So one of the guys from my synagogue is getting back into riding and hears of a great deal on an '07 or '08 Harley Sportster 883 with under 3000 miles on it.  He doesn't feel comfortable riding it from Illinois himself, so I offer my services.  Since loading it on a trailer was too much like work, I got to ride it home for him.

We drove out to the soon to be previous owner's house in Les's truck.  One guy in a moderately dented beater nearly cut us off, but he was just checking out the stickers and showing us his!  I have to admit that Marines are a whole lot more sociable about acknowledging the USMC stickers on each others cars than us Air Force-ers!

Back to the bike -- it really was as advertised.  Great condition, low miles.  Only problem was that it needed a good wash, wax and chrome polishing!  It started right up, once I was shown where the starter button was and how the turn signals worked.  Aside from some trepidation about taking my buddy's new bike for a spin on a gravel road, the ride was flawless.  It's a bit of a torque monster, definitely has that heavyweight feel, but rode just fine.  I enjoyed the ride, something I cannot say about the Victory V-twins I've tested.

I have to admit that the Harley idle makes this one of the most fun bikes to sit on when it's not actually going anywhere!

We made a stop at the BMW dealer's for a Missouri license inspection and so Les could get some riding gear.  Now he has a hi-viz jacket and some summer gloves.  He'll be taking the MSC course next weekend.  I suspect he'll do just fine -- he used to have a Honda Saber years ago.

I don't think I can convert him to "Savagery", but it's always nice to get a new riding partner!

I love the 883 Sportsters m'self ... Classic Americana for sure ... my only problem with 'em is that they weigh too gawddarned much ... but then, I am a puney guy with a bad back ...

Have always said that the S40/Savage is the only Bike that I've come across that is close to the Sportster in style and "character"!

Now, if H.D. would only make a 650-700cc Sportster-styled Bike that weighed in at no more than 400lbs ...

I have sat on the 883's and loved the feel. I was tempted to go for the 883 instead of the S-40.. Just happened to go to the Suzuki dealership first.
I am in love with my S-40 and don't regret the deal I made for it.

Again as someone has already said. It is not what you ride as it is that you ride....

i paid 1700 bucks(not including dealer fees) for my '95 savage, new tires, battery, oil everything!

a '95 sportster was no less then 5000 for nothing new on it....ridiculous! with high miles even!

screw it, rather be original  

PerrydaSavage wrote on 08/19/09 at 03:50:37:



They did.  It was called the Buell Blast.

gerald.hughes wrote on 08/19/09 at 19:04:48:


Hmmmm??? Yes, Buell Blast is a Harley product, but is a 500cc single, not a 650-700cc V-twin and it doesn't have the Classic American Roadbike stylings of the Sportster (which our LS650's resemble) ...

Yeah, I guess the Savage does look a little like the Sporty:

That's a good looking bike. If I had the money that's what I would like to have. But as far as being practical and serving my needs (short trips at 55 mph) the Savage was the perfect fit. If I was going to ride interstate travel or distance I'd really like a Sporty. In town with traffic you can't beat the simple Savage.