Absolute maximum for stock cables is 13.5" rise apehangers, assuming you start with a Savage that shipped with buckhorn bars. Significant rerouting is required, replacement cables are suggested...
My 1998 wore apehangers for over a decade. It now has FL touring bars in 6 or 8 inch dogbone risers, in the stock base risers.
My 2003 has the same FL bars in 2 inch riser extensions, in the stock base risers.
2003 set up...
1998 with 15 inch rise apehangers...
1998 with 13.5 inch apehangers...
1998 with FL bar and dogbone risers...
I wonder if folks will now understand my referring to Savage/S40 as a "cute little toy motorcycle...