Strom, older Honda Goldwings, the older style Kawasaki Concours, the Yamaha FJR....I mostly know the Sport Touring market and don't know what Cruiser style bikes are in the sub-$5,000 range. However.....any bike I listed is not as nimble and fun to ride around on the back roads as the Savage is!

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Blinky-FSO on 06/25/15 at 06:14:59

7A414C5B4A465D5B4048455A290 wrote:

I don't believe the C50 is an upgrade.........most likely the S40 is a faster and more nimble bike in the mountains.

Having owned both, I can certainly agree with Dave. The advantage the C50 brings is a longer chassis and many more aftermarket parts, seats, and accessories. The down side is it still has a drum rear brake and single disc front brake.

1,001 choices out there. You mentioned in your original post that you may want to do a small upgrade. There are not too many used out there, but take a look at the Honda CTX series. Good power, low weight, Honda quality, discs front and rear, growing list of options, 60 mpg, and I have already had mine out on the slab at 77 running without a windscreen. New CTX700N six speed bike can be put on the road for a reasonable price. The NC700 is much taller but has the same engine.

Good Hunting

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/25/15 at 06:41:46

My budget is about $3000, but the more I think about it, talk to you folks, and stare at the S40 all nice and shiny in the garage, I think I am going to hold off on trading "up" and go for the Spencer seat mod and see if that solves my "ailment".

I appreciate all of the feedback, seriously, as that's what we're all here for. I think you all have helped me not rush out and make a bad impulse decision.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by old_rider on 06/25/15 at 07:36:30

Also think about getting some 4" or 6" forward controllers for your foot pegs, it makes for a more comfortable ride.
I have the 4" ones from this site and my inseam is 30", they make for a more leg stretching ride. I just put the heal of my boots on the pegs and lean back.... um, you would have to install a back rest, LOL :)

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 06/25/15 at 13:50:40

sometimes I rest my ankles on the pegs, it makes a difference, highway pegs would likely be a good idea

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/26/15 at 13:30:13

I have stock engine guard and K pegs and they feel comfortable when I am on them. It's just my arse hurts where I sit back against the seat hump for 250 miles in a day. Yeah, I know that most bikes will do that to you without a break.

However, to see if it makes a difference, I have the seat boxed up and on it's way to Spencer tonight to get "Spencerized" so hopefully next weekend I'll have some feedback for you all.

8-)

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/26/15 at 13:57:01

Ya' know.....we will be heading back to the Dragon for another trip at the beginning of September.

Good way to try out that revised seat!

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 06/26/15 at 14:37:59

1A212C3B2A263D3B2028253A490 wrote:

Ya' know.....we will be heading back to the Dragon for another trip at the beginning of September.

Good way to try out that revised seat!

Yeah, I am seriously thinking about trying to make that work. Getting there is easy as it's a relatively direct/not too bad 4 hour drive. The issue is not doing it over a 'holiday' weekend when I should be off with my wife relaxing somewhere. It's definitely on my radar.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 06/26/15 at 17:51:02

I have a neighbor who is in his 70's and looking for a new bike. He has a very nice Volusia 800, a Suzuki Burghman Scooter that he has put 100,000 miles on, and a very early Gold Wing. He doesn't like the sound and vibration of the Volusia on long trips....he is not a V-twin fan. The Burghman scooter has a tiny front wheel/tire that just isn't good on potholes or big bumps, and the Goldwing is jut a bit old and heavy for him to load down with luggage.

He has been looking for the perfect new bike for him....and he believes the Kawasaki Vulcan S might be just the ticket. It is a bit out of your price range....but maybe in a few years this could be your bike upgrade to a used Vulcan S. It has twice the HP of the Savage, and the pegs, seat and handlebars are all adjustable to fit to the rider.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibv4_vFQfVM

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Drestakil on 06/27/15 at 06:14:16

I used this site http://diymotorcycleseat.com/ for info on customizing mine. Raised the seat height about 1 1/2" with rigid foam from Lowes. Contoured it with a heat gun and a grinder. It took three tries of taking it apart and putting it back together to get it the way I wanted. I also added longer shocks to smooth out the bumps. It's pretty comfortable for 200 mile trips. That's the longest I've taken so far.

The advantage of doing it yourself is that you can fine tune it as much as you want. And it still looks pretty much stock because the top layer of soft foam is compressed by the seat cover.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by WD on 06/27/15 at 11:24:39

If I was to go out today and buy a midsized replacement, it would be a VN900. The "Custom", which is a fuel injected version of the old VN800A, with a belt drive instead of a chain. Proper tire sizes (21/16) on tubeless cast wheels, tolerable seat, more horsepower, better gearing and better fuel economy than my current Savage (averaging mid 30s to low 40s mpg, something is seriously wrong with it).

I put 44 thousand miles on my VN800A in 18 months. I've put around 30 thousand on the 2003 Savage I bought from Pine. Needs a new timing chain, on the second hole and just about maxed out already in under a year. Second drive tire is just about shot as well, and I bought the bike in April 2014 with a fairly decent rear on it already, swapped that out when the cord started showing.

If I didn't loathe shaft drive so much (had a BMW lock up and spiit in half under me, and that includes the chassis) I'd be on a VN1500 or a C90T. I like the Savage as a backroads toy, but... it leaves a lot to be desired as a highway motorcycle. Too little, even with extensive changes.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 06/27/15 at 11:48:09

That is a great site! in addition to showing you how to mod your seat, it explains the why, which also explains why such things as air pads, raising the front of the seat, and forward controls help
Thanks Drestakil

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 07/10/15 at 11:22:50

Ok gang. I wanted to report back that I did get my seat back from "Spencer" and, well, I took it out of the box and wondered if he took my $$ and just put it back in the box and sent it back to me. It looked perfectly shaped and stapled to the pan and anyone else not knowing it was retrofitted would be non the wiser.

He said it takes about 3 tanks of gas to get the seat to fully settle in and conform to me as it should.

Right now I am about 1 tank in and am pleased so far. You can't tell a huge difference in the seating right off, but he more I ride I do feel it softening up a little and starting to conform.

I'll provide an update as I ride a little more, but so far I am quite satisfied.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 07/10/15 at 11:47:07

Nice! keep us updated

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 07/10/15 at 14:13:18

27203123393D383827540 wrote:

He said it takes about 3 tanks of gas to get the seat to fully settle in and conform to me as it should.

Seeing as we only get 100 miles per tank......I would give it 4 or 5 tanks to break in. ;)

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 07/10/15 at 14:23:17

Yeah, Dave, you're probably right. Guess I'll have to ride all weekend now in order to fully break it in. Arrrggggggh....what a pain :D :D :D

If anyone is curious (and it's referenced on Spencer's website also) part of what he puts in the seat's main pressure point areas is Supracor.

http://www.supracor.com/#

Seems like neat stuff.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 07/10/15 at 21:48:47

I thought the supracore was an extra cost option...or was that something else?

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by stewmills on 07/11/15 at 21:09:29

yep, its $50 for standard service and an additional $25 for supracore. when you consider shipping both ways, etc. its worth it, in my situation, to pony up the $25 and get as good of an upgrade as possible.

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 07/11/15 at 21:36:57

true dat

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Dave on 10/27/15 at 08:55:58

Hey Stewmills......Any long term update on the Spencer seat?

Title: Re: I am thinking about a bigger bike....help me
Post by Art Webb on 10/27/15 at 15:10:06

That'd be nice
Now that I'm 20 miles from work, mostly hiway, I'm sorta wishing I had a bigger bike, too