SuzukiSavage.com - I need expert comparison. Please help

Paladin. Serious Thumper Offline Hamster Posts: 4929 Sunny Southern California Gender:	Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Reply #15 - 11/08/07 at 05:56:50 That's the one I had! My first car. The little 240 cid Hemi V8. 2 speed auto coupled with a 2 speed stick. 9-year-old dark blue four door, front end damage, affectionally named The Galloping Warthog.
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skatnbnc

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #16 - 11/08/07 at 07:39:35

shaliloglu wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:

Thanks all for the advise.
I found the seat gets very uncomfy after about an hours ride. Another issue is the SV not really geared for a passenger. now thinking maybe LS may not be the best entry level cruiser for that either.?
Maybe others can chime in with more..

I don't know of too many people out of those on this list who have NOT done the seat mod for better long distance comfort.

The LS is great for passengers. I carry a bear on mine with no trouble at all (will eventually post photo). Wink

The best entry level cruiser is the one that fits you the best.

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2006 LS650, HD pipe, Tkat fork brace, elkhide handgrips, badge-free zone, gel seat w/riser, silverblue, the one in FRONT of you, flying the Kings Colours

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Capt._Ron

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #17 - 11/08/07 at 13:54:35

OK kids, I have to jump in here and subject myself to whatever ridicule you might wish to impart due to my newbieness.
Like the originator of this thread, I am looking for a bike that can take myself and the wifey for long weekend rides and occassionally 300-500 mile trips. I can adjust on the comfort issue. The bottom line questions for me are:
1. Does the LS650/S40/Savage have the guts (power) to haul 400-500 pounds of people and gear and still travel highway speeds? I live on the coastal plains of Texas so hills are not much of an issue.
2. Is it reliable enough to last moving those kinds of loads. I have read an awful lot about the dreaded cam chain failures and this concerns me greatly. I currently ride a GZ250 and am a member of that forum. I have seen no mention of cam tensioner issues for that engine.
Funds are limited, especially this time of year,I can't afford to make the wrong choice. A little serious advice?

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youzguyz

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #18 - 11/08/07 at 14:07:59

According to the manual, GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) for the LS650 is 785 pounds. That is how much it will carry (including itself). So, bike weighs in around 352 pounds, which leaves you 433 pounds for you, your 2nd in command, and any cargo you wish to carry.
As far as "is there enough power?", will depend on how well it is running, and power mods done.

In other words.. I dunno.

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2002 - Silver (Thumper)
2000 - Green (Mad Hamish)
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut between the seat and the handlebars. Make sure yours isn't too tight or too loose.

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barry68v10

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #19 - 11/08/07 at 16:01:42

Capt._Ron wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:

OK kids, I have to jump in here and subject myself to whatever ridicule you might wish to impart due to my newbieness.
Like the originator of this thread, I am looking for a bike that can take myself and the wifey for long weekend rides and occassionally 300-500 mile trips. I can adjust on the comfort issue. The bottom line questions for me are:
1. Does the LS650/S40/Savage have the guts (power) to haul 400-500 pounds of people and gear and still travel highway speeds? I live on the coastal plains of Texas so hills are not much of an issue.
2. Is it reliable enough to last moving those kinds of loads. I have read an awful lot about the dreaded cam chain failures and this concerns me greatly. I currently ride a GZ250 and am a member of that forum. I have seen no mention of cam tensioner issues for that engine.
Funds are limited, especially this time of year,I can't afford to make the wrong choice. A little serious advice?

Recently took a daytrip...me 220 lbs, pillion maybe another 220 lbs, plus 40-50 lbs of stuff. Not a bit short on power, but no 7% grades at 1 mile+ altitude either...

Do you live in the mountains, at sea level, etc. That will make a difference.

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petc0ck mod, white spacer removed, 150 main jet, 12.5" shocks, 16" turnout muff, oil cooler mod, chain conversion, Tkat brace, external fuel filter, fuel screen removed...

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Reelthing

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #20 - 11/08/07 at 20:25:45

Capt._Ron wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:

1. Does the LS650/S40/Savage have the guts (power) to haul 400-500 pounds of people and gear and still travel highway speeds?
Funds are limited, especially this time of year,I can't afford to make the wrong choice. A little serious advice?

Guess I look at it as more of a 1-up bike - wonderful in town - very good on back roads - highway speeds - guess that all depends on what you mean.

I can have the '02 down at the bridge sometime you can give it a go and see what you think

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verslagen1

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #21 - 11/08/07 at 20:55:21

Capt._Ron wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:

1. Does the LS650/S40/Savage have the guts (power) to haul 400-500 pounds ... and still travel highway speeds?
2. Is it reliable enough to last moving those kinds of loads.
3. Funds are limited

1. I'd say yes, just ask dr_jim and his boat hauling sidecar.
2. I might avoid 110° weather while doing it, but with proper maitenance even the cam chain isn't a problem.
3. Used bikes are easily found between $1 & 2k. Know of better bargain?

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Versey's Place
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shaliloglu Ex Member	Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Reply #22 - 11/09/07 at 05:27:05 All, I know it depends on a lot of factor but what would a 96 savage with 8K miles be worth.? Seems to be in very good shape , with no issues.? Private seller wants 1,800 and agreed to 1,650. decent deal for me .? the buyer.. I really want to stay at 1,500 max. thanks
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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Reply #23 - 11/09/07 at 05:40:59 pretty good deal if it's in good shape - Kelly Blue Book has the retail price at $1905 http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/PricingReport.aspx?VehicleId=79015&Manuf... and the trade-in value at $1255 http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/PricingReport.aspx?VehicleId=79015&Manuf...
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Capt._Ron

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #24 - 11/09/07 at 06:23:01

Barry, I live in Galveston, TX. The only mountains around here are called overpasses.
Reelthing, very kind offer. I just may have to take you up on that. Any idea when you will be back down this way?

Thanks for the friendly input everyone. I have noticed there are a lot of late model Vulcans and Shadows for sale in the area but the idea of a single cylinder really appeals to me. I guess I have a lot to think about.

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verslagen1

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #25 - 11/09/07 at 07:03:19

shaliloglu wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:

All,
I know it depends on a lot of factor but what would a 96 savage with 8K miles be worth.? Seems to be in very good shape , with no issues.?
Private seller wants 1,800 and agreed to 1,650. decent deal for me .? the buyer.. I really want to stay at 1,500 max.
thanks

one trick to knock the price down a bit, is to ask about all the little sounds it make and state of maitenance.

Ask when the head bolts were last torqued and say way past due, should of been done every 5k. of course very few do. That should be good for $250.
Ticking valves?
Open up the drain valve on the bottom.
Take a ruler to the tires, look up the tread depth.
etc. etc. etc.

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Versey's Place
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Reelthing

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Re: I need expert comparison. Please help
Reply #26 - 11/09/07 at 10:14:26

Capt._Ron wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:

Barry, I live in Galveston, TX. The only mountains around here are called overpasses.
Reelthing, very kind offer. I just may have to take you up on that. Any idea when you will be back down this way?

Thanks for the friendly input everyone. I have noticed there are a lot of late model Vulcans and Shadows for sale in the area but the idea of a single cylinder really appeals to me. I guess I have a lot to think about.

if I can get life together I'll head down in the truck this afternoon - what me to try to bring down the '02?

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Capt._Ron Ex Member	Re: I need expert comparison. Please help Reply #27 - 11/09/07 at 10:41:01 If your coming down anyway, sure. Don't make a special trip just for me. I have to work tonight so I won't be able to hunt you down until tomorrow about noon. Let me know if you'll be there for sure and I will call you when I head out. And thanks.
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