Hello everyone, I'm looking at getting my first personal bike this weekend and it'll be the first time I've been riding in a good 5-6 years since I putzing around on a buddies cbr600 in college. I'm a fairly big guy, 6'5 and about 275 and was looking at the bike in the link below. I know it's not going to be quite as zippy and all that as the cbr but I'm looking for something calmer and easier going anyway. I'm just wondering if you guys with experience on these bikes think this is a good deal and what you suggest I really check out when I see it this weekend. Any advice and help is greatly appreciated!  

At 6'5", your knees may very well be touching your elbows while riding.  

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I only have a 34 inch inseam so most of my height is in my torso, do you think I'll still be somewhat cramped?

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From what I can tell from talking to the guy so far, all he's done to it is put on the jardine pipes, new bars and bobbed the back fender. Should I be that worried about modifications like that?

Would those be very hard to make myself? I have access to a machine shop and any scrap I need at work.

Alright that doesn't sound too bad then. And when I asked he said he has all the stock parts  (seat, fender... ect) that he removed and they'll come with the bike.

Personally, I never understood the mindset of buying a bike (or car or boat or lawnmower or...) with the thought in mind that you were going to make changes to it so that it "fit" you better. Why not just buy what fits in the first place?

I came to be a Savage owner by accident. I was looking for a mid-range beginner/intermediate cruiser and found a deal that I couldnt pass up. Before the Savage purchase, I was looking at Honda VLX600's and Suzuki Intruders. Bikes that fit my 5'11" /195 frame a bit better than the typical Honda Rebel or Virago 250.

The Savage (or the S40) is not the best bike available in it's class, but it certainly is not the worst. It's a Thumper which holds a special place in many an old biker's heart, it's simple to work on with basic tools, and it is (for the most part) very rugged. It is very customizable if that happens to be your thing. Parts are cheaper than the Honda, Virago and Kawasaki Vulcan's of the same class. It is the lightest bike in it's peer group, making it nimble at slow speeds and easy for new/smaller riders to handle.

If I had money to burn and had to do it all over again, I probably wouldnt have bought a Savage. That being said, I have come to LOVE my little 650cc Thumper with all of her great attributes as well as her quirks. Would I trade her for a Honda VLX or Kawasaki Vulcan of similar worth? Not a chance. Like that scrappy mutt you saved from the shelter, she is MINE now and she has taken on part of my personality.

If you have read through a bunch of these pages and some online reviews and WANT to buy a Savage, then buy it. If you have a choice between several different bikes, try them out at a local dealership. Sit on them. Feel them out for fit. Look them over carefully. Decide on what you WANT.
If the Savage you are looking at is the only real option you have (due to lack of funds or it being a really good deal), then you have to decide if this Thumper is a good fit for you (and not just in terms of height and weight). Personally, I dont think you will regret it. A Savage is a fine machine when set up properly and is the perfect size for a rider who likes to cruise calmly and doesnt need the " 120 mph in 15 seconds" adrenaline rush.

The above is just my personal opinion. I'm no expert by ANY means. Your mileage may vary.