Been lurking in the shadows here for some time, reading and absorbing everything I can about the mighty Savage.
I rode back in the eighties, on a '81 Kawasaki CSR650.  It was a dependable bike, 4 cylinders, with a Kerker 4 into 1 pipe.  I went everywhere, in any weather on that bike, totally hooked into riding....then life happens.
Between getting married, having kids, and the rest of the things Life throws at us, the Kawasakasaurus got sold, and I have been without until just a few weeks ago.  I never relinquished my motorcycle license however.

Perusing Craigslist with a fervor, I stumbled upon this beauty, a 2002 LS650P.  The owner advertised it as one owner, with a mileage of only 5150!!!! [Van Halen reference???!!!]  
The owner had 'striped' the tank with 'bad eighties stripes' on the tank...

So I drove the 60 miles to see it, and without even riding it, [it was pouring out!!!] I bought her!
After signing the bill of sale, I took the title and bill back to NH, and Registered/titled the bike. and went back the following Friday to bring her home!
The initial part of the ride was a bit shaky, after not riding for close to 20 years, but as most of the ride is 35-55 mph rural roads, I had a great opportunity to get in tune with the bike and how she handles!

Fast forward a few weeks now, and I cannot say enough about these motorcycles!  What a great bike!  Power to weight is incredible, it's nimble, and fun!
I'm hooked on it, and don't plan on modding anything on it, short of a different exhaust that doesn't sound like a sewing machine....thinking about the Dyna muffler!  [the stripes have been removed also]

Well, anyway, here she is!  Pics in the next post.

Happy riding,
Chris~

Welcome back and enjoy the new ride. We all agree, the 650 lump in the LS is a lot of fun.

You say that you will likely not mod the bike, but there are several mods you should give consideration. The fuel petcock is a ticking time-bomb and will leave you stranded someday. Look in the tech section for the "Raptor" upgrade. I'd also consider the big brake kit (BBK) as the front brakes fade after just a few engagements and could be described as vague, at best.

I'm actually in the beautiful NW corner of the state where it's almost like living in PA.

NH

I'm on my second LS650 but the first one was my fault , but I think the Harley would have to go before the LS .    I'm glad I can have both , the Wife likes the Harley better and its more roomy for her.

The only two mod you'll have to do is the "Versey" about 15,000 to 20,000 miles.  I've got over 30,000 miles on the original cam chain and a Versey.  The second is the fuel petcock , when it starts acting like its out of gas but it ain't.

This is the simplest bike I have ever had and I can't imagine not having one of them.   If you do a lot of Interstate ridding we go a cure for that too !  

Welcome Chris, I got my LS650 a few months ago. It's my first bike (at age 47). I loved it the minute I sat on it. I was looking for a 'flashier' bike, but I didn't know what I didn't know.  I've also begun to learn 'wrenching' on this bike, mostly thanks to the people on this forum. I've really come to appreciate what a gem this bike is. You described it really well - the power to weight ratio and the handling. It's a real little surprise package!

I did the Dyna muffler and the Raptor early on. The muffler is a huge improvement. And when the petcock plays up it's like having a gremlin in the machine.

Apart from that I've been doing/planning cosmetic mods.

I love riding it so much that my car is going on the market shortly ☺

You got a Chinese knockoff. Drop it in the trash. Buy a Genuine Yamaha part.

OK, thanks.
Canceled and reordered the other one.  

Quote:


Not sure I understand that???

Went out for a two hour ride yesterday, to the top of the Kancamaugus pass.
It's the mountain road between Conway and Lincoln NH.  The Savage rode great, and actually handles better than I thought it would thru the curves and switch-backs.  
I'm by no means a speed demon, the speed limit is fine by me.....well, perhaps just a wee bit over
But the bike ran great.  I'm getting about 60mpg, and have not gone past half-throttle yet....after not riding for so long, I'm taking small steps....besides, at 53, I'm 'supposed' to know better....
Raining here today, so it's a great opportunity to clean it and wax a bit.

Thanks to everyone so far!!!