Been lurking long enough, time to say hello.
After a 30 year absence (that's right, I'm an old dude) I got back on two wheels. I first bought a Kawi 800, and did all the usual rookie customizing (can you spell Kuryakyn?), Mustang seat , found a great dyno tuner in South Bend, IN who re-jetted for Cobra pipes. See here:
Sold it.
I was turned off by the Harley thing, but fell hard for Indian. I bought a Spirit (bigger than a Scout, smaller than a Chief) and again went crazy 'personalizing' the bike. Three months later, the Gilroy California-based company went bust, and I panicked. See here:
Sold it.
Next, I strangely imagined I would enjoy long-distance touring, so I bought a Triumph Sprint ST. Hard bags, comfy ergos, but bad idea. See here:
Sold it.
Then, swept up in the Jesse James/Paulie/Indian Larry/Biker Build Off craze, I thought I ought to build my own hardtail bobber. I scored a roller from
Sucker Punch Sally's, engine & tranny from Rev Tech, and a fistful of catalogs. Six months later, and about 800% over budget, I got the thing running and titled in Florida (no small accomplishment). It was a fun ride, but tough on this old man's bad back. Fortunately, a Triumph dealer wanted it for eye candy in his showroom, so I traded this:
For this:
Talk about going from old school to new school. The new 1050 Triumph Speed Triples are flat out scary. I had a blast for two years, but again my mind wandered. My Michigan Triumph dealer also carried Ducatis, test rides were arranged, then one day brought home this:
The Monster 695, upgraded with Termi pipes, racing ECU, shorty tail, spectacular.
Sold it when we moved into a townhouse with too-cramped garage.
(Finally the Savage part). I discovered
Blue Collar Bobbers on the web, and looked into the Savage right here at
SuzukiSavage.
Bought a 2005 Boulevard with 4800 miles and the kit components from
BCB, and about a month later here she is:
I have nothing but the highest praise for Lance at
Blue Collar Bobbers (not to be confused with our Lancer!). The quality of his workmanship, engineering prowess, prompt shipping, and phone, email and video support are exceptional. Thanks also to Lancer for his JetSet and advice; bumping up from the stock 52.5 pilot and 145 main to 55 pilot and 150 main did the trick with
BCB's four-baffled drag pipe. While waiting for the painter I also mounted new Dunlops and EBC pads. I'm not happy with the mirrors ("Baren TT's" on eBay), and awaiting 3" rounds that Lance will be offering shortly.
So, howdy-do fellow Savage-ites!
stevene
Estero, FL & Sawyer, MI