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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> New to forum. /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1464372449 Message started by PurpleRider25 on 05/27/16 at 11:07:29 |
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Title: New to forum. Post by PurpleRider25 on 05/27/16 at 11:07:29 Hi Savage Riders! I am new to the site. I am very seriously thinking about purchasing a used Savage, aka S40. So going shopping this weekend! I haven't had the chance to actually test ride one yet, but have sat on several at dealers and liked the way it fit me. I am a mature lady rider and I am a little vertically challenged at 5'3". I have owned a Vstar 650 and Vstar 1100 in the past, but stopped riding for 6 years after a bad car accident. So I got back in the saddle last year with the Honda Rebel. Now ready to move up. Don't want a big cruiser again, so the Savage is very appealing to me. I have a few questions, if anyone could offer their honest 2 cents it would be appreciated. Hubby rides a Goldwing and is concerned that I won't keep up at highway speeds. I think it won't be a problem. Comments? Also, I'm wondering how the vibration is at high speeds and the stability of the bike? Being as I see it's called the "thumper" (love that!), I thought I'd ask. We ride on the highway frequently. Being in the beautiful Pacific NW, there are curvy hills everywhere, how does the S40 perform; nimble and easy or not so? The roads here are not in the best condition especially riding in so Are there any particular "years" to watch out for that have issues? I was thinking anything from 2005 and up. If I wanted to add risers to bring handlebars forward, which ones work best without changing the cables? I read threads on buying a used Savage, so will keep them in mind. Anything special to be aware of while looking at used S40's? Thank you for listening and appreciate any helpful suggestions or comments. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Dave on 05/27/16 at 11:22:33 That is a lot to respond to....I will hit some of the questions. The bike is incredibly nimble and fun and well suited to riding on the mountains.....your husband and his GoldWing may have trouble keeping up with you! For reliability and trustworthyness...buy as new of a model as you can afford. The 2004 and later models have some nice changes to the electrical controls.....a passing light and emergency flashers. You should try and find a bike that was stored indoors and has little corrosion. The only problem areas for reliability are the vacuum petcock, the head plug (oil leak), and the cam chain tensioner. The petcock issue is solved by installing a genuine Yamaha Raptor petcock, the head plug leak is repaired by installing a Verslagen head plug that you can buy here, and the cam chain issue is also solved by installing a modified tensioner from Verslagen. When you go ride a bike, it should not have any loud banging or rattling....but the cam/rockers do make a bit of noise. The bike should also accelerate smoothly...if it surges or accelerates unevenly with partial throttle, you will need to have the carb re-jetted, and that is a common issue as the stock jetting is pretty lean to satisfy the EPA. Any bike much older than 5-8 year should have tires replaced if they are the original tires. And don't be in a hurry to buy one....shop around and find a good one. There are plenty of good ones out there.....and also a lot that have been abused. What is Highway Speed? Around here the traffic tends to go 70 and over. The Savage will do that - but if you make a habit at traveling at those speeds or higher....you most likely will want to do something about the gearing. A 140/90 rear tire helps, and changing the front pulley to a Kawasaki pulley also helps. This does throw your speedometer out of whack however - but does lower the engine rpm when cruising. Dave |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by verslagen1 on 05/27/16 at 11:28:00 0E2B2C2E323B0C373A3B2C6C6B5E0 wrote:
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If it's the one with the drag bar and risers, and you want to move them forward? turn the risers around. but I think you mean rearward or towards you... you could probably add an inch spacer on the bottom. Otherwise, I think you may want the buckhorn style. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by springman on 05/27/16 at 11:28:35 Welcome PurpleRider25. Here is my 2 cents worth. If you want to cruise on the highway all day at 80 mph, get something else. If you are going to cruise at 65 mph or so you will be glad you have the Savage when you reach the twisties or even the long sweepers. The bike is very light which is great for lower speeds and even for the twisties, but because it is so light you really feel the cars or big trucks on the highway. The faster you go the more you feel the vibration but it is really not unacceptable. I try to keep my S40 at 65 on the highway but somehow or other I often end up going much faster. It can cruise at 75 but you are pushing it a bit, greatly reducing your mpg and increasing oil consumption. I'll stop here and let the experts tell you more. As far as I am concerned I like the bike, it is a very good all around bike. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by old.indian on 05/27/16 at 18:12:46 Less vibration than most twins. (Unnoticeable at all to me.) * The 140/90 tire will give you roughly a positive 5% increase in MPH @ RPM and the Kawasaki 25 tooth front pulley will give you roughly 9%. * A chain conversion will give you a roughly 16% increase in MPH @ RPM. Either option allow a comfortable 70 MPH @ 4000 RPM (4,000 RPM = 60MPH in factory trim ). 8-) The S40 is light, nimble and very easy to maintain. The weak points are known and easily dealt with. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by PurpleRider25 on 05/27/16 at 19:08:09 Hi. Thanks for the comments. I appreciate them. I am going to take my time and get a good bike for me. I hope to test one this weekend. :-) I am finicky and want a bike in good shape and with the accessories I would like on it. As far as high speeds, just around 70 mph or so on the highway. I am a conservative rider, but hubby is a more aggressive rider. So he leaves me in the dirt sometimes. Lol. The hubby like the Vstar 650 for me; but been there, done that. So don't think I want another one. I want something easy to handle. Any tips on a handlebar riser? I have a shoulder issues still and don't like to "reach" for the bars. My arms are a bit on the short side. :-/ Thanks again! |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by KennyG on 05/27/16 at 20:07:19 Purple, What year Savage/S40 do you have? If it is one of the newer S40s with the bent risers and drag bars you can cut down the risers. Don't cut them to less than 2" or controls on the right side will drag on the gas cap. If you can accurately saw, drill, and tap you can do it yourself for no cost other than a little of your time. Kenny G |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 05/28/16 at 07:26:26 Welcome! I went from a Rebel to an S40 and I LOVED IT! a bit more room, 20 mph higher top speed, a firmer suspension, enough extra weight to make it feel stable in corners but still light and nimble Basically it was like a slightly bigger, more powerful Rebel As Springman said, 65 is the best cruising speed, but the bike doesn't shake at 70, it hums, and it'll surprise your husband on those mountain twisties (unless he's the YouTube Legend Yellow Wolf, that guy DRAGS KNEES on a Goldwing) |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Gus on 05/28/16 at 17:54:03 Purple, There is a lot of good input here. The only thing I've got to say is that the Savage vibrates less than the HD V Twin I used to ride. This link is a recent post by another new comer who's wife went from a Savage to that V thingy and back to a Savage. The thread wanders rapidly but the beginning is where the meat is anyway. http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1464122761 The power of a Savage will surprise you I'm sure. It still does me. I agree; 65mph is a good speed for the Savage BUT it seems like it is always wanting to go 70! :o |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/28/16 at 19:03:41 If he's Really concerned about you keeping up, he will let you lead. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by old_rider on 05/29/16 at 06:31:03 Hiya Purple! welcome! :) You sound like your stature is about the same size as my wife's, except you are taller by 2" !! :) My wife also went from a Honda rebel to a LS650 (2001) and she has no problem handling it, well, except the back up the hill thing :) Everyone here has covered most of the questions asked, so I will just stick with the one I think pertains the most. If you have shoulder problems and don't want to have to reach for it, I would get a set of buck horn bars if the bike you have does not have them. I am 5'10" tall and wanted to be comfortable riding, so not only did I get a savage with the buck horn bars, but I added some aluminum 2" spacers to get them higher for me. You would just have to pull the bars down toward you and rotate the brake and clutch to make it fit you better :) Here is a video of what I did and what they look like. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr8NDJSPRO4 [/media] |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by jcstokes on 05/29/16 at 14:07:50 I've ridden about 30000 miles on mine and have had no issues other than a battery dying outside a dealership. I believe my cheap version Air Hawk seat pad helps a bit. Your riding will be limited by the small fuel tank 100 miles safe, 120 miles you're stretching things, 130 miles plus, pray. As others have pointed out your oil consumption will increase if you do long distances at 70 mph plus. The 140/90 rear tyre idea is good. The Kawasaki pulley idea needs machining skills or the expense of a machinist. The raptor mod is DIY and inexpensive. If the bike has the original IRC rear tyre get rid of it. I found an instant improvement in stability once I did this and there are threads on this forum dealing with rider experiences with different brands. If you do buy, get some riding in before doing modifications. Will dealerships allow a thirty mile test ride? |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by jcstokes on 05/30/16 at 21:03:24 Another little thing, the rear brake is prone to lock up, if applied hard, be careful. