SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> cruising speed
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1159227599

Message started by ncb2004 on 09/25/06 at 16:39:59

Title: cruising speed
Post by ncb2004 on 09/25/06 at 16:39:59

Hi folks...

I am a new rider and looking into buying a savage or boulevard S 40. I test drove one and loved it...the handling was perfect for me. I also drove an S 50 but felt it was too big and didn't let me corner as well(I'm 5'1" and 104lbs). My husband is concerned that the 650 won't do well at higher cruising speeds if/when we do some interstate driving (he's a Harley man). I want a bike that i feel good about but I don't want to get one that I will outgrow in a few months. What is your experience with the 650 and faster speeds?

Thanks for your input!

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by vroom1776 on 09/25/06 at 17:03:11

uh, can do 80 all day long, but it will wear you out due to vibes. Don't expect much more then 80 w/o a good muffler and rejet... but that's easy. A lot of folks think it's a beginner bike. by today's standards, it more or less is... I bought a V* 1100 after 1 year, still have and ride both. Savage = my 1st bike. Stock seat is garbage, too (well at least on older models, not sure on new ones...).

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by thumperclone on 09/25/06 at 17:18:04

im 5'9" 185#(give or take a 6 pak)here most of the interstate is posted 75 for trips of any length..theres a 100 mile loop up and over the grand mesa and the 3 mile streach of i state i use is 65 posted and the hgwy back from the other side is 65 also..
the "sweet spot" on my 06 is 62..
been over 85 a couple of times ( pre and post mods)
owners manual says 100 is top speed tho 85 was more than fast e nuff for me..went on a poker run with 2 iron horses and a road king last spring 50 miles of hwy on the way back i had no trouble on the 80+ spurts but 62 is alot more comfy....there are some on this site that commute on i state daily...

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Savage_Rob on 09/25/06 at 17:18:26

I've got an aftermarket muffler and carb (in my opinion both are upgrades) and though she easily has more power than she did at stock and I often do 70 keeping with traffic, I prefer to cruise at about 60-65 MPH.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by ncb2004 on 09/25/06 at 18:34:23

Thanks for the info. I am glad to know this forum is here. I have been reading all afternoon about TONS of savage-related stuff. It sounds llike a great bike for me...

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Dynobob on 09/25/06 at 19:55:45

I ride my Savage with the big Harleys all the time. No problem keeping up at all. The Savage with a few easy, inexpensive mods will cruise at 70 or 75 all day long. Acceleration is brisk. I would think you would have no worries at all.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by magicfairy on 09/25/06 at 20:41:47

You might find that cruising for long distances at 60-70 might be hard on your back, from being pushed backwards. A screen would help that. I find that more of a limitation on how far and fast I can go than the bikes speed.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Dynobob on 09/25/06 at 20:51:07

magicfairy wrote:

You might find that cruising for long distances at 60-70 might be hard on your back, from being pushed backwards. A screen would help that.

Good point! I always ride with a windshield. Any bike will be tiring at speed without a shield. My point is that the Savage is a very capable bike.

http://members.cox.net/sweetiesmaltese/savage1.jpg

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by mornhm on 09/26/06 at 05:42:21

There are quite a few threads out there on this topic. I for one felt that the Savage wasn't up to interstate or extended travel, however with that said, I feel the same way about most cruisers. Most of the people that I've ridden with on cruisers prefer straight/gently curving back roads and slower speeds to interstates/twisties and high speeds. I simply prefer higher speeds and the ability to go longer distances in a day. (This summer I averaged over 70 mph (OK well over 70 mph ;) ) and 500 mpd on a week long trip west). As some people have pointed out if a MC doesn't fit you you will find your limitation long before you find the MC's. I would get off the Savage after 100 miles happy that the fuel tank wasn't any bigger. On my current MC (a Concours) on longer trips I find myself wishing for a bigger fuel tank (7 1/2 galons) so I wouldn't have to stop.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by ncb2004 on 09/26/06 at 05:44:10

Again, thanks.

Your replies are very helpful. My husband is not convinced that the bike will suit our needs and is encouraging me to get the S 50. I tried one and felt it was too heavy. All of your comments are showing me that the S 40/savage is what I want.

