Welcome back to riding, I just got mine and it's been about seven years I was away. It was always there nagging me in the back of my mind. Come on Kev get another bike....

The only reason you'd need a bigger bike is if getting blown around a little on the interstate worried you. I think it's a great commuter. I think 20 miles round trip, and 100 mile weekenders is what the bike is designed for. Anyone else agree/disagree?


Kevin

Comfort is relative, in part to how tall you are.  I'm 6'1" and  I have the seat raised an inch or two. Did a 30 mile round trip to work today, and 100 highway miles Sunday, most of it pushing 75mph to compete with the other traffic. Being tallish means the Savage isn't perfect for ergonomics but its OK and the more I ride the more adjusted to its demands I become.  For short hops, 20 milers or so I find it perfectly comfortable. On longer runs I begin to wonder how I could get some more stretch for my legs.

My bike is stock, and as such maxes out at 140kph/87mph. What others on this site will tell you are simple mods (carb and exhaust muffler) can increase top end by another 15mph or so.  If that suits what you're planning we're almost bound to say "GO FOR IT" but then asking us is preaching to the choir as we're all dyed-in-the-wool Savage converts.  If on the other hand you already feel you want more than the Savage can reasonably be made to offer, look elsewhere.  Reviews of the 650 V-Strom report an excellent engine, if a little vibey, but the fairing/screen is prone to odd turbulence which even adjusting its height can't cure.  Good tank range too.

400 smiles/miles on my new 2006 S40. All commute to work miles except for the mileage bringing it back from the dealers on day one. Haven't taken her over 60-65 yet. It's perfect for my intended purposes. Riding double and interststate driving will be nil or minimum at best for me. 62 MPG average so far.

Well I've decided on the S40.  I went to look at 650 Vstars, but for some reason I was drawn to the new silver S40 on the show room.  I really like that color and I like the more upright seating position and flat bar position.  Well saving up a little more. Thanks

Well I got the silver one last Saturday and rode it home (15 minutes,leg cramped up).  Sat for a few days and put 40 miles on it yesterday in the country roads. Easy riding.  Its been over 24 hours and my back is in soo much pain I cant stand it!  My gel pillow seat will be in a few days and I hope this cures the problem or we are parting company.  On the good side, bike shifts very smooth.  No back fire at all. The bike looks great and I'm anxious to hear one with a Screaming Eagle on it for that classic thump.

I'm 5'9 230 and wear an HJC AC-12 full face helmet.  I rode it today for 20 minutes.  I discovered I've been trying to sit on the hump in the seat.  I suppose I was naturally trying to stretch out to a relaxed position. I had a back injury 10 years ago, but I also ride an ATV in southern Ohio and really dont have a problem doing that.

It can work for you. You need to adapt the bike to your body, which is significantly easier/cheaper to do to a bike than a cage.

My 1998 fits me (6'2" 225 lbs) and my son (6'2" 185 lbs) perfectly. Yet, my 5'2" cashier absolutely loves the riding position as well. Seat is low enough for me to literally straddle the back fender and slide into the seat.

The bike is what you make of it. I had fun with mine stock. I had fun with it modified the first time. I'm having fun making it fit me better post-lumbar spine deterioration. It may look like a roached out piece of monkey s**t bar hopper, but it sits like a Cadillac.


I like the feel of my Savage better than either of the bigger v-twins sitting next to it. You think the S40 has a lousy seat, try a Vulcan sometime...
-WD