It depends on your definition of touring.  If riding 2 lane twistie roads through the mountains with no particular time limit is your idea, then yes.  That is what the Savage (or S40) is really intended to do.  If cruising the interstate at 70-80 is your plan, you'll be more happy with the next size up v-twin (s65?).

The Savage is a torquey single.  It is smooth in it's best RPM range around 4K.  The spouse and I have ridden ours fully loaded with gear on 300 mile days, but our average speed was 45-50, with occassional hops on the interstate.

You can do interstae speeds with the Savage, but it isn't at home there (IMO)

savage1 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:07:


You also need to remember that "interstate" cruising involves more wind...from speed and and trucks.  The Savage is the lightest "cruiser" bike on the market, and wind does have an effect on the interstate.

Also, does "touring" mean 2-up riding?  Nope.  The Savage seat and suspension isn't made for that either.  The engine has the power for 2 people, but now we are talking about ergonomics and comfort.  Short rides are okay, but you don't want to take off for the weekend (unless both of you are alot smaller than me )

The Savage is a thumpin' back roads single rider machine.  Throw your gear on the back seat and head for the hills.

You can! I've gone from NYC to Myrtle Beach, to West Virginia, to New Hampshire. I've taken interstates on parts of those trips, riding as fast as 70+, even 80+ for short stretches.

With a TBag or duffle bag, and saddlebags, you can haul a lot of stuff too (too much, I usually overpack. )

Have fun!

Gerry

Well, I just got back from 2350 miles -- Dallas to Milwaukee and back in 350-400 mile chunks. Mine handled it fine, but there were moments I was wishing for a Goldwing! (4 hours of thunderstorms from Dubuque to Des Moines was one.) Country roads at 65 mph were much more comfortable and fun than interstates at 70 mph. The Airhawk pad, Protac backrest, Throttle Rocker, Throttle Lock, and windshield made it possible. Would have liked a bigger gas tank, better suspension, and about 10 mph more in reserve on the top end. On the other hand, it kept up just fine on the interstate. It does suck that the stock rear tire has 5500 miles on it and looks like I'll need a new one soon!

CHECK OUT YOUR LONGEST TRIP ON A SAVAGE PAGE 5 ALL THE IMFO YOU NEED

I have ridden up to 632 miles in one day, all day, for over 12 hours on my Savage. Just me on the bike; Overally, relatively light with me weighing in at 116 lbs, plus packed saddlebags, TBag and a dufflebag.

We traveled at speeds of 75+, and while the bike did OK at that speed, the part of the ride past 7-8 hours became more like work for me. I think the bike was just fine. But over 12hours in the seat isn't much fun.

I had done another ride, almost 400 miles in one day, speeds of 70-75. I was alone, so stopped when I wanted, went when I wanted. I was on the road that day from 10:30am til 7:15pm, and found that day most delightful, and very comfortable, just getting tired around the 375 mile mark. That and the later hour made me stop when I did.

Gerry

Gerry

Just remember one of the basic premises to the sport of motorcycling, it's not just the destination, it's the ride.  Take your time and enjoy it.  Your Savage will do just fine.  Have fun and be safe.