well, how much you have to spend?

well hells bells that can put you on serious steed!

Well, as you can tell, I just haven't made up my mind as yet.   Although, at this point, I am 90% for getting a Savage/S40.  I would prefer not to spend the $6000, and even a new S40 is only $4399.

Used Savage/S40, perhaps.  I was just so dissapointed with the last used Savage I tried to buy.  It just made me think, with a brand new bike, I wouldn't have to worry about replacing anything.

I have seen the Kawasaki Concours before, and you are correct, that would fit both sportsbike/cruiser categories, however, it's wayyyyy too heavy.  I will use my little kart trailer to also haul my bike long distances, and shouldn't go much over 425 lbs.  Another thing great about the Suzuki, the weight!

I cannot believe there aren't more comparisons out there with those who have ridden both a sportbike and the Savage/S40 in regards to handling?

Tom

TVRacer wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:


As you point out, the Concours is a bit piggy. However the advantage of a MC like that is you put the trailer away and just ride.  Also all is forgiven once she starts moving and most things forgotten once she gets above 7,000 rpm

As far as getting lots of comparisons, most people that are on this forum don't have sport bikes, they have Savages, and a fair number have the Savage as their only MC. Also a sport bike is about as far removed from a Savage for comparison as you can get and not be pedalling and still have wheels on the ground. I know it doesn't help you a lot, but as I said before there really isn't much comparison, a sport bike is going to leave a cruiser especially a low powered cruiser in the rear view mirror. The sport/touring bikes that I have ridden are like they are on rails. They have way more ground clearance than a cruiser (Many times on the Savage just on normal riding, I  found myself dragging the pegs around corners) and usually a much higher HP to weight ratio. As you get more into the sport end of things, the MC's become much easier to lean into turns. Finally Sport MC's (at least for some) are much more comfortable to ride.

Have you considered the Ninja 650 twin?  I have not ridden one myself but by all reports it is an excellent all around bike.  Light weight like the Savage, a good bit more power, good handling, about $5500, upright seating for a semi-sportbike/standard type bike, etc.  I have read about 6 write-ups on it and all of them like it.  Recently it was voted one of the best bikes of the year, but I cannot remember which pub did that.
If I had to replace my Savage, and stay in this price range, this would be my choice.

I like that Ninja 650 too. Read everything I can find on it & lurked on their forum some. Probably suits my riding style better but more $$$. The U.K. website lists a thicker padded seat as a factory option. They should sell those in the U.S. You might find a used Ninja 650 for $5K or so.