Dynobob, you mentioned a few adjustments that would help give more oomph to the bike. What exactly did you mean? And, are thse things that my mechanic can do relatively easily?(read: cheaply) I am mechanically challenged but I have a great mechanic that works on metrics. I do intend to get a windshhield and i hope to find after-market foot boards for added comfort. From what i hear, the seat will be a comfort issue as well. This new biking thing can really add up to some serious bucks!! That's ok...I could buy a brand- spankin new S40 and outfit it with every doodad the market has and it would still be less than half the cost of hubby's Roadking :)

Again, thanks for reading and replying......

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by azjay on 09/26/06 at 07:20:58

welcome, it seems there are several of us couples riding HD and savage, appearantly a compatable combination.
i ride an '84 harley fxrp, which has been hot rodded up a bit, with a cam, thunderheader, s&s carb, spitfire windshield. debby can keep up all day long, no problem, with her '96 savage. mods done to her bike include; sportster seat($120), harley handlebars($10), spitfire windshield($70), harley dyna muffler(free), rejetted carburator($5), drilled air box door(free), ISO pegs($45), engine crash bar($86), ISO highway pegs on order($43), leather sissy bar bag/purse($20). we think saddlebags aren't too far off in the future. our normal open highway cruising speed is about 70mph, but she can run 80mph without any trouble. i suggest buying a bike you're comfortable with, as you progress as a rider, you'll find the bikes abilities will either work for you or not. when the time is right, a move to a larger bike can be made.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by RadarORiley on 09/26/06 at 08:58:46

I am not comfortable with high speeds, but I'm a Great-Grandmother now so maybe that slows me down. I cruise at 55 to 65 when riding with others and unless there are high winds, don't have any trouble. My usual riding partners are, 1 Savage, 1 Honda Shadow 750, 1 Harley 883 & an Ironhorse. We have not found the Savage to be lacking in any way & in fact, the non-Savage riders will ask to trade, especially if there are curves to play on. In my opinion, you need to be comfortable with your ride, if that means a smaller bike, then ride smaller. The others can adjust, & if they feel the need to outdistance you, meet at the gas station, We usually talk about where we will stop & if they get ahead, okay, they get a longer potty break waiting for me. If you get a bigger bike and lose your confidence, you won't be riding anyway.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Island_Biker on 09/26/06 at 09:14:45

I'll pitch in here and say that I agree with the folks who suggest that you buy a bike that you are comfortable riding and handling. I have talked to a number of folks who went with the "bigger is better" idea on their first bike and stopped riding shortly thereafter.

Once you've put in some saddle time, you'll know what you want.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Savage Librarian on 09/26/06 at 10:03:31

Ok, hopefully I won't draw any flack here...

I love the Savage. I've been drawn to it since I first laid eyes on one. However, it is not, first and foremost, a high speed Interstate type bike. It will do it, but like some of the others have alluded to, it'll wear you out. If I were looking for a bike in that general size category with the intent of taking high speed trips fairly often, I would look more at the Vulcan 500 or the Shadow VLX (at least, the older dual carb VLX's - I have no experience with the single carb models).

That being said, I wouldn't trade my Savage for either one of them. It WILL handle high speeds. I've ridden it at 65-70mph for several hours. But in my opinion and experience, I wouldn't recommend it for constant high sped travel.

So I guess it's a long winded way of saying, if you're just making the occasional Interstate/highway trip, I'd say go for it! If you're looking at constant high speed travel, I'd caution you, but certainly not disuade you from the Savage. It's all in what you're comfortable with, and it's hard to find a bike that's more bang for the buck (or bang per pound, for that matter) than the Savage.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by pmanntex on 09/26/06 at 10:53:01

Own a Savage and ride to work on interstate in Houston on regular basis---recently have become interested in S50 for my own reasons so thought I would give my two cents worth.

Speed- Yes the S50 will be faster than a S40 with over 40% more horse power, though, the S40/Savage with its low end torque provides better acceleration, particularly in the 0-60 mph range IMHO. Cruising sweet spot on my bike varies in response to weather conditions; with no cross winds, 65-72 is very comfortable; with higher winds of 25 mph+, very comfortable may be below 55 primarily because of its (and your) light weightedness.

Comfort- I'm 5' 7", cursed with short arms, and don't want alot of weight underneath me. Ergonomically both bikes are similar but they do ride differently. For someone of your stature the weight difference though small may seem greater particular in turns than someone that's bigger who might ride both bikes and find little or no difference.

Recommendation: Based on these pararmeters go with the S40/savage, do some mods to boost HP and performance if you want and then cruise through twisties making those Harley drivers envious!

