Haven't been here in quite awhile. 3 yrs. ago I bought a 1500 Drifter. Great bike -- effortless cruising (no looking for that proverbial 6th gear), very low maintenance, love the look & feel, etc. But, it hasn't abated my desire for the little thumper. In fact, sometimes I wonder if I made the right purchase. Would I let the Drifter go for a Savage? Not sure; but, for those looking forward to moving up, more power isn't everything.

When I can afford it, I still plan to buy a Savage/S40. In some ways, it's probly more fun to ride than the big Drifter. But, I also see it as the perfect customizing platform (for the kind of custom I want, anyway) -- relatively small, lightweight, narrow, & old-school. In fact, it's kind of an obsession, and has been for a long time.  

BTW, when I 1st got the Drifter, I was riding to Alice's Restaurant (biker hangout on Skyline, above Santa Cruz, CA), just cruising at a moderate speed, when a bike passed me like I was standing still. It was a Savage!

Hey, Steve.  Nice post.  I haven't been riding for over 15 years and finally got a machine again because of the gas prices.  You're right on about the Savage/S40. It's a fun ride and, as I'm finding out, an immortal classic with almost unlimited modifying potential.  Another thing that makes them unique are the people that own them.  This machine seems to have a group of followers - almost like a family.  I'm glad to be a part of it all.  Be safe out there.
---Scroop