SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> top speed
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1134604672

Message started by jason heck on 12/14/05 at 15:57:52

Title: top speed
Post by jason heck on 12/14/05 at 15:57:52

I am thinking of buying a s40, but I have seen some people say that it can't go fast enough to be safe on the highway. Can anyone give me their opinion? I am 5' 11" tall and weigh 180 lbs.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Kropatchek on 12/14/05 at 16:03:43

Go and get one!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll love it.

Greetz

Kropatchek ;D

Title: Re: top speed
Post by jimbrough on 12/14/05 at 16:09:28

Jason: I'm 6'4" and have one but it is a bit small for me. Just got it a year ago and have put 10000 km. on it. In the summer, rode it out to the west coast and came back - got monkey butt every day after 7 or 8 hours but the bike worked great--never had a problem in all the time i was away. the thing cruised all day at 65 or 70. it has a top speed of 85 mph...when cruising at 70 and i want to pass somebody, there is still a bit of oomph left.

it vibrates a bit but it's the perfect choice for a first bike!don't let supposed lack of speed deter you!!

Cheers!

Jim

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Jim_R on 12/14/05 at 16:32:52

As a 1st bike I think Suzuki Savage is the best choice for style, price, and value.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by sluggo on 12/14/05 at 16:46:46

the savage is also well suited for experienced riders.

it's like this, the savage is a good bike for begginers, yet it is far from a begginers bike.

buy one you''ll enjoy it.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Reelthing on 12/14/05 at 16:56:53

Mighty easy to work on and tweak a bit to add some more zip if your so inclined

Title: Re: top speed
Post by lancer on 12/14/05 at 19:08:31

With a little tweaking and few alterations you can release the SAVAGE BEAST within.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by saabsaviur on 12/14/05 at 19:26:45

hey im 5'9 and 250lbs i can cruise 85 no problem ya itsa small bike but it is no problem and i am totally confident in them

Title: Re: top speed
Post by cigaro on 12/14/05 at 19:51:56

There are plenty of people on this site who ride Savages and S40s on major highways in Dallas, Los Angeles every day. Plenty more who have taken it on major road trips. As for size, I'm 6'0 and 168 and it feels less crampy than a Harley 883 Sportster. It all depends on what you're planning on using it for.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Savage Librarian on 12/14/05 at 20:10:52

I'm 5'9", 185 lb, and the Savage has taken me through Interstates, back country roads, state highways in various states of disrepair, busy boulevards...and never given me any trouble. I think top speed is listed by suzuki at 88 mph, and I can't really imagine a time when you'll need to top 88mph in order to save yourself. I've passed cars going uphill at 70, so the top speed shouldn't concern you much.

No, it's not the most powerful bike in the world. It doesn't have the passing power of a much larger bike or a sportbike. But it has plenty to get you moving as fast as you need to. And with greater style than most.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by kikuchiyo on 12/14/05 at 21:12:41

It feels that the bike can do more than 88mph. I took it up to 85-86mph numerous times. I do not go over partly due to a) rarely do traffic condition allow to go over 70-75 (I live in NYC) b)vibration c)potholes d) it is not really healthy for the bike to go into upper limits.
As far as recommendations, - all bikes are fun. And no matter what bike you will end up buying, there is always another bike that you wish you have had.
(I wish I had KLR650 or DR650)

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Hammy211 on 12/14/05 at 21:44:49

I agree that the Savage is unsafe to ride on highway. In its stock form I had trouble on most days and if I had a headwind acceleration was not an option. That said a few minor and very easy modifications make this bike perfectly capable and transform how the bike behaves. Even at 75 and a headwind there is still plenty of acceleration now if I need it. What I did like most, rejet, K&N, sportster muffler. Total cost, around $100. This site has plenty of how-tos on it. You should do all at once, and it would easily be done in an afternoon if you have everything you need.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by klx650sm2002 on 12/15/05 at 01:52:00

Does the Savage have a high speed wobble ?, KLX has one at 95+ mph.

Clive W :D

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Hammy211 on 12/15/05 at 03:15:38

klx650sm2002 wrote:

Does the Savage have a high speed wobble ?, KLX has one at 95+ mph.

Clive W :D

I have heard other say it does, but I've had mine up to 100 and not experienced any feeling of instability. Nothing left after that for sure. I did have a tailwind so I don't know if that makes a difference. Some have also said a superbrace fixes the wobbles in corners but I don't recall about high speeds. I would love to have one, but they are just to pricey for now.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by jimbrough on 12/15/05 at 04:09:47

I've heard others talk about a high speed wobble, not with the savage, however. Is this a wive's tale, biker ineptitude, or a real physical fact about some bikes' geometry?

