SuzukiSavage.com - Is it big enough?

Mike Hebert

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Is it big enough?
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

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Savage_Rob

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #1 - 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.

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Susan

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #2 - 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.

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Susan
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Diane

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #3 - 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!

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Gas $3.39 a gallon, map $5.95, getting lost on a scenic country road.......... priceless!
2003 Teal Green Savage
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Old Geezer Guest	Re: Is it big enough? Reply #4 - 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.
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tekxtc

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #5 - 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 Grin

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Mike Hebert

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #6 - 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

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Max_Morley Serious Thumper Offline LT650 Luxury Touring & sidecar rig Posts: 1490 Moses Lake. WA Gender:	Re: Is it big enough? Reply #7 - 10/26/04 at 09:45:36 The answer is yes with a big grin on your face!!!
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Savage_Greg

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #8 - 10/26/04 at 10:51:08

Mike Hebert wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10:

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

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.

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cphilip

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #9 - 10/26/04 at 11:03:35

Savage_Greg wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10:

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) Grin

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Mike Hebert

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #10 - 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

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Savage_Greg

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #11 - 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.

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Susan

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #12 - 10/26/04 at 11:40:59

Savage_Greg wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10:

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...

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.

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Susan
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Mike Hebert

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #13 - 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

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rkutzner

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Re: Is it big enough?
Reply #14 - 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 !!!

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