Interesting topic. I bought my LS650 to haul my bicycle around. I commute part of the way to work on the LS650, and the last 12 miles by bicycle. I picked the Savage partially because of the torque it puts out for a low price.  It hauls 30-40lb pretty well, with no probles on curves.

I'm also exploring putting a single wheel trailer on the back so I can fetch a few sheets of drywall or plywood from time to time. In that application, I would have to drive slow, but the Home Depot is only 4 miles away, and would be fun to haul about 4 sheets of drywall on the back of a motorcycle.

old lady katie wrote on 01/21/08 at 08:50:27:
There is not a lot of OEM things available for the Savage.  Nor are there a lot of aftermarket parts specifically for the Savage.  Whatever we want we have to innovate, improvise, devise.  Whatever you want, it is quite likely someone else wanted and has come up with a solution.

There is a reason the Savage is into it's 21st year practically unchanged -- it is the little bike that can.

geo wrote on 01/22/08 at 22:04:17:

If "lit up" is similar to kicking an ant mound with no constructive purpose, possibly.st


geo wrote on 01/22/08 at 22:04:17:

For many LS650 owners the bike is absolutely not a toy; rather, it is a serious vehicle.  However, and more to the point, this thread was created to discuss possible ways to carry more cargo with the LS650 - not to be told not to bother.  While I'm sure others share your opinion of the bike, it is simply counterproductive to the discussion for which this thread was intended.  If you don't regard your LS650 as more than a toy and are not interested in possible methods of carrying more cargo with it, this thread is simply not for you.  In that case, please just avoid the thread and leave it to those who actually want to discuss such options.

Let's all stay civil and afford each other some respect.  We all love our Savages, even if for different reasons/purposes.

skrapiron -FSO wrote on 01/23/08 at 06:44:56:

Actually you got it backwards.  Our luxeries and toys we spend money on without regard to utility -- they are toys to be enjoyed, they do not have to earn their keep, they are not needed for daily use.  I can feed the family for a month on what dinner for two will cost me at Ruth's Chris.

And to be honest, the vast majority of motorcycles are used as toys, even if they are not toys -- by those who enjoy motorcycling as recreation.  They ride for pleasure.  For them, motorcycles have no purpose other than playtime.  It is only a small minority that use the motorcycle for it's original purpose -- cheap transportation.

In 1903, William Harley and his friends Arthur and Walter Davidson launched the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The bike had a quality engine, so it could prove itself in races, however, the company planned to manufacture it as a transport vehicle.  (click for link)

The more I can haul with the Savage the less need I have for anything on four wheels.
Some people want to play on two wheels.  I just want to be on two wheels.

Bear_Rider wrote on 01/23/08 at 16:01:45:


Hey!!! I like that idea about as good as my black painted 5 gallon paint bucket (pictured earlier in the thread). And I already own a couple of the round-insulated water/drink coolers. I like their screw on tops better than the snap on top of the paint bucket. I wouldn't paint them black, but if the right size on the bike I'll still have travel storage; a backrest when riding; and unloaded I'll have a big water can for camp.  

  I love driving cars, trucks,snowmobiles,and motorcycles,I use them for what they were designed for only, I was never much for playing games.

i'm planning on adding the rectangular ammo cans to my ratbike this spring.
my goal is to be able to carry camping gear for two on it, with a passenger, and on a budget.