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Reelthing on 12/15/05 at 05:41:01

the '95 did - the superbrace fixed up the frontend on rain groves and at speed - the progressive shocks fixed up the back of the bike - smooth as it can be now at any speed

Title: Re: top speed
Post by mornhm on 12/15/05 at 05:48:57

I'm 5' 9" 195#'s. I'm not a big one for modifying the fundementals of a motorcycle. May be lack of experience, but I think a motorcycle should do what you want it to do "off the shelf." Top speed on my savage is about 90 mph. However that top speed comes down fast with any headwind or pulling along side a semi. I"ve tuned the Savage (without changing parts) to run and start fine without backfires - ok afterfires (I have a hard time even coaxing one out when I want too), but I draw the line at putting on a new tank or changing the frame dimensions to make it a touring MC.

With that said, I think the Savage is a great MC for running around town or on secondary roads. I think it's too small, underpowered, gas tank too small etc. for me to run on the interstates for any distance (over an hour). It makes a great beginners MC, and a it's pretty easy to do your own wrenching on.

If you have enough previous riding experience and plan on doing a lot of interstate riding, either plan on modifying the Savage a lot to match your needs, or you may want to look at a MC that matches your needs. Personally, I kept my Savage when I got a ST for longer trips. Triple digits (HP or MPH) is nice to have available, but not necessary all the time. :)

Title: Re: top speed
Post by klx650sm2002 on 12/15/05 at 09:03:51

The mods I've done to KLX take the trail from 112mm down to 69mm, that's the cause of the instability but man is it flickable.Acceleration is in a different league too.

Clive W :D

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Savage_Rob on 12/15/05 at 11:38:36

jimbrough wrote:

I've heard others talk about a high speed wobble, not with the savage, however. Is this a wive's tale, biker ineptitude, or a real physical fact about some bikes' geometry?

See this simulation from SuperBrace.com (http://www.superbrace.com/simulation.html)
I noticed mine quite a bit on certain (usually uneven) surfaces - especially rain grooves. The SuperBrace fixed it right up.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by sluggo on 12/15/05 at 14:42:41

jimbrough wrote:

I've heard others talk about a high speed wobble, not with the savage, however. Is this a wive's tale, biker ineptitude, or a real physical fact about some bikes' geometry?

a combination of all three i believe. i've never used a brace, never felt like i needed one. i would like to see an outside evaluation of the superbrace, not something they have put together for marketing. i know members here feel a difference, that be kewl.

imho. if a brace was a neccesary piece of equipment it would be standard on all bikes. like i said just my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Savage_Rob on 12/16/05 at 05:43:11

That was just because it's a decent simple illustration. The SuperBrace is just one brand... the only one I could find made to fit the Savage "right out of the box". There are other fork brace makers out there. Kuryalyn even makes one for the HD Wide Glide. Here's one article/posting (http://users.metro2000.net/~cdc/magna/tech%20section%20and%20issues/fork%20brace/the%20fork%20brace.htm) about fork braces written with the Magna in mind, I believe. Below are a few other references I came across when looking for information on them. Sadly, none are for the Savage/S40 though.

Custom Parts for Some Suzukis (including fork braces) (http://www.chmartin-engineering.co.uk/suzuki-custom-motorcycle-parts.htm)

Custom Fork Braces for Yamaha XS Series (http://www.tkat.com/forkbrace.html)

Fork Brace Measurement Worksheet (http://www.tkat.com/forkbrace/diagram.htm)

Spec II -- Fork Braces & Clip-Ons (http://www.spec2.com/clips.html)

I agree FULLY with skepticism. I got them after hearing about them here first and then talking to a few friends who recommended them.

Title: Re: top speed
Post by cigaro on 12/19/05 at 12:16:26

You know I was thinking that here in Wisconsin, the top legal allowable speed is 55 MPH, and that's on the Interstate. It's usually 45-50 on county roads. Cops have told me they'll probably let you drive 62-63, but after that you're likely to get pulled over. So since I won't be driving much beyond the limit anyway, is the top speed really an issue? Doesn't seem like it to me....

Title: Re: top speed
Post by mornhm on 12/19/05 at 13:20:53

cigaro wrote:

Top speed is an issue only if you reach it ;) If 55 or even low sixties is going to be your top speed, the Savage at least in my experience doesn't have any issues "off the shelf."

Title: Re: top speed
Post by Reelthing on 12/19/05 at 13:23:10

just need a skate board

Title: Re: top speed
Post by jimbrough on 12/19/05 at 13:33:57

Mine is bone-stock and feels plenty fast - I just can't imagine 30 more lbs. and 65 more horses as in a triumph speed four! Must give you heart attacks everytime you hit the throttle! ;D

Title: Re: top speed
Post by WavJamR on 12/19/05 at 19:06:50

On my daily commute I try to stick within 10mph of the speed limit. No need to attract attention to myself :P The Savage is very response in those ranges, quick enough to leave plenty of room between you and the cages on take-offs.

The main thing I noticed on larger hp engines, is the 'hold-on for dear life factor' when you twist the throttle. Brings a smile to your face.

It's the age old advice: 'Older whiskey, fast motorcycles, and faster women' ;D