Wondering if anyone turned their savage into a dirt bike. I know some Harley guys mod their Sportsters into "Dirtsters" and I'm wondering if there is potential with the Savage to become "Dirtavage".

Once upon a time there was a video of a guy on a savage out in the woods, I think he hopped a log, just treated it rough and stayed on it. He was a very good rider. How modified was it? IDK..

I got killed five times just watching that.

LANCER wrote on 11/15/22 at 12:17:33:

The second bike looks like it escaped from a “Road Warrior” movie.

That is the "Made in a Shed" bike - just outstanding workmanship. I believe it was eventually painted red

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 11/15/22 at 11:00:12:



I actually laughed out loud at that.

I must say it is an impressive display of build chops. It almost looks like a cross between a Ducati and a Savage. My experience with years of dirt bikes though has me ask what's with rear fender. Pulling mud up into that will make it hard to shed. It will impress on the street though and that is not a knock. I would think of it more as a dual sport, maybe some less aggressive tires to define it's niche. It is a cool build, with great lines.

SpamyToo wrote on 11/16/22 at 07:07:35:

Whats actually a LS650 on something like that.  Just the motor.

I don't remember all of the specifics of the build thread (I also followed the build on Instagram) but he may have used just the engine. Most of what you see (frame, swingarm, fuel tank) was fabricated by him. There seemed to be no end to his resourcefulness.

SpamyToo wrote on 11/16/22 at 07:07:35:

So probably spending thousands of dollars to end up with a bike thats crappy on the road and dirt.

Given the suspension components used, and the rake, trail and wheel base, I'd say that his creation is an absolute blast to ride - anywhere. The bike seems to have a comfortable riding triangle as well.

SpamyToo wrote on 11/16/22 at 07:07:35:

I can think of several things Id rather do with my time and money.

While I'm sure you could, you don't understand what drives a custom builder. There is nothing else I'd rather spend my time and money doing. From the design process to the execution, to the troubleshooting - its a very complex yet rewarding process. I'd rather custom build or restore a motorcycle than go fishing, play golf, watch sports...

SpamyToo wrote on 11/16/22 at 07:07:35:

Actually I should mention that its very cool looking and I like it.  But I wouldnt encourage the OP to start a dirtbike build with their LS650 like its a great idea.  For fun, heck yeah go for it.  But your not going to end up with something other than a conversation starter and something to spin donuts on a gravel road with.  Doing actual offroad with it is most likely just to break your leg real good.

I find this comment condescending and insulting - not just to the builder of this machine, but to custom builders in general. All of my customs are high performance machines that are ridden often and ridden hard. I had the pleasure of having Andy Greaser from Revzilla ride one of my creations and he commented in his article that "Engine feels like an electric motor compared to the shaking Beemer. Nice aftermarket exhaust doesn’t sound like an electric motor, though. Admire superb fueling and total attention to detail. Shame Honda never made a bike like this from the factory on the 900 platform" Source https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/ride-report-will-my-sub-1000-bmw-r1007-...

Customs aren't about resale...or ever selling. It's about executing on a vision. What one does with the bike is part of their vision and your opinion means little.

Well said, Gary.  If you wrench long enough to get into custom builds, there is a satisfaction factor to seeing your vision all the way to fruition.  Some never make it to that point.  The ones who do are the only ones who know.  It's the entire reason I built a shop in my backyard when I retired.