New_Savage wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:03:I realize that this is a very old topic (2004), but I'm new to this sight, I'm new to the Savage, and I'm kinda new to motorcycles in general.
OK, my question is WHY, if I have a 1996 LS650 Savage, (verified by the VIN, the Phlolina Yellow color, and the Title) do I have a 4-Speed and not a 5-Speed?
From what I understand, it hasn't been altered, but I keep reading everywhere that the Savage became a 5-Speed after 1995.
Can I change this?
Do I want to?
...Confused
Probably what happened is one of the previous owners blew the engine and someone replaced it with an earlier model.
There is very little difference between the 4-speed and the 5-speed. 5-speed turns only 300 rpm slower than the 4-speed at 65 mph. The 4-speed is slightly wider ratio.
Don't worry about the difference, it is so minor that you won't gain much by going to a 5-speed. I've ridden my 1987 4-speed at 70 mph comfortably on New Mexico and Texas Panhandle High Plains roads.
If you are concerned about rpm, a double fire electronic tachometer for a Harley-Davidson will work.
Laters, George (HPT)