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by PurpleRider25 on 06/05/16 at 16:24:23 Hello. Thanks everyone for the responses. I am still interested in getting the Savage, but just want to know if there is any special fuel you need to use? Most fuel around here has Ethanol, is that okay? Do you need to add anything to gas? Hubby still not too keen on this bike, he seems to think that the bike won't be enough to keep up and has other misguided assumptions about the one cylinder engine. So am I working on him. We went to look at and I test rode the Vstar 650 and a Vulcan, but just did not feel comfortable on the bike. I know I used to ride the Vstar, but now don't feel comfortable on them. I feel better suited with the Savage at this point in my life and won't want another bigger bike later down the road. Since I am looking at used bikes, how do you find out if the recommended changes were done; the petcock, rejet of carbs and the plug? If the current owner doesn't know? Is the plug still available? Thank you. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Kris01 on 06/05/16 at 16:44:50 You want to run ethanol free fuel if possible. If you can't find it then don't worry about it. The bike will run on the lowest octane rating you find too. It only has 8.5:1 compression so no high octane fuel needs. Look at the petcock. Does it have an off setting? If not, it's probably stock. If the carb has been rejected then all is well. If not, then you can ride as is or you can jet it richer. It won't hurt anything to ride with stock carb jets. You'll have to open it up to know for sure. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/05/16 at 18:31:42 If the carb has been rejected then all is well. Well, except for the carb... it's a reject... |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Kris01 on 06/05/16 at 18:55:30 Aaaaaaaa! :o Stupid spell checker! I have to check the checker to make sure I'm saying what I'm typing! Who's watching the watchers? ;D |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/05/16 at 20:40:00 You think I haven't been bit by that stupid thing? I just get a cheap thrill outta having fun with other victims. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by MMRanch on 06/05/16 at 21:00:58 Hi Purple I'm 190#'s , 5'10" , and have a long legged Sportster for my second bike with my S-40 being #1 bike. I rode my S-40 over 800 miles in one day last April with no issue . Mostly cruising the super slab at 75 or 80 mph. getting 48-50 mpg. Running along at 55 mph I get about 55 - 58 mpg. I ride around with my CMA buddies on long rides (They all have monster bikes , two of them have goldwings ) ... on any road besides the interstate I can leave them at my will --- and on the interstate I keep-up just fine . YOUR HUSBAND WILL HAVE MORE TROUBLE KEEPING UP WITH YOU THAN YOU WILL KEEPING UP WITH HIM ! ;) You can run on any Gas you can fine . The cam chain thing is no issue till the 15,000 - 18,000 mile neighborhood . Then Its no big deal to fix it for the next 30,000 miles. The fuel petcock is no problem till your in the 10 year old area , then its a <$20.oo / 1 hr. fix . --- forever more. We have a buddy in San Antonio , Tx with over 130,000 miles on one of his Savages and still ridding it. He's the one that's got me ready to put an 880 Metzeler tire on the back of mine next time. :) I've only got about 65,000 Savage miles now , but I'm still working on it ! |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 06/06/16 at 07:45:41 full disclosure, MM's bike has a larger than stock front pulley Here's the thing to ask hubby Do you want to get the bike YOU like better, and it maybe goes in storage, or do you want to get the bike I like better, and maybe slow down a little bit? If you don't like the bike, you won't ride it, just step out my front door and ask my Swing how much use it's getting |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by verslagen1 on 06/06/16 at 08:18:31 Purple, where are you located? Maybe he can join one of our rides this summer to assuage his apprehensions. Or one us can join up on a ride with your group. 8-) |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Gus on 06/06/16 at 09:30:52 I bought a Savage last fall. No mods see done before I got mine and the only thing I've done is change out the fuel petcock. I've not changed the jetting. It popps once in awhile if I don't ease off on tv throttle but nothing big really. I'm getting ready to send a chain adjuster to Verslagen for modification soon. I bought my bike the end of Oct. and have put around 2500 miles on and will not turn back. This is one of the best all 'rounders I've ridden. I trust it completely at this point. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Kris01 on 06/06/16 at 18:13:00 I've often considered a larger, faster, etc. bike but then I thought -- why? My S40 does everything I need it to do. It's no crotch rocket but I have no problem keeping up with anyone or outrunning traffic if I have to. