earlytimz
Senior Member
Offline
Savage model 417 (4 speed, 17mm)
Posts: 382
BG, KY
Gender:
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Hey thanks y'all!!!
It's been real & it's been fun... But it didn't get real fun til I got 'er done!! LoL, sorry... Feeling poetic tonight
The rear fender is 19.25" long. I didn't plan it that way, just went by looks til I thought it was right. The back edge of the fender is directly above the center of the axle. If I was gonna do it again (and I might) I'd probably add a couple inches to it. Maybe go like 21 or 21.5" total. I'm a fair weather rider, but I've noticed that I get a nice little spray on the small of my back if I hit a wet spot in the road. I expected it since it's so short, and it's not that bad, I just think a couple inches would make a noticeable difference. (story of my life!!) It also occasionally throws up sand and road debris which I sometimes feel hitting my back since the wind pulls my shirt up a little. It doesn't hurt at all, just kinda made me go WTF??? the first time it happened.
Sorry Tfp, you asked a simple question but got a friggin storybook answer!!
I guess now is a good time for a little update...
I've been riding the piss outta this thing the last couple weeks. Been trying to tune out a gear-shift backfire and occasional erratic idle. Seems to idle down once it gets good and hot like after a hard 10- 15 mile run, then sitting at a light. It's been 85*- 90* and sticky- icky focking humid so maybe that factors in. I'm gonna look at the plug, change the oil and check the valve adjustment one night this week. It's just hard to let it sit long enough since you gotta check the valves with a stone cold engine.
It really shines when you crank it back and let it sing! I can roll out of a 25mph curve in high gear without a downshift. At partial throttle pull, it wants to jump a little but is easily fixed by opening it up. I'm very impressed with the bottom end lugging, even though I went with a huge rear tire. I opened up the head pretty good mainly on the exhaust side so I think that's what makes her really come alive. Not sorry about that! Now I wonder what one of Lancer's super carbs would feel like... (Dear Santa..)
This is really a fun little bike & surprisingly comfortable too. It's super nimble and with my center mass a little lower it takes curves like it's on rails... I'm talking almost sportbike like handling. The solo seat is one of the best feeling seats my a$$ has had the pleasure of meeting. I'm tickled with the way it rides. The bars are shoulder height and really comfortable. Any higher would be too much for the longer rides. The low seat, high bars & forward controls really let you stretch out and feels like a larger bike. The balance is right on.
I added a throttle rocker since the last pics. Not sure if I'll keep it or not... I've used them before, but the savage seems to have such a long throttle twist. I dunno, time will tell... Might pitch it in the ditch tomorrow, who knows?
Speedo seems to be about ~3 mph slow at 55, ~5 mph slow at 70. This isn't verified yet, just judging by flow of traffic. I'll put my gps in my pocket one day and check it... Maybe...
I guess all in all my few complaints are not that big a deal. I'm happy with it and look forward to punishing it daily.
Oh, and don't worry about Mick... He's a grumpy 'ol bloke stuck in his ways. I have become a magnet for criticism around here but I'm cool with it. Not everyone can understand what it's all about, but WE do. It's not like cutting up an antique, collectible, high dollar bike... It's a bottom end, overlooked, cheap bike. It's a good bike, but not one that hurts my feelings to be hacked. I bought the savage to chop up. I actively looked for one for 2 years off and on. I knew this was the perfect bike to "fix". It's my bike, it's my money, it's my a$$ rocking out on a lowball custom... Just the way I pictured it. (subject to change on a whim!!)
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