ohiomoto wrote on 02/24/22 at 19:18:06:I'm heavier than you and run the stock shocks. I run them one less than the highest preload setting. Yeah, the stock suspension is nuts, but I don't care. It rides "good enough" for my needs.
I have low'ish expectations for this bike. It suits my needs just fine and I enjoy riding it even if it is a bit crude. If I want something better, I'll just buy a better bike.
I feel much the same about my bike. I like the way the engine pulls, and I am enjoying it. I was raised on single cylinder bikes both 2, and 4 stroke, and have a street Enduro now, that I enjoy. I always noticed these bikes coming up for sale every once in a while ,and priced cheaper than the other bikes of similar displacement, and I just figured it was because of them being a thumper. I almost bought a Suzuki C50 Boluvard before I bought the Savage. The guy lived in town were every 60,or 70 yards there is a 4 way stop, and all the corners were 90 degree turns on narrow streets, and I hated the bulk of the bike. I was warned about getting a Sportster, because of their small size, and I realize the Savage is even smaller, and that I probably look funny on it, but I don't care. My main concern on the Savage was the fact that it was belt driven, which I realize now that it is probably better than chain drive for my use. I probably would have been a little apprehensive on buying a Savage, and may have steered clear of them if I had known about the timing chain issue. I guess I got a good deal on mine, because it has low miles, and pretty new battery, and tires, but I know I will have to eventually extend the tensioner. I personally can't justify spending too much money on improvements to the bike,other than the basics for safety, and maintenance. I have so far just re-jetted ,and did the needle spacer mod, and put bags on it, which look good, but I will probably replace them with a big set that I picked up used. I will turn the shocks down a notch when I take it out again.