Hello, I'm new to this forum, but from what I see there's a good amount of useful info here.

I've just recently come across this post on craigslist for an 1986 Savage for $1250. I've got some questions about the bike and I'm wondering what the Savage community think of this. I'm about to take a look at it tomorrow at noon.

1) From what I've researched the price seems to be about par or a bit lower than what the going rate for these is, am I about right?
2) This bike is for my wife (she's only 115 lbs) but I'm wondering what kind of top speed she'll get, I've seen it rated to 120 km/h, which might not be fast enough for some of the open stretches of road we want to drive (I understand that this isn't going to be comfortable anyway but I want her to have enough speed to keep out of trouble).
3) regarding #2 (top speed) what are my best bang for buck to get a bit more top end out of this bike?
4) I've had a 1980 CB750 before but this looks like a bit more rake, how is the slow speed drivability of this bike
5) Anything that I should look out for (ex. common issues, breaking points, etc)

Thanks in advance!
Happy riding!

I would rather have a later year than '86 (1st year)
anything after '95 is a plus because of the torque limiter for the starter.
You can upgrade the '86 with the '95 parts though.
all years have an issue with a head plug that leaks, not a big problem, just deduct for it if it's leaking
and the cam chain adjuster is not long enough.  You will need to inspect it regardless of miles (Km's?)

There's a buyers guide in the tech section, just follow the link below.

120 km/h = 75 mph ?  That's cruising speed.  On the freeway my 2000 ran Jes' Fine doing indicated 85 mph.  Weight is closer to 380 pounds wet.  The Maxim would be closer to 490-500 pounds wet.

I like Singles.  While the HP looks low, the torque is high.  The Savage may not be "fast", but it is "quick."  Very bikes can beat it across the intersection when the light goes green.  It is also a good bike for a lazy person -- you can be in top gear doing about 30-35 mph and you can just twist the throttle and accelerate, no need to down shift if you are being lazy.

Thanks for the input!

"On the freeway my 2000 ran Jes' Fine doing indicated 85 mph"

That's good to know, i was wondering about the ACTUAL top speed of these bikes. It makes perfect sense that this bike should pull comfortably right up to that.

"I like Singles.  While the HP looks low, the torque is high"

I totally agree with you, I'm a single fan too. I love the torque and it'll be an easier bike to handle for her having a low revving torquey motor

"IMHO the worst feature of the 86 (and not all 86's even had these) was that smooth (non ribbed) intake manifold. Under high vacuum it will collapse on itself ... not fun."

Thanks for the input, I'll definitely look out for this

"Hell no ... no 4 cyl yamaha ending with a 50 ... unless you like doing transmission rebuilds ... "

Good to know!

"A maxim 700 actually steers lighter than the savage especially @ low speeds"

Looking at the rake on the savage i can understand why.

On another note:
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/3763668567.html

I may have found the middle ground between these two bikes.

I'll have a look tomorrow at both the Savage and the Maxim, I'll see if i can arrange to see this shadow on the weekend. That should give my wife some options.

Cheers.

jcstokes wrote on 04/30/13 at 20:57:34:


Speedometer accuracy with the 140/90 is within a mile or two per hour. With the stock 140/80 it was 5-7 mph off.

Oil use? Um, yeah, almost the entire sump worth in roughly 3 hours of 55-65 mph in 100*F and 90%+ humidity... Won't go into the specifics past wrong weight and wrong type...