SuzukiSavage.com - Where to begin with mods

Todd Esterburg

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Where to begin with mods
09/29/04 at 08:48:25

The knowledge on this site is great.

I just purchased a 2003 Savage with about 1400 mi on it. So far, I love the bike. I want to have it long term but would like to set it up for its optimum performance on the interstate, comfort at 75mph, power, ability to cruise long distance. Due to cash and no mechanical ability, mods will have to be done one at a time I'm guessing. Suggestions and the order they would best happen?
I've read on the jets, the exhaust, the pegs, maybe a larger gas tank.

Also, I'm 6 ft and was currious if there was any way to scoot the seat back at all, or do anything to help the sitting stance of us taller guys? This site is great. I have a feeling my Girlfriend is going to wish it wasnt here, but she'll sing a different tune when I convince her to get a bike after the spring thaw. Thanks for any steering.

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Savage_Greg

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Don't go around your
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Re: Where to begin with mods
Reply #1 - 09/29/04 at 09:32:11

Since you are 6 ft tall and feel cramped....

You might be able to rotate the handlebars forward a bit (if they are pullback bars) for a little more stretch. Or you can replace them with flat bars.

You can also get forward controls to place your feet further forward.

Aside from that I don't know of an easy way to move the seat rearward.

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Todd Esterburg Guest	Re: Where to begin with mods Reply #2 - 09/29/04 at 09:56:50 Thankyou. Is there any main company to look for these parts from?
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Munson_kl279

Ex Member

Re: Where to begin with mods
Reply #3 - 09/29/04 at 11:09:26

I'm also 6' but due to the extreme cost of forward controls I've installed an engine guard with universal highway peg. They put your feet more forward and a little higher up. With my riding style I love it.

I also have changed the handle bars to straight drags and that has helped a lot also...not to mention that I like the look of it better too. Grin

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Old Geezer

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Re: Where to begin with mods
Reply #4 - 09/29/04 at 12:57:30

If you install an engine guard, you can also get brackets from Kuryakyn that actually will move the highway pegs further forward. They are called offset mounts and come in a variety of styles and shapes. You can in fact get the the engine guard clamp with the offset mount and the pegs in one kit. If you buy the Suzuki engine guard, you will need a 1" clamp for the highway pegs. Check it out at Kuryakyn.com. Enjoy your ride.

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Michael Guest	Re: Where to begin with mods Reply #5 - 09/29/04 at 15:45:13 Todd. This is a great site for info. A lot of us also visit another site on the Savage. The two go hand in hand. here is the link......cheers........Michael http://www.heise-workstations.de/ls650/Fragen/LS650-Fragen.html
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Ed L.

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Re: Where to begin with mods
Reply #6 - 09/29/04 at 16:31:59

An easy seat mod is to raise the front of the seat. Get two 60mm long bolts and a stack of washers, remove the seat and take off the front seat mount. Stack the washers and bolt the seat mount back on using the longer bolts. I used a couple of 1" spacers instead of washers. Made a big difference. It allows you to slide your butt all the way back on the seat instead of sliding foward against the tank. It makes a BIG difference for leg room and comfort.

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savagethumper Ex Member	Re: Where to begin with mods Reply #7 - 09/29/04 at 21:04:41 Excellent idea Ed. I'm gonna try that. It doesn't make it look funny, though, does it?
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Ed L.

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Re: Where to begin with mods
Reply #8 - 09/30/04 at 15:29:41

Look funny? no way, the front of the seat lines up with the back line of the tank and unless you are parked next to a stock Savage you can't tell the difference. I even recovered my seat with a sheepskin seat cover that came from a cage. Just cut it to fit and stapled it to the underside of the seat pan, didn't even take the stock black cover off, just covered it over. It came out better than I hoped it would. I would post a picture but am not sure how to do it. The sheepskin gives the seat a little more padding which makes a big difference for butt comfort also.

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Savage_Greg Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Don't go around your ass to reach your elbow... Posts: 7844 SW Washington State Gender:	Re: Where to begin with mods Reply #9 - 10/01/04 at 03:12:14 That's different....but to reinforce the raised seat subject, I have also raised my seat an inch or so with rubber spacers that I cut.
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Susan Serious Thumper 2004 No Login Offline Been AWOL but I'm back... Posts: 682 Eastern PA Gender:	Re: Where to begin with mods Reply #10 - 10/01/04 at 07:40:51 Ed L. wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09: ...I would post a picture but am not sure how to do it. The sheepskin gives the seat a little more padding which makes a big difference for butt comfort also. Here are instructions on how to post a pic: Posting Picture/Links Hope it helps. Would love to see a pic of your sheepskin.
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Savage_Rob

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Re: Where to begin with mods
Reply #11 - 10/01/04 at 11:02:22

This is the first time I've tried to insert an image directly so I hope it works. My main visible additions are the highway bar, the sheepskin seat pad (available at www.sheepyhollow.com) and the trunk. She had the windscreen when I bought her and the tank bib and decals are basically cosmetic. Not visible is the alarm I installed. It's mounted on the other side opposite the horn. A lot of folks won't care for the trunk due to personal opinions on aesthetics but I like the ability to lock stuff up and I don't think it looks bad. Also not visible is the gremlin bell.

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Old Geezer Guest	Re: Where to begin with mods Reply #12 - 10/01/04 at 11:59:15 Nice job on the customization! Looks really nice.
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Ed L. Guest	Re: Where to begin with mods Reply #13 - 10/01/04 at 17:22:36 I need to downsize the pics of my '02 with the sheepskin seat covers, as soon as I get that done I'll post a link. Thanks on the how to do it tip. Ed L.
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Susan Serious Thumper 2004 No Login Offline Been AWOL but I'm back... Posts: 682 Eastern PA Gender:	Re: Where to begin with mods Reply #14 - 10/01/04 at 18:39:09 Ed L. wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:10: I need to downsize the pics of my '02 with the sheepskin seat covers, as soon as I get that done I'll post a link. Thanks on the how to do it tip. Ed L. Sure. Looking forward to the pic.
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