Well, contrary to the post further down that's mostly from females that just got Savages, I'm an almost 300 pound six foot guy that just got one! I took the MSF class last fall, and almost right afterwards got a smoking deal on a Suzuki GSX1100G. For somebody that hadn't ridden in over 30 years, and whose biggest ride was a 450 Honda (when a 450 WAS pretty big), that G was pretty intimidating. I really didn't NEED (or should I say I wasn't ready for) 11 second quarter miles with a 140 mph top end and an over six hundred pound bike, although the shaft drive was kewl
So, I gave a friend a deal on the G, made some  money, and now I've got a lil Zuke. For me, I think the Savage will be about right- I'm looking at weekend rides, a hundred miles or less, just basically stress relief and tooling around having fun on the back roads. I'm already checking out a Screaming Eagle pipe- thanks to whoever posted those sound clips, that was an easy choice to make! And, I'll delve into the carb (I do love that, CARB instead of 'carbs') and make the fixes there too.  One question is, I read all the posts on the forward controls....but does anybody have a pattern or template that they're selling or donating for the good of the order? I'm thinking the forward controls will just about make it ideal, and I have the stuff I need to cut and work the steel....but a pattern would sure save some time. Thanks in advance, and I'll be around soaking up knowledge and reporting when something works (or doesn't).

If you'll send me your address, I'll send you the paper work Ed_L sent me on how he made his forward controls. I used them as a starting point for making my own. Even comes with a CD of pics that Ed took of his. And if Ed will chime in here and gimme the ok I'll post pics of the paper work and dimensions here in the tech section. But it's his design so he will have to give permission first.

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


Yeah, if somebody could turn out kits for a reasonable price (say a buck and a half, buyer does the finishing) I'd be all over that just for the time savings. I'm just sorry I missed getting one of the kits Ed L. had posted to sell a while back

Since each frame is a tad different I wouldnt trust a templet.   Torque and I used this link from Nighttrain

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1115652141

The reason I say this is because my controls wouldnt bolt up to his frame.  Wierd but enough off to make it a pain in the butt.

All I can say is measure measure measure.  Use 3/8 steel or alum because it will fit up fine with the stock bolts.  I think Ed or someone used 1/2 and had to cut the tubes down.  

If you want try making a cardboard cutout and see how it fits.  Might take a couple of times with some cardboard but it will save u time and money i the long run.

Doing the brake extension and shift linkage without a welder will be tough thou.  I know u can order a longer shifter linkage but it will take 6-8 weeks and thats a long time to wait.  PLUS if it doesnt fit that will sux.

We just cut the linkage in half and welded a pipe in the middle and welded it back up.   The brake extension we made a fork like bracket and it works great.


good luck

Forward controls extend your footpegs, rear brake and shifter forward and allows you to stretch out more and not feel so cramped when riding or to tire so easily on a longer ride.

I'd love to have them on my bike but it would entail losing my Wingerline bar and shelling out $500 or so, so I guess that will have to wait for another day.  

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

A picture: saves 1000 words.



Greetz
Kropatchek 8)