I seem to keep asking myself questions like this because, even though I really like everything I've heard about the Savage, it seems too small for me to me comfortable on for very long (stock, anyway).

So, what would you ride if the Savage 650 didn't exist?

Or, what bike could be considered the 'big sister' of the Savage?

(I really like the looks of the Volusia 800, and shaft drive would be fantastic)

This one is easy for me to answer, I just bought the Volusia to go along with my Savage. It is good bike for longer traveling. My goal is to travel route 66 from beginning to end before I turn 50, this bike should help me do that. I bought the Mustang seat and I couldn't be happier. Plenty of power (someday maybe a hyper charger, can't leave it stock, that's not fun). If this is an option for you check out Volusiariders.com, it's a great site, like this one, there are used bikes there all the time. That's how I found mine.

You mention that the Savage seems too small -- that's the reason I picked the Savage.  The second choice bike a toss between a 250 Virago and the GZ250, with the GZ250 winning because it was a single.

Assuming extended high speed cruising, assuming no LS650 available, assuming a new bike, assuming California where the Enfield Bullet is not CARB cerfitied:

The next step up in the Suzi line is liquid cooled and thus rejected.  As are the Kaws.  And Honda.

Which dumps me onto a Yamaha V-Star Custom 650 air-cooled Carbureted 474 pounds curb weight.  Except that's a shaftie.

So I would probably end up on a Triumph Bonneville T-100.

I think about this far too often….if this was limited to “new, production bikes”….
1 – Triumph America – 790cc, 500lbs, air cooled and hey, it’s a triumph. I’ve yet to sit on one and I’ve had friends tell me they’re pretty big – but other wise they sounds close to perfect.
2 – Suzuki Marauder – Chain driven, air cooled, 800cc Model. The new s50 looks nice and all, but liquid cooled, plus shaft drive = no.
3 – I’d “possibly” consider a Sportster, but would end up chopping it to such an extreme it would probably not be worth it, especially because when all was said and done, it would still be a Sportster.

More than likely I will end up picking some basketcase bike and just rebuilding it from the ground up, maybe a xs650 or something similar. Sounds like more fun, but there is also a part of me that wouldn’t mind picking up a brand new shiny bike right off the show room floor, warranty and all – especially a Triumph.

I'd go get a victory 8-ball maybe - Like um a lot

Ah so.

I just dislike that no matter what I do I can never get the chain really clean.  

One thing I'd love to have is hydraulically adjusted valves!

Ability to easily pass 100 mph has been a criterion for every bike I've considered.

Why?

Because even the slowest, POS, Hyundai econobox can do it, and I always have nightmares about getting run over in a Mad Max-like chase by a Hyundai.

So, yeah, I guess some of my considerations are just a little impractical or at least more emotional than anything.

If I couldn't have another Savage, I'd look at a Ridley, saw one in town the other day, the rider was a short fat old lady -- just like me. It sits low and I wouldn't have to worry about shifting when my joints hurt. It would be like riding an old Cushman!