Hello,
I’m new to the Suzuki Savage website.  The Suzuki Savage/S40 is one of the bikes I am very interested in getting.  However, there are a few questions about the bike that I’m hoping you can answer.  (Sorry for all the questions … I’m just getting used to the website, so not sure where exactly to post this.)

First, I am 6’2” tall, about 185 pounds.  I have heard that the bike is small and may not be right for a person over 6’.  How do you, or some of riders over 6’ feel about this?  Are they happy about the bike just as it is?  Are there any adjustments necessary for tall riders?   OF  If you feel cramped buy a set of forward controls -- see marketplace

I am planning on taking some long distant trips and wondered how experienced riders feel about the bike's vibration levels.  (I know this is a subjective question, but still would be interested in your thoughts).   Also thoughts about the original seat.    If you think you want an open road cruser, look at a bigger bike.   This can go long distances, but not at the comfort level of a bigger bike.

Regarding the bike’s weak cam chain adjuster, I understand there is a ‘versy adjuster’ that can be purchased on this site.  Can the ‘versy adjuster’ be installed on a brand new bike? (I would prefer to do it right away).  Who can I contact to talk about this part … (preferably a phone number)?   Wait until 13,000 miles from now and then ask again.

Regarding the Raptor pet thingy part … Should this be installed right away on a new bike?  Or is the old pet thingy reliable for a few years?   It is reliable for the first few years, or until you start modding the carb, air filter, exhaust system, whichever comes first.

Finally, how many miles have you seen on these bikes before an engine overhaul is needed?  100,000 miles? … 75,000 miles? … 50,000 miles?  I assume the members on this site would have a good idea about this.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

I'm 6' and comfortable on a nearly stock bike.
however, the seat comfort ends at an hour for me.
and I changed out the handlebars.

and don't bother with a corbin, not really geared for tall people.
most of the adapted seats raise you up a bit and back, about the same as forward controls, so you might want to try one at a time.

and I wouldn't change anything till you got some mileage on it.  the adjuster and petcock aren't that weak.

what do you call a rebuild?  a verslavy will give about 50k before the chain wears out  about then you'll probably need rings.  How much longer will a bottom end go?  idk.

I really wish somebody had archived the original forum (Bert Heise out of Germany)...

I'm 6'2" 240 pounds. My bike has the following "make it fit a bit better" modifications: 15" rise handlebars, better grips, Kawasaki VN800A seat, HD half moon floorboards shoved as far forward as possible, taller rear shocks off an 800 Intruder, extra oil in the front fork.

Parts you WILL learn to hate: stock seat, stock mirrors, stock grips, stock bars, stock pegs, stock shocks, stock fork.

That said, I've had mine since February 1998. I've done all day on it stock and been fine or so stiff I could barely pry myself off of it. Road quality has a LOT to do with the ride quality. Wife and I have ridden it 2 up with the stock seat and pillion, but only when absolutely necessary. I quite often rode it with feet and hands on the stock controls, my butt on the pillion to stretch out.

It is a great little bike. It is a miserable excuse for a long distance bike at my size. I haven't finished the latest round of changes, but the ones listed above should make it at least mediocre for distance riding, the wheelbase is a bit small for me (so is the engine, I like 1000cc or bigger for distance riding).  It will be just about perfect for shorter rides.

I'm always on the look out for something more height/weight appropriate, along the lines of a Kawasaki VN1500 anything other than the 1500A. BUT, and this is an elephant sized butt... I've got over 25 years of saddle time. I know what I need bike wise for any given purpose, there is a reason my wife and I each have 2 bikes currently.

There is no such thing as an off the showroom floor perfect bike. But the Savage platform is a pretty good place to start. Cheap, light, pretty reliable, one on Bert's forum went over 200K miles before it gave up the ghost.

rong,
I will throw in my 2 cents about long distance trips. I am a beginning rider in my early 60's and chose the S40 as my first bike because of it's small size, light weight, and more than adequate but not excessive power. I am 6'2" and 220 pounds. Do I look a little bit like an elephant on a tricycle? Sure. Do I care? Nope.

Last September I took the bike on a 1,968 mile road trip. The longest daily segment covered 511 miles over 16 hours. I used mainly two lane US highways but did jump on the Interstate for about 200 miles in Ohio where the speed limit is 65. The bike was more than capable of keeping up with traffic and dicing with the big trucks. With that said, I found the two lane roads a more enjoyable ride.

I added forward controls from Routy. Ed L. also makes a great set. You can contact them in the Tech section Marketplace -v1. I also did the seat mod and put on an $80 Air Hawk II seat pad. These plus the back pad on the Saddlemen tail bag and Memphis Slim windshield made the bike very comfortable, at least to me. Below is a picture of the bike before I headed out on the trip last fall. (I have made additional modifications over the winter; adding a Corbin saddle, fork brace, 11.5" progressive shocks, slightly larger rear tire, and an aftermarket muffler and carb re-jet. All have made a noticible difference in handling, comfort, and performance.)

One thing that you also need to consider is the limited fuel range. You will not get much more than 100 miles between fuel stops. If you are looking for a traditional 700 plus pound Interstate cruiser, the S40 is not your bike. If you are new to biking or looking for a small, light, economical bike and are willing to do a few simple modifications, you would be well served to consider the S40. I bought it with the idea I would learn on it and then move on to a larger, more powerful bike. I now plan on keeping it and just enjoying the ride.
Good hunting

Thanks, everyone, for contributing.  This helps a lot.  It sounds like a great bike... and you're a great group of experienced riders.

I have had some experiece riding and like the simplicity of the bike.  And as some of you can identify with, I'm an 'old timer'...!

If any others wish to contribute, feel free.  I am always interested in your thoughts.

(This is my first response to a question... so I hope this come out at the right spot..)

rong
Ron G

rong wrote on 02/27/13 at 10:35:53:


You're doing fine Ron! Keep a'rollin'. If you want to post where you are(at least by state if not exact city) this site opens up even more for you because there's nothing this group like better than to get together for a putt or bench racing session!

I primarily use mine as an around town bike. I do have an 1100. However with ed. l's extended controls and drag bars I feel more stretched out and comfortable on the Savage than the bigger bike. I do not battle big rigs on the interstate with it but I much prefer riding the savage because it is simplicity at its best, it is light, agile enough for me and plenty of power around town.