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by PurpleRider25 on 06/06/16 at 18:56:57 Hubby and I had discussion and he wants me to get something I will ride and not sit in the garage. So he was concerned that the single cylinder engine would "beat me up" on the freeway. I explained to him that does not appear to be the case with this bike and so I am going to look at one at a used bike shop and test ride it tomorrow. I am planning on a windshield and saddlebags, etc once I get one. :-) There is a nice 2013 in CL for reasonable price too; waiting for a response. Low mileage, looks brand new. Hoping that one will work out. Love that copper and black combo. There was an 2002 with low mileage and with the original IRC tires. The owner seemed to think the tires were fine. I am gonna pass on that one. Unless he sells really cheap. But I'd rather pay a bit more and get the newest model I can with my budget. Glad to know that the "fixes" don't need to be done right away. Thanks again for all the feedback, I really appreciate it! We are in the Seattle area. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 06/07/16 at 07:50:10 well when you go on the test ride take that baby out on the freeway and run her up to 70 for a while, then you'll know personally to me a Savage at 70 feels not much different than a Rebel at 70,.......except it's still got some in reserve |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Tocsik on 06/07/16 at 10:40:17 When I bought mine, one of the sellers honestly didn't know about aging tires. He eventually thanked me for possibly saving his life since he was moving and was going to ride it up from Colorado Springs to Denver (pretty fast freeway speeds here). He offered to put new tires on it and still sell it for the listed price. I ended up buying a newer year model with less miles and in the color I wanted. It also had old tires (sheesh!) and I explained that I would need to change them if I bought it. So we agreed on a reduced price of the bike to compensate. I also run the larger rear tire which really helped on the freeway, but there is almost no difference from 4th to 5th gear on these bikes; it barely drops the RPM's. I'm in the process of swapping to the Kawasaki front pulley to further help on the freeway. A real Savage Surgeon on this site (Dave) occasionally machines and sells these modified front pulleys (hope you don't mind me throwing that out there, Dave). Even with the pulley in hand, there are still some little 'tweaks' needed to some spots on the bike to get it to work, but nothing too crazy. A little trimming on the belt guard etc. Just stuff to keep in mind. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Dave on 06/07/16 at 12:17:41 724945554F4D260 wrote:
I don't mind you mentioning this....you and old.indian got the first two that I machined, and are the first to use the pulleys that I have machined. I have been running the Kawasaki pulley on my bike for about 6,500 miles, and MMRanch most likely has a lot more miles.....and badwolf has been using them for a while. They can drop the engine rpm by 8% - and it makes a noticeable difference in the engine rpm at highway speeds. I will make more as time permits - for the next month I don't believe I will have any more pulleys machined (unless the grass stops growing and I don't have to spend time mowing every 5 days) |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Gus on 06/07/16 at 12:34:57 112A2730212D36302B232E31420 wrote:
Uuhhhgggg! I'm about ready to move into an apartment. Momma has us mowing constantly around here it seems. I draw the line @ once a week but it's a job dodging all the flower beds and trees. I've put in a moratorium on flower beds on this ranch! |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 06/07/16 at 20:39:56 I've seriously considered just graveling the whole fool yard |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by PurpleRider25 on 06/07/16 at 20:53:47 Went to see the bike at the used bike shop. Just took for it short drive down the street, as rush hour traffic was in full force. Owner told me to come back on Saturday and take it for a longer run. So that is the plan. I did like tho. It's a 2011 with 1200 miles. A bit dusty. Seem to run okay. Normal for high idle? Had stock petcock and prob all else is stock. So I'll make final decision this weekend. What type of bolt on windshield works well with this bike? Is buckhorn bars hard to put on? Can you use the stock cables? Think I would like the buckhorn style better. I Need the stock bars towards me a little more. Thanks! |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by jcstokes on 06/07/16 at 22:11:17 When you come back from your Saturday ride, stay on the bike, keeping it upright and get your husband to kneel at your feet and check the oil level window on the lower right of the crank case. The oil should be between two horizontal marks at the side of the window. I use the stock Suzuki windscreen and I'm happy, but these are expensive. Others here may advise better and cheaper. There is also an inexpensive seat modification that is posted on this forum. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Dave on 06/08/16 at 04:24:24 727B6B6C77737D6B180 wrote:
Been known to happen at my house occasionally............. ;D |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/08/16 at 05:19:41 I can't Tell you guys how many times I have to erase a Good post.. Dangitt Dave, you set that up for the KILL, but I just couldn't go through with it. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 06/08/16 at 07:05:55 the stock shield works well, and the National Cycle Dakota 3.0 (not the Tall) is good if you get the buckhorns, a Spitfire will fit easily (not so much with the drag bars) and is much less expensive than either of those |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 06/08/16 at 07:08:14 6B6272756E6A6472010 wrote:
I did that to become a husband ;D |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/08/16 at 08:34:04 6B787E7D6F68680A0 wrote:
I did that to become a husband ;D [/quote] Me too.. My knee has never quite healed.. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 06/08/16 at 10:40:36 Meh, I got over it ;) |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Steve H on 06/12/16 at 10:25:07 If you're going from the flat bars to the buckhorns, you'll probably need longer cables. The factory buckhorn cables are, I believe, 8" longer than the flat bar cables. Ride the bike you want, not what someone else wants you to ride. I believe a couple have already said it. If you don't like it, you won't ride it. The engine has a counterbalncer in it to keep vibration down to a minimum. It works really well. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by jcstokes on 06/12/16 at 22:48:21 Purple Rider, in the interests of equality, when you finish your test ride, get you husband to sit upright on the bike, while you kneel at his feet and check the oil level. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by MMRanch on 06/13/16 at 10:11:59 I've got a "Memphis Slim Shield" , really I've got three of them and only two bikes ... but the shields can be switched or removed in seconds . They all use the same mounting brackets. The are 17" , 19" and 21 " so depending on the weather /helmet is easy to have the right shield. They aren't any more expensive than the rest of them , go to Ebay and check them out . you'll want to know your fork dia. to get mounting brackets . The Sportster and the Savage use the same shield ;) . |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Rodger on 06/13/16 at 16:15:31 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006X27RF0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Above is a link to an inexpensive windshield on Amazon. I installed it on my 2015 S40. The description says "large," but only because it's the largest 'shield from this manufacturer. Works well with the "drag bars/risers." I'm 5'8" tall, and it directs the air over the top of my helmet even though I can look over the top of the 'shield. $46.95, free shipping. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by PurpleRider25 on 06/14/16 at 23:16:30 Hello Thumper Riders. Well after much serious thought and test rides, I opted not to go with the S40. I did like it, but I have decided another make/model that suits my needs and feels a bit more comfortable for me. I wish to thank all those with their helpful comments and responses to my questions. I must say that this forum is really great and really friendly! I really appreciate all the comments. Thank you! |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/15/16 at 01:21:08 All That, and not a word about What was chosen... Somebody needs to give purple rider a purple nurple. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 06/15/16 at 06:41:58 Indeed, what was more comfy than an S40, in the same class? |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by MMRanch on 06/15/16 at 07:30:09 :-? Tell Us Mrs Purple ! --- Tell Us ... :-? :-? :-? What did ya go with ? :) |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by stewmills on 06/15/16 at 08:40:40 I think he (she?) is scared to tell us that this is the outcome; |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by jcstokes on 06/15/16 at 12:03:38 We've given accurate, possibly a little biased info and the lady has presumably made a reasoned decision using our info and her personal choice. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/15/16 at 12:14:19 Yes, but she didn't tell us what she decided on. It would be interesting to know. I wonder if she went with a Kawasaki 300. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by WD on 06/16/16 at 06:43:34 Hard to even hazard a guess. Used bike shops in Seattle get bikes the rest of the country rarely see. At least 7 current military bases in Washington, gray market vehicles are pretty common. Heck, I'm currently hunting for another bike or two. VN800A or VN800/1500 Drifter and a Shadow VLX600. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/16/16 at 06:58:55 I think it's just a bit tacky to come, pick our collective brains, and choose a different bike, and not clue us in. I wanna know. It's not like it is the first time someone was shopping. It would be good to know what someone else chose, instead of. Mehh, owell. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by verslagen1 on 06/16/16 at 07:50:09 I figure we did such a good job of convincing, hubby was afraid he wouldn't be able to keep up with her. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/16/16 at 09:02:14 She wouldn't be needing him to tell her hoot. |
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Title: Re: New to forum. Post by Art Webb on 06/16/16 at 17:00:01 I doubt she'll ever look back on here and see what a stir she caused by not sharing |
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