Sorry guys i think the old savage have a very aggressive
savage look about them. This new one seems to have a tamed  reto look about it.  

I've been doing a lot of reading lately on various bikes and had pretty much settled on the 2003/2004 model of the Savage 650 because of its back-to-basics appeal and the relative ease of maintenance.  I am 41 and haven't ridden in about 15 years.  I used to ride a KZ750 and was pretty happy with it.  I gave it up about the time I got married and recently decided I wanted another bike.  In general, I'm glad I did not already buy the 2004 because I really the cosmetic changes to the 2005.  In my opinion, the flatter handlebars are nice and the white just looks good.  The belt drive will be a nice change form the old chain hassles and I understand the sound of the Savage is fairly throaty too.

Really the only thing I didn't like about the 2005 was the seat change - for two reasons.  First, it is now 1-piece (and I really like the solo option).  Second, no backrest/sissy bar.  Of course, you can purchase a gel-seat now for it for about $280 I think.  Personally, since I prefer the solo seat look I'll probably just sling leather bags over the pillion while I consider the gel options.  I'm not sure whether they are 2-piece arrangements yet either.  Oh well, first-things-first... waiting on the new S40's to arrive at my local dealers.