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by vroom1776 on 09/26/06 at 12:22:26

I'd like to add another 2 cents: check out the yamaha Vstar series. I've also a V* 1100 classic. There are 650s (for now, anyway), and the "custom" model is "only" 450 lbs, or so. 1100 classic is about 600 & change, but feels like it weighs less than the 650s. 1100 custom weighs in at 560, I think. BTW, I'm 5'8", 200 lbs, & 28 years old, male, just ot give you an idea of the fit. My savage, which I've ripped a lot of weight off of, added a muffler and hot carb, will smoke my V* around town and in the twisites. On the highway, the V* wins, hands down. BUT, the V* is a revy bike and vibes a little on the highway, but not like the savage. Not bashing the savage, just sayin...

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Dynobob on 09/26/06 at 12:41:09

ncb2004 wrote:

you mentioned a few adjustments that would help give more oomph to the bike. What exactly did you mean? And, are thse things that my mechanic can do relatively easily?(read: cheaply)

In stock form the Savage performance is lackluster in my opinion. In stock form it runs out of guts at highway speeds. Lean jetting and EPA regulation is responsible for this. Nearly everyone here has rejetted their carb and put on a free flowing muffler. It makes a huge difference in the way the Savage performs. It makes the Savage a much better bike on the interstate. With these few simple changes, these bikes will pull hard to 80 or 90.

The parts are not very expensive. Parts for the rejetting will be less than $20 (new main jet and replace all the carb screws with stainless steel). Mufflers range from really cheap (used Harley mufflers) to a few hundred dollars for a new higher end muffler or exhaust. I highly recommend these changes. It will really transform the bike. For just starting out a totally stock bike is fine. With a rejet and a free flowing muffler these bikes are a blast.

You're right about the stock seat - it really is that bad. That can be fixed too.

As for a comparison between the S40 and larger cruisers, I can add my opinion. I ride both the LS650 and a much larger Honda Shadow 750 (550 lbs). They are both quite capable on the interstate. I rather enjoy the Savage and I think it would be a much better starter bike. Just the sheer weight of a larger bike can be intimidating to some. While beneficial at speed, the weight at slower speeds can be tough to handle.

The Savage IS the perfect beginners bike and/or ladies bike. Its low seat height, light weight, and easy menuverability are a joy.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by tfrawg75 on 09/26/06 at 18:39:25

Well I'm 5'9 and 200 lbs and I rather enjoy my 120 mile interstate ride 4 days a week to work. Ihave jetted the carb,k+n filter, and one of Lancer's hard chrome mufflers and Have plenty of go at those speeds. I think about getting another bike but let's be honest I paid cash for this and it is awesome not having a payment. lol

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Brewbrother on 09/26/06 at 19:19:29

ncb2004 wrote:

Just my experience as someone who has owned a harley in the past. The savage will handle the highway with some modifications. I would be more concerned at you ability to handle highway speeds than the bike. Do I think a 104lb woman could hang on to any bike at 80mph without a windsheld?? The anwser is no. What do you plan to do to the bike and to yourself to keep up with your husbands bike and mods?? What is he willing to do to help you?? AT 104 lbs you will not outgrow the savage. It can be modifided and we do many things to improve it. The person who is more gifted with wrenches should study the site and ask questions when they plan on doing some mods to make it a bike that both of you can enjoy.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by jmerry on 09/27/06 at 05:39:26

I have an 06' S40 and have done the white spacer mod and added a HD Dyna muffler and tachometer. The bike runs great. I'm 5'6 about 130 and up to about 65 it has great power. However, the only negative aspect I see, is that 5th gear could be a tad higher. I'm really not sure that the RPM's are a detriment to the bike, but at about 60-65 mph it's turning about 4 - 4.5 rpm.. Personally I think it would be capable of higher crusing speeds if 5th gear were higher... Just my opinion..

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by janeforbes on 09/27/06 at 06:05:10

I have had my Savage for about a year now and love it. I feel very comfortable with the size , weight and power. It cruises comfortably at 60-70 mph. I am your size and I would feel intimidated with anything much bigger. If you're uneasy riding a bigger bike you won't enjoy it.

It is in the shop now getting rejetted because of the new muffler I added. Looking forward to the new improved Savage.

Have fun!

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Dynobob on 09/27/06 at 14:50:43

janeforbes wrote:

It is in the shop now getting rejetted because of the new muffler I added. Looking forward to the new improved Savage.

