I am going for a bobber style. To me chopper style makes me thinks of a raked front end. But voted chopper

I didn't vote yet....but it all really just depends on what you want to do.

If you want to be comfortable, ride around and appreciate a motorcycle that gives you little trouble and miles of amusement and doesn't get too many folks upset....then just leave the bike pretty much as it came from the factory.  Fix the cam chain tensioner and head plug issues when they come around, install a windshield and bags if you want, add a Kawasaki front pulley if you want a little better gearing for the highway - then rack up miles like Youzguys who has 120,000 miles on his Savage.  Folks who need their bikes to commute generally choose to leave the bike mostly stock, as do those who have limited work spaces or tools.

Or.....if you want to fit in with the Bobber/Harley/Chopper crowd and go for rides to the local bar or on a 30 mph group ride now and then, go ahead and make a bobber/rat bike.  They are socially acceptable in some circles, and currently there is a strong "scene" that supports motorcycles in this form in most areas.  Bike shows have a strong attendance with this type of motorcycle....and knowing how to paint is not a necessity.  Long rides are possible - but I can't remember anyone on this forum who takes them on long rides regularly...although NickytheGreek has gone on long rides on his bike.

If you like to ride on curvy roads and have the ability to fold your feet up underneath you while you sit on a tiny seat - the Cafe' bike has a lot of popularity with folks..even ones who don't ride.  The more vintage you make it look the more support it gets from the general public....and a good muffler also makes it socially acceptable.  If you are in good physical shape there is nothing to keep you from doing 250 miles in a day.....but a lack of luggage space does prove to be an issue and you have to take a backpack if you want to haul anything.

And....if you don't know what to do - just ride until you get it figured out!  You have to decide if you want to spend your time working on a project - or riding.  For me the 60+ degree days are for riding, and the colder days (and winter) are for building or maintaining he bike.

Iceman4193 wrote on 03/25/15 at 12:27:10:

I am a tall guy who likes a smooth comfy ride. Chopper all the way.
When I get a truck I am totally redoing my bike chopper style similar to this build
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Yd2BrlDDI

Let me know what you choose and we can brainstorm on our builds and compare  

That's a good, clean looking bike. Raised handlebars, forward controls, what looks like an extended length RAASK header, and a full rear fender.
Very Nice!  

I don't remember what you have said about how much you've ridden, how long you've had the Savage, how many miles IT has and how many of them are Your miles.
So,



I wouldn't change the look before getting it sorted out. I'd get the Verslavy tensioner in it. IF you're wanting more OOOMPH, then decide how to do that. What are you wanting from the bike? You wanna play Ricky Roadracer or you wanna cruise thru town low and slow?
First things first tho, IMO, get it running like you want, ditch the OEM,petcock, get the cam chain issues dealt with, and get at least one riding season on it and let how it feels help you decide.
Read the post on the Honda, think about why you want to change how it looks.
Master getting it in first gear and making distracted drivers see you and stopping aimed at a quick getaway so if someone rear ends the car in front of you,you're not dead..
And remember, as cool as they look without a front fender, there is a reason for them.

Most of all be safe and have fun! (My mom used to say the same thing. I told her to pick one or the other.    )
Jeff

I voted Chopper. As tight as some of the Cafe's around here are, I just can't get past the rear shock location; it looks wrong to me for that style of bike. All of the vintage Cafe Racer's I've seen have a high backed frame with a higher shock stud location, so that's kinda a key part of the look for me. I'd love to see one with re-located, longer shocks....  

YMMV, o' course.  

In the end, do what ya want

Fossilize it. The electrical system and brakes were state of the art in the early 1970s. The engine is a mildly updated 1940s British bike. So, a build in the styles of the 50s, 60s or early to mid 70s is "right".

As cheap as Savages are, build a couple of them. Just make sure you have a back up bike before you start cutting. Was without a working ride for 4 years (12/10 to 4/14) and trust me, it sucks. Going from 30-40 thousand miles a year on two wheels, to none, and getting stuck commuting in a mini truck, is eat your gun time...

My late (as in deceased) 1998 that gave up a bunch of parts to my 2003 (that I still need to take a pic or two of).