I apologize as I'm sure all these questions have been answered a million times...

I just picked up a 2001 Savage on Saturday as a step up from my 250 Rebel (I just started riding last September).  Over the weekend we rode approx. 200 miles and the bike was great!  I love the additional power and can actually come close to keeping up with my husband's Harley.

There were a couple of things that I did notice.  First, the seat.  I wouldn't have called the Rebel's seat luxurious by any means, but this one just has to go.  This badonkadonk needs a little more contouring or something.   From what I can tell it seems that the Corbin is the way to go, but I would love to hear other suggestions if they're out there.  I'm 5'3", with a 30" inseam, so the height isn't too much of an issue.

Second, one of my major complaints about the Rebel was that it sounded like a lawn mower.  I was really looking forward to something with a little more ummpphh.  Boy, was I surprised to learn that this one sounds like a go-kart.  Not much of a move up.  It also tends to backfire.  Are there any recommendations for the exhaust?

Again, sorry for the dumb questions, but hey, what are Newbies for?

Wow. 1st--either you have long legs or I have short ones. I'm 6'1" with a 32" inseam.
Anyways, the seat. Yes they suck. I have gotten pretty much used to mine after raising the front. Lots of folks here do use the Corbin. There are other options if you search under "seat mods", or look in tech section.
Exhaust--many options but again, the OE one sucks. I have a used Harley muffler with the baffle knocked out. Some guys have Supertrapp, or Jardine. Again, the tech section has a wealth of knowledge and how-to's. Check it out.
And welcome to the Savage world.

Senga, Welcome. I put 1 1/2" memory foam inside on top of original foam in my seat. Solved it for me. Technical section has more ideas. Harley Night Train muffler goes on with no problem and no offset adapter. But it is not loud. And it's a thumper--so only so much you can do. Don't let the husband on the Savage, or you will notice your Savage is always gone and the husband's boat anchor is sitting in its place collecting dust.  

A relatively easy seat mod is to cut away some of the original foam and replace it with a gel pad or just put the gel pad on top of the foam. Lots of great info on mods in the technical section.

Welcome to Savage land!