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Message started by Mike Hebert on 10/26/04 at 06:53:37

Title: Is it big enough?
Post by Mike Hebert on 10/26/04 at 06:53:37

Hi Folks;
First time on this forum. I haven't been on a bike for 30 years. I will retire in a few months and want to start riding again. I will ride mostly on country roads with an occasional 45 mile trip to visit my son. I need to know if this bike is big enough for me. I'm 6 foot tall, 205 lbs. The local dealer doesn't have one in stock and doesn't exactly when they will receive one. You input will be greatly appreciated. I need to know before I go out of town to shop for one. Thanks. Semper Fi.

Mike Hebert

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/26/04 at 06:58:33

Welcome back to riding!

For the type of riding you describe, it's the perfect bike. I am 5' 9" and 190 lbs and find it very comfortable but to be honest, I hear mixed reviews from folks taller than about 5' 10" or 5' 11". Some like it and some don't. I definitely think it's worth pursuing but you should also most definitely sit on one and decide for yourself.

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Susan on 10/26/04 at 07:03:07

My husband is your height. He can ride my Savage just fine although he has his own larger bike. If you were planning lots of 2-up riding or long highway trips, it probably wouldn't be the best bike for you given your size, but the Savage is perfect for the uses you describe. I would say it is worth a trip out of town to check it out but I wouldn't buy it sight unseen.

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Diane on 10/26/04 at 07:26:41

My boyfriend rides an '02 Dyna Wide Glide. He rode my Savage home from the dealership and thought it was great. He is 6' 190 lbs. but mostly torso and short on legs. I am 5'6" and all legs but so far have not felt cramped on the Savage. I have seen that there is a forward control kit for the bike if you need a few more inches and have about $500 to spare. For the price you just can't beat the Savage. So go hunt one down and try it on for size!

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Old Geezer on 10/26/04 at 07:31:25

The Savage would be a great bike for the rides you described. It's design is super and takes to the highway as well as any bike. You'll love it on the country roads. That said, I have an 03 Savage for sale if you are any where near west Texas. Has 2000 miles and is in perfect condition. Have fun and good luck shopping.

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by tekxtc on 10/26/04 at 08:50:06

Please don't hate me for saying what I am about to say.

I am 5-10, 145 lb. I love the bike I have. But ...

I would like to have something a little more powerfull. Eventually you will want more and may be savage will not deliver. It *is* big enough for what you say you want to do with it. But eventually if you want to take it on the highway over 65, it will not be comfortable. It will do 75 if you ask it to, but it will not be fun for either of you.

I am not sure if I am able to get my point accross.

I have a green 2000 with about 9700 miles on it. I intend to trade it for Shadow 1100 or vulcan 750 or if I have the money for this puppy

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/machine/models/model.jsp?model=r1150r

please dont hate me ;D

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Mike Hebert on 10/26/04 at 09:18:58

Ok; here's the deal folks. I'm 62 years young and like I said I'll be retiring in a few months. I'm not interested in scorching blazing speed anymore, those days are gone. I need a machine that is able to cruise at interstate speeds at times, and do it with moderate comfort. I live in central/western Maryland, when I go see my son in Damascus, Md I will go over 2 mountains, 1500 feet in elevation, 5 degrees in inclanation. WILL THIS BIKE TAKE ME OVER THOSE MOUNTAINS AT 70 MPH WITHOUT HUFFIN' & PUFFIN' AND STILL HAVE SOME THROTTLE LEFT IF I NEED IT? The rest of my riding will be on country roads. Thanks. Semper Fi & be safe

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Max_Morley on 10/26/04 at 09:45:36

The answer is yes with a big grin on your face!!! :) :)

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Greg_650 on 10/26/04 at 10:51:08

Mike Hebert wrote:

I weigh more than you but I am shorter. I have no problem with the bike.

You started by asking about back country riding with occassional interstate (my impression). That sounds kind of mixed now, with more emphasis (CAPS) on interstate cruising at 70.

I ride in the mountains all the time, but not at 70. There is always plenty of throttle and I've pulled some 9% grades on mine. But for what you want at 70, you'll be at 80% of the throttle range, and you may want to consider a larger bike...especially if you plan on taking anyone as a passenger or carry luggage.

BTW - Since you have been out of the saddle for a while and are real rusty, you should take the MSF course too.

