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Message started by DesertCat on 06/29/19 at 08:51:53

Title: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 06/29/19 at 08:51:53

I'm an old retired guy. I have been riding for 51 years and I've owned 58 bikes/scooters. I currently have 8 bikes so I really don't need another. But I've been looking at the LS650 for 20+ years now -- always wanting to try one. The only thing that has kept me from buying one is those darn forward controls -- I really don't like cruiser ergos. But anyhow, I'm looking at a 2009 with 9K miles and a 2012 with 3K miles -- both in good shape.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by springman on 06/29/19 at 11:53:05

Hello DesertCat. Bear in mind the controls as far a cruisers go are only slightly forward. I have tried other bikes that really do have forward controls and I have to admit that I do not like how that feels. I hope you get a good deal on one of the bikes.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 06/29/19 at 12:07:51

4043415A5D545E525D330 wrote:

Thank you.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by LANCER on 06/29/19 at 12:46:30

You can get rear sets from RYCA MOTORS, or make a set. Several folks here have done that and some have posted what and how they did them.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 06/29/19 at 13:13:34

3A37383533246461560 wrote:

You can get rear sets from RYCA MOTORS, or make a set. Several folks here have done that and some have posted what and how they did them.

Thanks. I'll check that out.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/29/19 at 13:29:22

I can't wait to hear how you like it and how it compares to the others. We've seen others who have owned tons of bikes and wind up using the Suzuki a lot.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by ohiomoto on 06/30/19 at 04:38:16

A few of us have made mid-controls, but I think all sets where used on cafe/scrambler/tracker style conversions. I'm not sure how well they would work with the OEM ergonomics.

Here is the mid-control thread: http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1487785879

http://suzukisavage.com/yabb2.2/Attachments/IMG_20170326_155514279.jpg

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 06/30/19 at 12:09:18

607F797E63645565556D7F73380A0 wrote:

I can't wait to hear how you like it and how it compares to the others. We've seen others who have owned tons of bikes and wind up using the Suzuki a lot.

Thanks. I'll let you know what I think after 1st ride. :)

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 06/30/19 at 12:10:48

2621202624263D26490 wrote:

Thanks. I'll be looking at mids. We'll see how I do with the stock forward controls.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by MMRanch on 07/01/19 at 23:15:38

Heck , just put some Harley Floorboards on it and shuffle your feet forward or backwards either one .... You know on a long road trip moving those feet around makes a world of difference . ;)

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/02/19 at 09:11:55

It's a moot point for now. The one bike I was looking at was taken off the market -- owner decided she wanted to keep it. The other bike was sold.

But I'm a patient guy -- one will turn up again.

Thanks for the suggestions concerning mid vs forward controls.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/06/19 at 18:57:16

Well, I found another 2012 S40 for sale. Here's a pic. I go see it tomorrow.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by Dave on 07/07/19 at 03:04:20

That one looks really clean!

2012......tires were likely built in 2011 - so it will need to replace the 8 year old tires before you do any spirited or long distance riding.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/07/19 at 05:11:21

675C5146575B40465D555847340 wrote:

That one looks really clean!

2012......tires were likely built in 2011 - so it will need to replace the 8 year old tires before you do any spirited or long distance riding.

Thanks. Good tip.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/07/19 at 05:13:19

Have the LS650s always been belt final-drive? If not, when did that start?

Are there different generations of the LS650?

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by Oldfeller on 07/07/19 at 06:03:45

No, they have always had belt drives on the 650 Savage.

Yes to having different model numbers over the years, but the basic bike hasn't changed in the entire time, but some parts have shifted over time. Example, the new rocker arm cam pads have a hard block inserted in them now because the composition of motor oil has changed over the years.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/07/19 at 06:10:59

@Oldfeller

Thanks!

I see where the transmission was changed from a 4-speed to a 5-speed in 1993.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/07/19 at 06:31:57

I was reading that the LS650 had a trip odometer but this photo doesn't show it ???

