jef.savage wrote on 04/15/10 at 15:28:31:My S50 is a LOT faster than any of the other bikes discussed here. I'm pretty sure the 480 lb. is wet weight, not dry.
A few 1/4 mile times from Motorcycle Consumer News:
Savage 15.30
Vulcan 800 14.16
Shadow 750 15.03
883 Sporty 14.98
1200 Sporty 13.15
MCN hasn't tested an S50 but the reported time I read elsewhere for a stock S50 is 12.3!
That's faster than every stock Harley listed except the V-Rod. And this all fits with my riding impression as well. I rode four different Harleys at Laconia last year and was very surprised by their lack of oomph. Except the Night Rod - I couldn't believe how fast that was. I have also read that a set of pipes and jets (or EFI reprogram) makes a huge difference to a Harley so I wouldn't expect to beat even a slightly modified 1200 but I believe it would take a ton of work to get an 883 near as quick as me.
The S50 is also the closest of any of them to a Savage in size and so it's likely more agile than the other bikes discussed.
Yeah, I've read a couple places that the S50 is kinda the "hot rod" of their cruiser lineup. Wouldn't mind trying one out someday.
On the subject of Harley snobs... I don't see a ton of them around here, but they're definitely out there. Took a ride this afternoon, up through Battleground, to Yacolt, and back, and met several bikes. All but 2 waved, and both were Harley riders, all decked out in the "hey lookit me, I'm a tough guy!
" gear that most HD weekend warriors seem to sport... complete with non-DOT approved skid lid.
On v-twins... I've only ridden two. My bro's Vulcan 900, and my C50. Personally, I think the Savage has more "zip", due to the considerably lighter weight. The extra "chunkage" does add stability on the highway though. On a personal note, I've found you can't lean the C50 near as much through a corner... first time I've scraped a peg/board.
Never did that on that corner with the Savage!