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by cphilip on 10/26/04 at 11:03:35

Greg_650 wrote:

But for what you want at 70, you'll be at 80% of the throttle range, and you may want to consider a larger bike...especially if you plan on taking anyone as a passenger or carry luggage.

..or maybe just slow yourself down ya old fart!

(just kidding ya. Want to see you enjoy your retirement) ;D

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Mike Hebert on 10/26/04 at 11:06:25

Hi Greg;
Thanks for the comeback. Occasionally I'll cruise I-70 and I-81. The grade of the mountains that I've mentioned are not all that steep but they are 4 miles long and 70 is the going speed or one gets about run over. Those trips will not be often, alone or 2-up, but when I do go I want to make sure that the S40 will keep up, and than some. Semper Fi & be safe.

Mike Hebert

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Greg_650 on 10/26/04 at 11:31:10

I have driven those roads, and 70 on most northern interstates is a challenge to your survival skills.

The Savage/40 will do 70 all day, but it isn't designed or built for it. That is a positive statement for any single cylinder engine, but the bike is light and relatively short which shows its better qualities when swishing through mountain curves. On the interstate, trucks will buffet you around a bit.

I've done it, but maybe it's just me. I hate interstates. I also know the northern states are a bit more congested and getting from A to B dictates their use rather than all the stop and go traffic that you'd have to endure otherwise on 2 lanes.

I suggest that you sit on one first, but maybe consider the S50 for that "moderate comfort" if you'll be on the interstate alot.

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Susan on 10/26/04 at 11:40:59

Greg_650 wrote:

Agreed. I've ridden the interstates in Pennsylvania. The Savage can do it and I can keep up at 70-80 mph but frankly I'd rather not. Its particularly tough on a windy day on a long, open bridge. You just get blown about a lot. I try to avoid the interstates if at all possible on the Savage. Just not my idea of fun.

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Mike Hebert on 10/26/04 at 11:47:14

I dont like interstates either, even in my car. I don't plan to go 70 MPH often, just go the speed limit (65 MPH), but for some reason when those people hit South Mountain or Braddock Mountain they put the pedal to the metal then go back to the speed limit when they're out of them. But, from what I can tell the S40 will do what I need it to do. To all, thanks for your input. Semper Fi & be safe
Mike Hebert

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by rkutzner on 10/28/04 at 17:34:39

I'd look into other roads to do that stretch. Most of Rt. 40 west of Frederick is downright gorgeous and twisty with plenty of ups and downs. At least find a better way to 81. I'm assuming you mean 81S from 70, that road (81) is getting so full of stops and traffic the last few years that it should be no problem for you. Rt 70 I wouldn't do without a windshield, that's for sure !!!

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Daemon on 10/29/04 at 05:32:30

Short rides, you'll love it. Long rides (or more freeway rides) you should look into bigger/heavier bike.

Beware the wind at freeway speeds, particularly on bridges over canyons. Had my first real scare in 15 years on mine going over a high bridge at 75mph with side winds, that 352 pounds isn't very comforting.

Great bike for the right rides. I've done a few 500+ mile days on my '02 and love it, but if I'm actually trying to get somewhere without pulling over every 1.5 hours I take one of my other bikes.

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Sgt_Mike on 11/01/04 at 04:55:36

I live at the crossroads of I-81 & I-70, to go north/south I can use Rt 11 and to go east/west I can use Rt 40 and for more twisties and up/down I can use alt.40. Man, that would be just like the days before the interstates were built, yahoo. But it looks like the Chesapeak Bay Bridge is out, winds can be wicked at time on that beast. Have a great day.
Sgt Mike

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Greg_650 on 11/01/04 at 05:24:41

Sgt_Mike wrote:

I live at the crossroads of I-81 & I-70, to go north/south I can use Rt 11 and to go east/west I can use Rt 40 and for more twisties and up/down I can use alt.40. Man, that would just like the days before the interstates were built, yahoo. But it looks like the Chesapeak Bay Bridge is out, winds can be wicked at time on that beast. Have a great day.
Sgt Mike

You mean the Bay Bridge AND Tunnel? Done it in a car. I bet that would be a rush on a bike.

Title: Re: Is it big enough?
Post by Sgt_Mike on 11/01/04 at 06:31:29

I mean the Bay Bridge on Rt 50 going to Ocean City Md. It's 4.5 miles long and 190 feet at the highest point. The official name is the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, but we just call it the Bay Bridge