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by batman on 07/07/19 at 08:18:03

Never has had a trip meter , (we would all have loved one) 1996 and newer bikes have anti kickback gear installed in the starter drive assy to prevent damage . later bikes have ,passing light switch, and hazard (4 way) warning lights , and turn signals have been changed thru the years. I believe the hardened rockers came in 2005 to date.
It was nice to hear that the bike was changed to a 5 speed in 93 as I had no knowledge of that date, the bikes were not sold in the US market between 88 and their reintroduction in 95.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/07/19 at 08:40:51

4241544D414E1418200 wrote:

Thank you! :)

I can deal with that. My more modern bikes have everything under the Sun in the "cockpit" -- way too much crap for me.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by MMRanch on 07/09/19 at 09:40:42

I believe they started in the USA in 1986 and were called "SAVAGE" or LS-650 .

My first one was a LS-650 Savage (1996) .

The one I have now is a S-40 (2005) ,

They have always been belt drive , the belt drive and single traditional carb. is what made me look at them in the first place.

There are faster bikes out there but who wants a chain once you've had a BELT ? :-?

Well on a 125cc dirt bike a chain might be OK ? ;D

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/09/19 at 10:18:12

1A081A08051619141F570 wrote:

I've had belt-drive bikes, about 7 of them. Never had a problem -- almost maintenance-free.

BTW, I've struck a deal to buy a 2012 LS650 on Thursday morning, two days from now. I'll let you know what I think after my first ride. I've never ridden one before.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/10/19 at 18:06:13

Looks like it will be another couple of weeks before I get the bike (2012). The seller lost the title and has to get a replacement from the CA DMV.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/10/19 at 20:05:10

Updates are always appreciated.
Bummer updates included.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/10/19 at 20:07:38

I'm also looking at a 2017 LS650.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/10/19 at 20:12:46

Cool, you've got options.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/10/19 at 20:16:33

716E686F72754474447C6E62291B0 wrote:

Cool, you've got options.

Some. They aren't the most common used bike for sale. In the entire Tucson and Phoenix area there are only about 3-4 for sale.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by MMRanch on 07/10/19 at 20:58:40

Think about this : The LS-650 has a 33 year production run ... What other machine can even come close to that ?

The Royal Enfield 500 had a longer run but its now been replaced by the new RE-500 unit construction engine.
The Honda 50cc engine has been around a L-O-N-G --- T-I-M-E

others I don't know about ?

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/10/19 at 21:06:10

The H-D Sportster has been in continuous production since 1957 -- that's 62 years. Of course, the Sportster has changed/improved over the years.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by MMRanch on 07/10/19 at 21:20:54

yea , I've had 2 Sportsters , in 2004 when they finally wised up and rubber mounted the motor I got a 1200cc but apparently the crankshaft was intended for the 3" pistons not the 3.5" of the 1200cc . So next time I got the 3" piston model (883) and it worked perfect till about 50K miles when it began "weeping" oil out of every gasket it had. I found out about the Guzzi V-7 about that time , it has a long history and is in the V-7III version now .

The original V-twin was designed in the early 1960s by engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano, designer of the DOHC V8 Grand Prix racer. The air-cooled, longitudinal crankshaft, transverse cylinder, pushrod V-twin began life with 700 cc displacement and 45 hp (34 kW)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moto_Guzzi
coming up on 60 years .

The Sportster has changed a whole lot over the years , not only in motor size . Some of the hard core Harley Types "spit" at the new type "evelo" motors.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/11/19 at 07:34:40

I've had two Sportsters, a 2004 XL1200R and a 2009 XR1200. Both were fine motorcycles, I think.

I've also had two MotoGuzzis, a 2000 V11 Jackal and a 2003 V11 Le Mans. Also fine motorcycles.

(I've had 58 bikes in my 51 years of riding.)

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/11/19 at 08:34:11

5E4C5E4C41525D505B130 wrote:

Think about this : The LS-650 has a 33 year production run ...

