While other "cute" little bikes are out there that are small & light & dependable, this one has something few Low to the Ground( as in, short folks can handle it), relatively light ( as in those same short folks can pick it up) potential first bikes have. These have enough power that if you mess up & get in front of someone who is faster than you thot, you can grab a gear & twist the gas & youre GONE,,

When you sort through all the current bikes looking for one that has a low seat, low weight, and decent power this is about the only one out there.  Going from one stop light to another it is pretty darn quick.

Things I especially like:
Lots of torque.
Nice smooth clutch with light pressure.
Easy shifting.
Legs are not cramped up.
Light weight.
Easy maintenance, no coolant, no fancy electronics.
Mine is very reliable, always starts.

Things I don't like:
The OEM rear shocks ride hard, if you have a tender back get some Progressive shocks.

I think this is at the very upper limit of a beginners bike...

It's small, and fairly light, with a comparatively gentle powerband...
If you are comfortable releasing the clutch and taking off... on a bike general,... it is a fine starter bike...
I started on a 60cc 2-stroke,... then a 125cc.... then a 360cc 4-stroke, a 500, and a much faster 500...

I did have a rider that believed he was experienced,... crash a Savage into a wall on launch...
...if the throttle feels comfortable to you, and you launch easily... this bike is an excellent learner...
Some people just seem to have a different relationship with the throttle...

Many of us have gone through quite a few bikes.... and this one isn't our first,... it will likely be our last...
It's actually,... pretty adequate for a first, middle, and last bike...
I've owned faster, slower, lighter, heavier... but, no bike ever covered as many bases as this one...
Just enough, but not too much...
Enough power to get me out of trouble,... but not get me into trouble...
...
To me,.. it feels the way a motorcycle should feel...

apache snow-FSO wrote on 06/15/13 at 06:06:49:

They can be modified to cater for the not so short too.

I was "about" 60 when I decided to get my first bike. Went to a place to check out and probably buy a Honda 250 Rebel. Sitting next to it for the same price was the Savage. Never heard of it and had done a lot of research on the Honda. Called a friend and he got online and filled me in on all the important stuff. Ended up buying the Savage of course. Both bikes would have done what I wanted but it turns out the Suzi-Q does it stronger and easier. The only thing I would change would be to get the gas mileage the Rebel gets.

When I say the only I thing I would change, what I really mean is that I've already changed so much (superficial) stuff that the poor bike doesn't even know what it is anymore. Harley and V-Star parts all over it, darksider tire on the back, Vetter luggage hanging on the back . . .

I've done super long trips on it cross country and putted around town. It does everything that the big boys do, even pulls a trailer. First, last, only bike. Your choice. Can't go wrong. And nobody steals them hardly. Just remember that 50 years ago this bike would have been a monster road machine.

Advice from he who knows:
   Always wear footwear that grips the ground.
   Don't let the clutch out too fast on wet grass. It will lay down.
   Don't start moving with a disc brake lock in place. It will stop on you.
   Don't expect it to stay standing with the kickstand down in gravel on the side of a two lane when an 18 wheeler roars past. It will lay down.
   Get someone to show you the trick for picking a bike back up when it does (not if) get tired and lies down.

Jack

Telling us what you have done without pics is just a tease.

I've pasted this link in here so many times I figured everybody knew where to look at my tinkered up machine. Oh well 26 is the charm.

http://www.bikepics.com/members/jazzcarter/00savage/

Now go and see what a fella with a big bike bone yard up the road a piece can do without spending too much money.

Jack

Kim kim kim. A hot shower is not how you take care of a sore bottom. Just saying...