Even if I'd kept mine, I'd have had to quit riding it. Draws too much attention. And, unfortunately, the LS/S40 has been "discovered". See an awful lot of them on the roads in the Puget Sound Basin. Yet one more reason I'm fixing up the old Yamaha. Don't see very many dual sports on the road, yet. I'm sure as soon as mine is back on the road, I'll see dual sports everywhere...
-WD

klx650sm2002 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:

That actually sounds kinda cool.

Why would I want to downgrade from a 21 to a 17? Maybe downgrade the rear from 18 to 15 or 14 for more of a traditional to me rim sizing difference... But since this bike was aquired as a project for the Scout troop as well as for me, need to let the wrenchers, junior grade, in on the decision making.  But the plan is to basically turn it into a truly multi purpose bike. If it's getting used for Scouts, needs to be search and rescue, wildfire suppression, off highway goofing around, light commuting, and easy access mechanical teaching  capable. For my uses, minimal off highway with commuting capabilities is fine.

And doing an Iron Butt Run on a dual sport could be fun... probably less painful than on a stock LS seat at any rate.
-WD

RR - Believe it or not, plenty of us are happy with our bikes.  Mine runs hard all day (I did 200 miles today), and never backfires anymore.  It just needed some simple carb tuning to make it right.  The Sportster muffler didn't hurt, either.

Kaishaku wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:

If I were not happy with my Savage I would not have her.  Same with my motorcycle.   And most likely would then hang out on a forum supporting whatever motorcycle I was riding.  Why would I waste my time complaining about something that I could easily correct?

I'm working on my goal of a different bike for every day of the week. My stepson is trying to go in the Coast Guard, so I'm likely to get the Savage back. My wife has an 800 Intruder that she loves. I've got an old Yamaha to play with. Buying another bike of some kind this fall to actually ride while I'm rebuilding the Yami. Maybe a BMW, maybe a Honda, maybe even another Savage, since I found someone who can stretch the frame for me. Maybe a rigid HD, since I can get sprung solo seats fairly inexpensively. But only if I can find a dirt cheap basketcase.

I've done Iron Butt class runs twice. On rigid antique American V-twins. 1936 Harley Knucklehead EL (61 inch engine), 2 day run from Seattle Wa area to Tiajuana Mexico. 1938 Indian Chief, day and a half run from Pullman Wa area to Sturgis SD.  Those were the days... that make me wish I'd had a suspension bike.    
-WD

DAVIDV .   I WONDER HOW YOU CAN PUT 200 MILES ON THAT STYLE OF BIKE WITH OUT GETTING IT TO HOT? THE MORE YOU RIDE AN AIR COOLED BIKE THE NOISIER IT GETS DUE TO THE HEAT EXPANSION OF THE MOTOR. IT ALSO EFFECTS THE CLEARANCE OF ALL THOSE MOVING PARTS AND WEARS THE PARTS OUT SOONER. EVER WONDER WHAT THAT PINGING SOUND IS AFTER A LONG RIDE? Sounds like a bucket of bolts,right?  One of these days that poor bike of yours is going to SEIZE UP WITH YOU  ON IT. HOPE YOU CAN GET IT STOPPED IN TIME

RoughRider wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:

Seven  Savages have been certified by the Iron Butt Association as having covered over 1000 miles in less than 24 hours.   This forum has a pile of riders in the Sun Belt who ride long distances with no overheating problems.

Anyone who is telling you that the Savage is not capable of long distance high speed commuting is a liar.