I do think that is pretty cool. ;)

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by WunGun on 07/11/19 at 11:35:24

I have a cheap small 3 digit combination lock hanging from my bike. I set the lock to the last 3 digits on my odometer. Now I know how many miles I've gone since my last fill up.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/11/19 at 11:52:40

546176767D60677261130 wrote:

I have a cheap small 3 digit combination lock hanging from my bike. I set the lock to the last 3 digits on my odometer. Now I know how many miles I've gone since my last fill up.

=============================

I assume it has a petcock setup for a reserve amount in the tank.

I'll probably use this old standby procedure: Sit on the bike, open the tank, shake the bike, listen for how full the tank sounds. :)

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/14/19 at 19:27:53

I'm 6'2" with 34-in inseam. Will I fit OK on a completely stock 2012 LS650? Will I be too cramped?

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by MMRanch on 07/14/19 at 21:20:18

The short assure would be "not likely" That said there are a lot of easy mods.
I'm 5'10" , 195# , 32" inseams
My Shocks are 1.5" longer than stock
My foot begs are now floor-boards
The seat is a re-manufactured HD FatBoy
Now my S-40 fits me like it was made for me ! ;)

I just saw Badwolf's bike ...his oversize fuel tank has the seat set back about 4 inches - which makes the foot pegs a long stretch - perfect for a long legged person and the added fuel is a bonus too ! And he get to keep all that 650cc pulling power in a 380# package .

In short , these bikes are so easy to modify that they have a 33 year production run going on and a huge following , it seems everything out there fits them with easy modifications. :)

Yours can fit you too , The combination of ample power and belt drive on a light weight package is a great place to begin building a bike to fit your individual taste and needs.

I ride around with the big Harleys and G-Wings regularly and keeping up is just fine. It seems we all "Shift" about the same time and accelerate at the same rate off red lights and pass at the same rate . All is about equal till we get on the back roads --- then they work to keep up ! ;D

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by ohiomoto on 07/15/19 at 07:13:35

I am 6'3" with 36" inseam and I didn't care for the stock ergonomics.

I use the bike for my daily commute to work and rode it stock for the first summer I owned it. My ride home takes me almost an hour (back roads) and I couldn't wait to get off of the bike. I don't like being stuck in the same spot on the seat and felt that my legs were cramped. I hated that I couldn't stand up and take a load off my tushy if I wanted. My only relief was sitting on the passenger portion of the seat for a bit here and there. I also didn't care for how difficult the stock ergonomics made it to get some weight on the front wheel.

I actually don't like the LS650. A small bike with forward controls and a low seat height is not ideal for my frame. It's not my style of bike at all, and I pretty much hate cruisers.

BUT I love the big single, belt drive, and simplicity of this bike. I bought the bike to build into the bike I wanted because there aren't a lot of modern bikes that offered what I was looking for. And, I totally understand why it is loved so much by people who ride them stock or modify them to their liking as I did. I think that's what makes this forum so great. It has a truly unique membership.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/15/19 at 07:19:53

I'm going to call a salesman I know at RideNow and ask him if I can sit on a new (2019) LS650 -- they have two in stock now. I'm pretty sure that the 2019 will be identical to the stock 2012 that I am looking at.

I won't be making any long trips -- I don't ride like that any more. Just short 30-50 mile rides thru the surrounding area -- mostly back roads, some city streets, and a short 2-mile stretch of interstate (I-10).

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by WunGun on 07/15/19 at 13:36:07

[/quote]
=============================

I assume it has a petcock setup for a reserve amount in the tank.

I'll probably use this old standby procedure: Sit on the bike, open the tank, shake the bike, listen for how full the tank sounds. :)[/quote]

Yeah I have a raptor petcock. I used that method when I got it too. I take it out to places where reserve may not reach the next gas station.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by jcstokes on 07/15/19 at 14:17:20

On a stock tank you should be safe for 100 miles maybe 110. The stock capacity is eight litres or just under 2 US gals, the is a 2 litre, roughly 2 US quarts reserve. I have on one occasion squeezed 11 litres into the tank. If you ride more than 120 miles start praying, at 130 miles pray hard.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/16/19 at 10:25:44

Just got back from the dealer. I sat on a new 2019 LS650. It fit me pretty good. I'm not going to be taking any long trips on it, or even any long day-trips. I have other bikes better suited for that. I think the stock 2012 LS650 that I am looking at is identical to the 2019 so I'm not worried anymore about being cramped.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by Serowbot on 07/16/19 at 13:08:05

I'm glad it's a fit.
We had another Tucson member sometime ago, Lupo, that was an avid Guzzi rider. He said, after getting a Savage, it became his "go to" bike...
He even started riding it on Guzzi meets...
It's just such a friendly bike.

