Whats the zero to 60 time on the Honda? Do you need to run steady at 80 mph? If your general ride is across town or 30 mile jaunts, the 650 is a great choice. Longer rides are no problem, really. one guy ran over 11,000 on a trip.I think its a great bike & if you arent looking to increase performance & jack with the sound, the MPG is pretty danged good. Not bad even after doing stuff to it. My daughter got 51 MPG on one I had put a Supertrapp on, w/14 disks, a 150 main jet & a performance cam. Also removed the innerwall from the header.. so, it has been modified some,,51 mpg & runs good. I wouldnt buy new. I DID, but I didnt know about this forum, or I would mosdt likely have bought used. WELCOME!

I just started riding in May of 2007, with the purchase of a Honda Elite 80 scooter. That started my love with riding. In June of '07, I got a great deal on a 2006 Honda Rebel 250cc bike, and that really improved my technique, got me used to shifting gears, and even though the bike was a real lightweight, I started to truly understand the dynamics of riding.

In October of 2007, I sold off the Rebel, and got a super deal on a 2002 Kawasaki 1500 Mean Streak (11k miles, V&H Straightshots, Memphis Shades Windshield, etc.). Between selling the Rebel and the buying of the Kawi, I was out only $3300. Talk about a change! Going from a 250cc to a 1500cc monster was like night and day! The weight difference was huge too.. from 335 lbs, to around 800lbs! Thus, there was a bit of intimidation when moving up this fast, but let me tell you.. the exhiliration is like nothing you have ever felt before!

I bought my 2003 Savage three weeks ago (another great deal... has only 3040 miles, came with the saddlebags, got it for $1350). Still have the Kawi. I absolutely LOVE the Savage.. going back to something that lightweight, something that small, something SOOO maneuverable, is just WONDERFUL! This bike can do well on the freeway, or in town. I actually like the occasional backfire.. adds a certain charm to the bike. Plus, it just looks great!

So, to answer your question, I think it would be fine for you to get a Savage. You will really appreciate the things it has to offer, and if you keep your Honda, you will have two bikes to switch on and off from. The Savage is a unique beast; unlike anything you have ever rode before. Enjoy!


Ian

lexx9 wrote on 01/30/08 at 18:54:11:

That is 47 PEAK horsepower -- at what RPM?  What hp is being produced at more reasonable RPMs?  What is the torque rating?  For a given displacement a single cylinder produces the most torque.  Torque is what gives you neck snapping acceleration, not hp.  HP gives you high end performance, top speed.

Some while back one of our lady Savages reported about a sport bike making noises at a stoplight.  When the green came she left him in the dust.  The Savage is, IMO, the ideal city bike.  In addition it is more than acceptable on county lanes and in the twisties; and even capable of touring as long as you are comfortable sticking to speed limits.

If almost all your riding is as described, assuming that the Savage "fits" your riding position, you will not be disappointed or looking for a different ride anytime soon.

However, you might want to ask yourself why you are looking to change - is it just to get something "new?" If so, does new to you mean modern? The technology on a Savage is not modern. This is what makes the Savage appeal to a lot of people (I ride a MC designed 20 plus years ago). Other people want a modern MC with fuel injection, computers etc. If this is the only reason for changing, how soon will you be wanting another MC. My point is that if you are going to change MC's every year, go for the Savage this year and something new next year.

lexx9 wrote on 01/30/08 at 18:54:11:

lexx9 wrote on 01/31/08 at 12:59:03:


Can't get much simpler than the Savage/S40. One carb, one cylinder, air cooled, belt drive is about as simple as it gets.

What do the 2008 S40 go for new in the US? Here in Canada its $6200.00.

Around $4800 out the door