Serowbot wrote on 05/16/14 at 09:41:34:Dave wrote on 05/16/14 at 09:13:41:...the bike is not cutting edge anywhere.
Whoa,... that hurt more than I thought it would...
...
You know you like your cute little toy motorcycle that would have been high tech about 1976...
I can live with all the obsolete, craptastic cut rate build shortcuts but 2... the CV carbondater has to go in favor of a cable slide model, and the makes Lucas look stellar hygroscopic ignition/compression release controls.
A twin pivot drum works better than the state of the art in 1970 CB450 front brake. Simple fix.
Keep the cables lubed and the clutch and rear brake work great.
Intruder shocks solve most of the ride and handling issues, the rest are fixed by good tires that are properly inflated (40psi front and rear), and heavier fork oil (and more of it).
The Savage excels at what it was designed to do, look cute down by the pond at sunset, cold beer in hand and a campfire going. Great backroad bike, decent commuter bike. Following the forum tuning and durability tips takes a mediocre at best platform and turns it into something enjoyable. I wouldn't have 2 of them right now if they were t total trash...