If they do a good job of rejetting, you'll be very satisfied. Be sure to check the screws holding the disks on your new Supertrapp as well as the header bolts until things settle in.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by JerryAssburger on 09/28/06 at 08:13:00

I ride 38 miles each way to work on interstate at between 65-70 with no problem. The bike works well for having half the horsepower and 200lbs less weight than a 1200 Sportster. It is a small bike, which means that, like an econo-car, it'll do everything you ask of it except for outrunning other bikes or hauling lots of stuff. I'm pretty happy with it, and if you do the recommended mods- (relatively easy) it really does the job well. Regardless, welcome to the motorcycle world!

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by gary_ona_savage on 09/29/06 at 00:05:20

No problem cruising 65-70 for me, which is my comfort zone. But, I have to say that most of the time I'm glad that the tank is small. An hour to an hour and a half is about all my backside can take. Sportster seat upgrade is a definite must. Also, looking into getting an Airhawk pad. Heard great things on it.

Title: e: cruising speed
Post by georgekathe on 09/30/06 at 21:15:51

yes, tank is small, bike is light & so on (but supernimble). sure it is not really ideally suited for high speed Interstates but really how many bikes/riders are? my 125 mph 640 lb Sports Cruiser has the world's most advanced suspension (it's a BMW) but if I hit a nice bump on the Interstate (as we did today!) I/we/the bike still feel it.

I have wound my (basically) modified Savage up to 85 without much trouble (which judging by those "Your Speed Is..." signs on the highway is pretty accurate, unlike many "speedos" that are optimistic) with a fork brace on & in pretty calm weather & found it a little squirrely.

I concur with my friend thumperclone who over a beer said he is happiest @ around 65 cruising - keeps you out of way of most vehicles - you get used to allowing for the blast of wind when big semis go past.

if you wanted a steadier bike for higher Interstate speeds I also concur with others - maybe consider a heavier bike. however, Kathe for one loves the Savage for its lightness (she is a tad more than 104 lbs - shhh! - & 5' 9" but likes the seat height too). when I bought it she wanted to learn to ride for the first time in her life - via an MSF course, naturally.

I, as I said, love its nimbleness, which you'd lose on any other "comparable" bike, as it takes me back to simpler, "lighter" (me & bikes!) days. (I know nimbleness is likely not a "real" word, but there you go - sorry).

:)

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by sluggo on 09/30/06 at 23:11:41

i've ridden for over 30 years and have never felt like i was being push back with no windshield. thursay i did 100 plus miles on the slab at 79mph and never missed a beat.

riding above seventy on a savage takes some "breaking in". but it's you that is getting broke in. imho windshields and mag wheels belong on cages not motorcycles. ;D

a semi is going to blow any machine around it's just a matter of becoming accoustom to it, and aware it's about to happen.

i could have purchased ANY bike i wanted, and i choose a savage, it just bobs so great.
get the savage, hubby will be suprised how much attention you will garner at fuel stops. and how well it rides. i bet he'll even start taking it out for trips around town. that and it's paid for quick compared to a h-d

Title: Re: e: cruising speed
Post by Paladin on 10/01/06 at 12:36:55

georgekathe wrote:

yes, tank is small, bike is light & so on (but supernimble). ...
I, as I said, love its nimbleness, which you'd lose on any other "comparable" bike, as it takes me back to simpler, "lighter" (me & bikes!) days. (I know nimbleness is likely not a "real" word, but there you go - sorry).

Nimbleness is a real word:
http://savage.andruschak.net/FTP/nimbleness.gif
I agree, the minor batting about is a cheap price for the nimbleness and flickability (chokes m-w!) of the LS650. I'm an ex-dirt rider and place a premium on nimble.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by mmosel on 10/02/06 at 01:16:58

I'll chime in and say that when I ride over 65 on the fwy, I do get blown around a bit. But she keeps on hauling and certainly has power left to spare. I've never even come close to opening her up all the way! I prefer country roads at around 60mph myself, but if I have to take the fwy, she'll do it. My baby is still pretty much stock too.

Title: Re: cruising speed
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/02/06 at 12:45:45

I do think that a windshield can make you more aerodynamic and reduce the buffeting a bit. However, the reason I use one the majority of the time is that it keeps a lot of road yuck off of me... and it doesn't even have to be rainy weather. Just an open fireplug or a sprinkler system getting water on the street and you have cages in front of you slinging crud soup at you. I even had a few vehicles in front of me misting everyone with diesel fuel once. Just my 2cp.