Ooooh, some people here will get really upset if you call it a starter bike.  I like mine.  I also have a Sportster 883 Custom that's been converted to a 1200.  It's a beast.  However, the Savage is more comfortable and fun in some ways.  Well, comfortable for about 2 hours with that stock seat.  I've been trying to sell the Savage, as I can't justify 2 cycles for one dude.  It's not selling, and I don't feel all that bad about it.  I still ride it on certain days, and I'm fond of it.  It handles well, and it's relatively rare.  I've only seen 2 others on the road, ever.  All I can say is that it's a character.

Ohh where ohhh were to begin... Ok 9900 miles later after buying the bike new last year, I wont be getting rid of it... You put the good Ol Ed L's forward controls on it.. Have another bike to tour the misses around and have alot of smiles.. Little K&N here little Dyna Exhaust there Little white spacer mod an little ol rejeting 150 and watch yer grin factor just explode. Oh yes there are other bikes, harleys are a fine one but for no hassle no worry listen to old farts spin yarns about yesteryear and their bike they had... Its alot of fun! great conversation piece too when other bikers figure out they dont exactly have the upper hand on the road   ...Sport bikes excluded of course.. Theres a great bunch o' gals / guys here that will help along... Just got back from work 59 mile one way.. yeah started to have a little numb bum but hey its worth it. Now dunno what yer dimensions are but at 6'2 and 28(hurrmph murrph) lbs that bike doesnt care.  You shouldve seen the shocked look in my sister's husband who reminds ya of Andre the Giant after laughin then makin him ride to shut him up.. Its yer call, get a used one an work with the folks here all of em are great... I dont talk much here too much to learn... but, you provoked me and welcome to the greatest club of nuts this side of an oak tree....

Had a Savage for 5 years ... thought I wanted a V-twin, so I sold the Savage ... missed it almost immediately ... after a few months decided that the VS800 wasn't my thing, so I sold it ... bought an S40 and now am happy!