mooper wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:02:Hi,
I just joined after reading posts last night and this morning. I'm currently bikeless. I haven't had a bike for about 15 years. My last ride was an '83 V45 Interceptor, but before that I had an XT 550 so I have ridden a big single. I'm really intrigued with the Savage/S40, and am considering one this spring. Can you help me decide? I have questions.
We live in Sierra Vista, AZ. Altitude is roughtly 5K feet. Will i have the same carburetor problems that other people have, or will the altitude negate them? Also, since my thumper experience is an XT, what difference in performance can i expect? My XT was an '83 model as I recall.
If I have backfiring problems, what would I do differently than those of you who live at or near sea level?
Seems to me that the dealer will setup your S40 for the altitude where you are, but if nothing else, I've ridden at higher altitudes on mine with no troubles.
Comparing the S40 to an XT is like apples and oranges. I have ridden an XT, and the gearing and handling is a lot different. The Savage is not setup to be the stump puller that the XT is. The S40 gearing is higher and the compression is lower, but the engine is smoother.
Aside from that, I'm sure that everyone else in this group will agree that you should not get a Savage. It is just way too much fun.