Maybe we can meet up some time, but right now the heat is getting to me.
I'm just a mile from the east-side Ride Now.

Serow

PS.. air conditioning went out yesterday.
I spent the night with a fan and squirt bottle.
108 degrees killed it.
It's too hot!!!
;D

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/16/19 at 13:14:49

@Serowbot, Thanks! Stay cool man!

The LS650 looks larger in person than it does in pictures. The salesman is working up an OTD price for me on the new 2019 LS650. It is on sale for $5800. I expect the OTD price to be close to $7000. It's tempting -- to have a new one.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/16/19 at 13:29:57

4553445941545942360 wrote:

Maybe we can meet up some time

Thanks. I sent you a PM.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by jcstokes on 07/16/19 at 13:52:27

DesertCat, if you do buy new it may pay to speak to the dealer about what you can do without invalidating the warranty. As you will be aware from this forum, the stock bikes are jetted very lean, so you will get a lot of back fires, If they are still using IRC tyres as OEM, the rear one is a dog on wet surfaces or tar snakes and undulations in black top. I don't think it would be good on concrete. The rear doesn't last that well either. The rear brake is prone to lock up if you brake hard. The original front brake pads are prone to developing squeal early in the piece, they are not renowned for long life either.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/16/19 at 14:24:02

@jcstokes

Thanks for the tips. I noted all those things. Good to know even if I don't buy new and instead buy the 2012. Thanks.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/18/19 at 14:13:28

Here's the status of my bike search:

- Going to look at a 2011 with 9K miles this Saturday
- Waiting on the owner of a 2012 with 3K miles to get his replacement title from CA.

I've also spoken (or e-mailed) with owners of a couple other used LS650s, but nothing came of those forays.

I will say this, this forum makes me continue with my search for a nice used LS650 -- thanks to all. I may not end up with an LS650, but it won't be because of this forum. <thumbs up>

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by jcstokes on 07/18/19 at 14:39:55

Another point, which the techies may correct me on, if the 2012 is ex California, it may have additional emission equipment.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/18/19 at 14:44:03

656C7C7B60646A7C0F0 wrote:

Another point, which the techies may correct me on, if the 2012 is ex California, it may have additional emission equipment.

====================

Thanks for the heads up. I may start a new thread with that question . . .

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by Serowbot on 07/18/19 at 15:00:47

Fuel tank has a vent tube going to an evap can instead of a vented cap.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/18/19 at 15:05:51

5A4C5B465E4B465D290 wrote:

Fuel tank has a vent tube going to an evap can instead of a vented cap.

====================

Thanks.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by norm92de on 07/18/19 at 17:29:38

You mean a bike from The Socialist Republic of California?

Been there many times, beautiful place, but I can't afford to live there. No sense of humour about taxes. :'(

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/18/19 at 17:40:18

I lived in Monterey CA for a year while in the USAF. Beautiful. Wonderful m/c rides south on Hiway 1 to Big Sur and farther, to San Luis Obispo. I vowed then to someday live on the ocean -- well that didn't pan out. :P

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/21/19 at 10:55:18

705147514640775540340 wrote:

Here's the status of my bike search:

- Going to look at a 2011 with 9K miles this Saturday

=========================

Looked at the 2011 yesterday morning but that deal fell through. Also, I've been looking at another long-time Suzuki model, the DR650. I may go that route instead of the LS650.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by norm92de on 07/21/19 at 13:26:20

DesertCat,
That area is one of my favourite parts of the country. Absolutely gorgeous. :)

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/21/19 at 17:20:52

OK, I still haven't purchased an LS650 so I will bid you all adieu until I do. I don't feel right hanging here without an LS650.

