I haven't posted much here because I've had no news to post. The rebuild of the 86 Savage my gf and I picked up a couple of years ago ended in disaster. After finally getting it together, started, and running, it broke down 10 minutes around the road and "let the magic smoke out." Compression is 40psi, just like when we got it. It was the most expensive and time consuming 10 minute ride ever.
My GS1100L has had problems, too, so I've done practically no riding this year.
One thing leads to another, I said the right thing at the right time, and yesterday I rode home an 01 Savage, fully operational, and got a heck of a deal from someone I knew in high school, the widow of the previous and original owner.
It's a sad story, but it's gone to a good home, which makes everyone happy.
I rode it about 150 miles from Mass. to home in Maine yesterday. My hands went numb from riding on the interstate!
It'll handle 65-70 just fine, but the vibration was a bit much for me. Once we were on the secondary roads I had a much better time at 50-55. I did have a scare when the engine died suddenly - just like the 86 did, but without the smoke! But when I switched to reserve it came back to life immediately. No warning! Is that normal for a Savage? My other bikes (all inline-4s) have at least sputtered or lost power or given some warning before dying completely when low on fuel.
At 6' tall I'm a little cramped on the bike, but the idea is that my gf can ride it, since she's a great fit on it.
That's her practicing in a parking lot today. She took the MSF class 2 years ago, and until today that's the only riding she's ever done. She wants a little more practice before venturing out on the street, but she'll probably get there soon. Now I need to get my GS fixed, or she'll be riding off without me!