I'm currently looking at 3 different bikes as a beginner. S40/LS650, Rebel and Shadow 600 VLX. All seem are light cruisers and fairly easy to control..as far as I read. I have a 34" inseam and was wondering if the Suzuki is a comfortable ride for someone with longer legs. I have yet to sit on one, but am more curious how it might feel on a 100 mile ride. I know there are extensions available, but curious about a stock situation. I'm 56 years old and am not planning on buying something new every couple years. Whatever I get now, could be it!

(yes..I am signed up for the MSF course). I know this is a Savage forum, but appreciate any incite.

http://cycle-ergo.com/
Try this site.
I have a 32" inseam and the stock pedal positioning was fine, except my arthritis made it difficult to get my feet on the pegs, so I put forward controls on it.

Norm I'm 58, weigh around 160# with a 32" inseam and after 2 years with the Savage I've been fine for rides 100 miles or less. That works out good because the fuel tank is ready for a gas stop at that point!

I did do the seat modification,raising the front seat mount 1" and that helped a lot. I'm thinking about raising it another 1/2 inch for a skosh more legroom.

Unless you are planning on nothing but "in-town" riding,I'd pass on the Rebel. It's just too small and underpowered for highway runs and not that much lighter than the savage. The VLX600 would be ok but the Savage is more nimble and will leave the VLX eating dust.

Just my $0.02 worth........that and $1.00 gets you a small coffee at McD's  

^^^ What they said.... NO to the rebel for sure, my wife had me get one for her to learn on. If you think you are going to buy for keeps, don't get the rebel, it is to LEARN on for a taller person.
I'm 54 and have a 30 inch inseam and am considering getting forward controls for the savage i'm going to get for me, i'm riding the wifes now and can ride it for distances not too uncomfortably. However when I get one for me I am goin to have forward controls on it, also a different seat!

arteacher wrote on 07/07/13 at 07:00:09:

What a great site thanks.

Welcome to the site!

The Rebel, while a cool little bike, simply cant hang with .... well with anything.

I am a mere 5'7", but most of that is torso, not leg. The savage is fine for 20 minute commutes, but even at my short inseam, I generally sit all the way back on the seat, cusp of the rear sear, just to stretch out. I have not considered the forward controls, but I can see where they would work well. The Savage, is hard to beat for what it does, low speed commuter bike. On the interstate, I do not find it big enough, as our crappy roads bounce it around like a dingy in the ocean. I added a 2" riser to the handle bars, this proved a very useful mod, as I no longer had to slump over, and by angling them back I was still in a good position to them even while sitting further back on the seat (and thus further from the foot pegs).

Having owned and ridden my bike for over 5000 miles, I can say that I am sure I don't want "too" heavy of a bike. They just would not suit the bulk of my riding (commuting). Another bike I am looking at is the Triumph America, 800. Its a sub 600lb bike (while the Savage is sub 400), but even at 550lbs, its lighter than many more common bikes.

Good luck with your search.

Pine wrote on 07/08/13 at 06:14:14:


I like the America as well.

Paladin. wrote on 07/08/13 at 12:21:18:


Is that a blue VW in the background ?