This is a great site and I hope to return . . . with a Savage.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by norm92de on 07/21/19 at 21:27:27

DesertCat,
You are welcome to hang out even if you are a bit of an imposter. ;D

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/21/19 at 23:18:56

Totally welcome to hang out..

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by batman on 07/22/19 at 18:37:00

Yes ,you told us about your two guzzi"s and HD''s what about the other 54? Will listen!

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by MMRanch on 07/22/19 at 19:54:19

The DR650 would solve your 34" inseams problem , and supply a few more ponies to play with. Heck ! I'd like to have one to play with . :)

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by norm92de on 07/23/19 at 16:43:41

If I could reach the ground from the seat of a DR650 I'd buy one. ;D

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/29/19 at 07:10:56

Thanks for the friendship.

I still haven't found a decent S40 for sale. Still looking.

What do you guys think about the Suzuki Van Van 200? Under-powered for sure but what else?

How about the DR-Z400SM?

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by norm92de on 07/29/19 at 08:20:11

Desertcat,
There is a beautiful looking S40 on El Paso's Craigslist, 2200 miles. I would be willing to look at it for you. The guy wants $4000 for it but I'm sure it will go for less.

If you are interested let me know. It is only 5 hours to Tucson from here.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/29/19 at 08:32:18

32332E31656E38395C0 wrote:

================================

Norm, you're a good guy. Thanks. I appreciate the thought, but I don't do those long trips. I don't do shipping either. I will only buy a bike that I can look at and that limits me (with my trailer) to no more than a 2-hour drive. I often pass up bikes in northern Phoenix cause it's too far. Rather than travel that far I will purchase another model: DR650, DR-400ZSM, KLR650, XR650L, XT225, etc., etc.. While I think I would like an LS650, I'm not that stuck on it . . . yet.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by norm92de on 07/29/19 at 16:56:44

Desert Cat,
I understand, it is hard if you can't find a bike locally.

I bought mine new from a local dealer.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 07/29/19 at 17:07:54

7F7E637C28237574110 wrote:

Desert Cat,
I understand, it is hard if you can't find a bike locally.

I bought mine new from a local dealer.

================================

I'm pretty patient, especially since I have other bikes to ride.

Take care man! <thumbs up>

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 08/17/19 at 19:19:03

Well, I finally bought a 650 Suzuki. Only problem is that it is a 2017 DR650 and not an LS650. Sorry guys. But at least it's a Suzuki 650 thumper that has also been in production a bunch of years.

This is a great site. Thanks for the friendship -- I will miss it. Good luck to you all.

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by MMRanch on 08/17/19 at 20:09:43

DesertCat

That's a nice looking machine ! :)

The cam bearings are like the LS650 is . Keep the idle up above 1200 and plenty of oil will keep making it all the way to the top of the engine. ;)

Remember , most of us have more than one bike here. You don't have to be a "Stranger" .

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 08/17/19 at 20:23:14

2E3C2E3C31222D202B630 wrote:

========================================

Thanks for the tip.

I will keep an eye out for an LS650. Maybe two thumpers are better than one. :)

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by MMRanch on 08/18/19 at 07:28:58

Thumper "GOOD" - 4 cylinder Baby Piston "BAD" ;D

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by ohiomoto on 08/19/19 at 06:46:38

You probably got the better of the two Zuk thumpers. ;)

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spAq8JuXVUY[/media]

;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Hello from southern AZ (USA)
Post by DesertCat on 08/19/19 at 11:35:00

7077767072706B701F0 wrote:

You probably got the better of the two Zuk thumpers. ;)
;D ;D ;D

==========================================

I don't know. They are two different bikes. Not easily compared. Both thumpers. The engines don't look the same. I'm not sure how many components are shared -- maybe none? Maybe someone here knows.

Both the LS650 and the DR650 are cool in my book. :)