Well, I've ridden about 12 hours over the last three days; twisties through the forest and open highway. And, these new bars are the "duck's guts". They've changed the ergonomics completely, for the better.
My shoulders are so much better and my tailbone is getting much needed relief. And the handling is awesome. The 'work' has shifted from my shoulders (deltoid muscles) to my upper back (trapezoid muscles), which is where it should be, to me.
I found myself resting my heels on the pegs, which got the weight distribution just right, at last.
So, my next move is to move the foot controls forward a tad, and then maybe make up some risers which are a couple of inches lower. That riding position works well against the wind on the freeway, and is very comfortable for winding roads. Also, bumps in the road no longer make me grunt. I just bounce on the seat a little bit.
I was going to do the bars and risers at the same time but the guy at the bike shop advised me to do one step at a time ... probably some sage advice!
I got to just enjoy the ride (with the carb tuning behind me). The bike was purring on the freeway, and gliding through the forest roads like it was on rails. My girlfriend was following on her Ninja, doing her own thing. And we saw a great retro-bike exhibition while we were away.
"No-one ever says 'are we there yet' on a bike".
I've loved the S40/Savage since I first sat on it. But always had the sense something wasn't quite right ... But I believed in the bike. The change in ergonomics over the last couple days has been a revelation, and sealed the deal!
I bought it as a learner bike, but now, I'd rather put money into mods over time, instead of 'upgrading'.
Aaaand, I had one of those thoroughly enjoyable moments when a stranger asks "So, is she a 400?"
A fun weekend so far