Depenging on what you consider low mileage, it sounds like a good deal. Take someone who knows bikes to check it out. This is not opinion, but fact--the LS650/S40 is great as is. I assume you are new to riding as well as this site. Buy one and ride it 500 miles in all seasons. Then will you have an idea of what you don't like about it. A lot of folks don't like the seat, BUTT you may find it ok. The only real problem I see on the Savage is the petcock. After 7,000 miles (14,000 all together) I'm about ready to go to the Raptor petcock on my '01. It is a light bike at 352 lbs. and wind does affect it. Again, if you get one that has not been ragged out, it will give you good service even if just run as stock. The people on here (including me) like to "personalize" our bikes, but most probably wait till something fails before we upgrade; at least the parts that make it go. Now cosmetic changes is a whole 'nuther story. IHTH

I do not understand this entry level bike stuff when your talking about the 650. I ride with guys with much larger bikes and they consider the Savage a big bike!  I rode mine across the US, and had not one problem, and that was running most of the time at freeway speeds. It is quicker than most big cruisers to 50 or 60 mph, and it will cruise all day long at 70 to 75 mph. It is dependable! The draw backs is it is light weight and not as comfortable as a larger cruiser at high speeds, but still handles it well. A lot of air space threw the frame so cross winds are not a real problem. No more than most bikes. Too windy is when it's time to park it anyway. Another drawback for me is its small frame makes carrying lots of stuff, like sleeping bags and tents a bit of a problem but many in here do. Riding two up is not a problem on this bike for short trips, but I wouldn't advise it on a long one. To hard on the passenger. Also another drawback is the small gas tank. Your limited to maybe 120 miles on a tank. I'd have liked a slightly larger tank. This bike gets lots of respect from other riders and they seem to think it's just a big bike in a small frame.

The Savage is a good MC, no question about it. However, it's weakest point is it's ability to travel or tour on super slabs (interstates, autobans or whatever you want to call them). IMHO it is underpowered for all day travel on these roads. The gas tank is also undersized.

As far your concerns about handling and wind, mine was stable at all speeds, and was less effected by crosswinds than my Concours, headwinds are a different story. The Savage would labor in a strong headwind, I don't even notice one on my Concours.

some of the long time riders have spoken to the longevity and endurance of the Savage - I was a complete newb to motorcycling when i bought mine in May 2010.....my only previous experience with a motorcycle was less than 2 minutes as a passenger (NEVER AGAIN!) & less than 10 minutes as a driver on a 175 dirt bike in 1979..couldn't get it out of 1st gear, it wheeled on me and I found myself stradling it while the front tire was setting on the back window of my buddy's vw.....no more cycling for me until May 2010......I am a freakin huge guy 6'1" 400+lbs....when i decided to get a bike i sat on everything from Honda Nighthawk 750, Virago 750, Vulcan 500 (too small for me), Vulcan 1800 (too big for beginner).....all of the beginner size cruiser style bikes I sat on had the pegs too far back under my hips - bad knees mean i need forward controls - the bone stock 1995 savage i sat on was perfect.....I found a lower mileage 1996 (6900miles) and got it for $1200. I did not like the factory exhaust - so I put a Jardine slash cut on it, replaced the petcock with a Raptor, changed the oil, filter and spark plug, left the factory style air filter and box as is, put a spitfire winshield on it and I drive it everyday 5-10 minute commute - 60 mile round trip once a month to one of our other facilities.....have not taken it on any extended highway rides yet - been on the 70-75 zones for 5-10 miles at a time a few times - I just am not comfy with the higher speeds yet since i am a newb...but the 45-55 and around town riding I LOVE IT!......yes the seat could use a little help especially for a big guy but I can tolerate it for now....since May I have put 1600 miles on mine.....looking foreward to many years/miles of smiles and fun from this machine.

Let's put it this way... It's a bike w/o any agreegeous handling faults.  It's light weight for ease of man-handling when necessary.  It has the torque and power to get out of it's own way and not be tempremental.  Maintenance can be performed with a modest collection of tools and skills.  And one of the best Owners groups of all time.  

One of the cheapest to insure,,

here in NC for bare minimum to put a license plate on it was $107 yr...All State