Yesterday was a great day in the north east (Massachusetts, see link below, valid only on 11/8/04). It was about 66 degrees, calm winds with some gusts.
It was also the day I hit 10,000 miles on my Green 2000 Savage. Here is the story.
I bought it in March 2001 with 250 miles on it from a dealer in RI (MTR Racing) for $3500. I went there looking for Honda Rebel. I had ridden Royal Enfield Bullet, another air cooled single cylinder, 350 cc thumper, that actually thumped for about 3 years in India during my undergrad years. It was sold when I came to the States. And 100 cc street bikes (which are the norm) for over 4 years before that.
Back to Savage:
I changed oil every 1500 to 2000 miles on the bike. Once in the beginning of the season and one about 500 miles before the end of season.
Changed the brake fluid at about 6000 miles. It was clean, liquidy and of good color. Cleaned the air filter.
Had to replace the clutch wire after about 6000 miles. It was fraying on the lever end. (Never lubricated the cables)
Replaced both the tires with ME880 (metzeler) this year at about 7000 miles on the clock.
Added the suzuki windshield, aftermarket saddle bag supports and some saddle bags at about 7500 miles.
The internal teeth of the front pulley worn out at about 9200 miles and I thought the season was over, but I even fixed that. This was the only time when the bike refused to run. (for good reason). And it took me about 3 weeks (20 days) to get everything in order. When this happened I also bent the gear shift rod foolishly.
Replaced the front brake pads at about 9900 miles along with the new gear shift rod.
Of course the belt was tightened twice every season, tire pressure was checked every 2-3 weeks or so (in the last 2000 miles), every 2-3 months before that.
I am planning the Supertrapp upgrade with K&N filter and rejetting in the next season.
It was never dropped or crashed while in motion (touch chrome).
It was dropped a few times (once twice on the same day) when I forgot to or failed to put the side stand before tilting it on the dismount. Once it was dropped when there was little rubble on tar snakes and I was pushing it by hand for some reason and pulled the front brake lever on the sandy rubble on tar snakes. You know what I am talking about. Hough also talks about it in his books and article.
I have done all kind or riding - city, rural, highway, stop and go, mountains. No off road though. Also, touring has not been done. I still need to find some friends (I do not work well in formal rider groups where I do not know people, sorry my bad
) who would muster enough to try something a little more daring
In short: fun filled 4 seasons and 10k miles of riding and looking forward to many many more.
Regards
Autif
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