(1) First gear is not tall. I crawl off from a stop without applying throttle on a regular basis. Admittedly, that's on flat land only. Shifts normally feel comfortable in the 15 mph range.

(2) This is one of the most steady bikes for parking lot crawling you could ever imagine. Same for obstacle avoidance. Low center of gravity plus light weight makes for a maneuverable, confident mount at just about any speed.

(3) Personal choice. Your height might or might not be too much. I'm 6'3", and while I would like the pegs to be a bit farther forward or for the frame itself to be a bit longer, it's not really a big issue and I don't find myself griping about it too often. Mind you, my use of the bike is for commuting purposes, ~25 miles one-way. The engine will tote you around with aplomb, as it hauls me (165 lbs.) and my girlfriend (100 lbs.) around without complaint on a regular basis.

Simplicity? You got it. One lung, one carburetor (no synchronizing the carbs!) one spark plug, pushrod engine...it's hard to imagine a more simple design in such a modern, relatively reliable package.

Take an MSF Beginning RiderCourse and decide what you like and don't like about some of the bikes you ride in that class. They're often 250cc Honda Nighthawks, but my class had a number of Suzuki GZ-250s as well, which is also a single-cylinder Suz, albeit somewhat wider-looking. The frame build is much the same as the S40, from what I can tell by sitting on a few in dealerships.

Have fun, and be safe.

Regards,
Banger
=======

As far as your source of information, well I wouldn't say he is ignorant, it's just that he knows a lot that aint so. As far as the Savage being too small, well you are near the borderline. You may find it a bit cramped for extended hours in the saddle.

1st gear isn't tall at all. I've chugged away from a stop in second gear a few times by accident & didn't stall it & I weigh 245. Plenty of torque down low. Low speed manueverability; well I wouldn't mind having 5 degrees less fork rake, I like a quick steering bike but it is a light bike & as cruisers go it's about as nimble as they get. Size; I'm 6'1" with a 32" inseam. For some that's not uncomfortable & for me it was fine for short rides, otherwise too small, but I "fixed" the seat & it's fine now.

I'm thinking your source may have the Savage confused with another MC.

#1 As others have pointed out, low speeds are fine with the savage (easy even).
#2 Compared to a sport tourer, the Savage is several orders of magnitude easier to manuever at low (parking lot) speeds. It turns practically on a dime, and weighs very little and it's weight is carried low (one of the few advantages of a small gas tank). One difficulty with any cruiser is the forward position of the foot pegs, they make it really tough to get out of the seat, or to shift load to the foot pegs while manuevering.
#3 Fit is a extremely subjective topic. I consider the Savage uncomfortable for long trips, but it does fine for shorter trips. If you are under/over average height you may end up doing some modifications to change the fit of almost any MC.

If you haven't taken a MSF course - take one. The course I took had a choice of standard, dual purpose and cruiser position MC's. I was able to ride all three types during the course, I liked the dual purpose riding position better, but my height dictated that a cruiser was a better starter MC.

Good luck with your choice.




J_Stewart wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:

On the belt - it is a bando, $126.96 new from crotchrocket.com or if you keep watch one can be had on ebay for far less.

I have to agree with the previous replies.  On points #1 and #2, there is no issue.  Point #3 may be a problem but you'll really need to decide that for yourself by trying it out.

If you were riding a 250 or smaller in your MSF class, I think you'll find that the Savage has loads more torque making it easier (at least in my experience) to ride at low speed and starting out.

J_Stewart wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05: