SuzukiSavage.com - Adapting the savage for tall or fat people?

brian

Ex Member

Adapting the savage for tall or fat people?
08/14/06 at 11:33:17

Hi all
I'm thinkin about getting a used savage but I have some questions.

I'm not a new rider, and I already have a motorcycle, but its a 1000 cc guzzi, which is kind of overkill for a 10 mile commute through side streets. I was thinking about getting a little thumper for communting and I like the clean old fashioned look of the savage, but the bike is so darned small! I tried out a used one and when I sit on it I feel like I'm riding a tricycle!

Is there any way to adapt the savage to larger riders (6' 225lbs) Without cutting up the frame...? does anyone have experience swapping out the forks/shocks? How much would this sort of thing cost and how much additional height could I gain?

I suppose if this doesn't work out, I'll just go buy a KLR
thanks in advance,
brian

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thumperclone Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline PGR rider riding with respect Posts: 7280 Grand Junction Colorado Gender:	Re: Adapting the savage for tall or fat people? Reply #1 - 08/14/06 at 12:02:34 use the search feature for: forward controlls, seat mod, shocks, think there are some savagers here of your stature..good luck!! it is a great thumper...
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Reelthing

Serious Thumper
Alliance Member

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Fish or ride that is
the question

Posts: 5397
Houston,Tx
Gender: male

Re: Adapting the savage for tall or fat people?
Reply #2 - 08/14/06 at 12:43:32

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

Hi all
I'm thinkin about getting a used savage but I have some questions.

I'm not a new rider, and I already have a motorcycle, but its a 1000 cc guzzi, which is kind of overkill for a 10 mile commute through side streets. I was thinking about getting a little thumper for communting and I like the clean old fashioned look of the savage, but the bike is so darned small! I tried out a used one and when I sit on it I feel like I'm riding a tricycle!

Is there any way to adapt the savage to larger riders (6' 225lbs) Without cutting up the frame...? does anyone have experience swapping out the forks/shocks? How much would this sort of thing cost and how much additional height could I gain?

I suppose if this doesn't work out, I'll just go buy a KLR
thanks in advance,
brian

and makes a fine stable mate for the guzzi!

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Island_Biker

Ex Member

Re: Adapting the savage for tall or fat people?
Reply #3 - 08/15/06 at 13:34:02

I weigh in at about 220, but I'm only 5'7". Mine has no trouble hauling me around - I can even put about 150-175 lbs on the back seat and move along OK.

I don't really have a need for forward controls so I haven't gone there.

For the guys who have put a single seat on - do you sit further back - might that help him?

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PA KID

Ex Member

Re: Adapting the savage for tall or fat people?
Reply #4 - 08/15/06 at 13:57:09

I'd say you'd need forward controls,I'm 5'5 and i'm saving up for a set.Your weight won't be a problem just turn the rear shocks up.Might try puttin heavier weight fork oil in,that should take care of the front forks.My neighbor is 6'3 and we swap bikes once an awhile for short rides.Theres a post on here about changing the fork oil without pullin them off.Hope that'll get you started.

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bikingb

Senior Member
2005 No Login

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Love to Ride!

Posts: 278
Appleton, WI
Gender: female

Re: Adapting the savage for tall or fat people?
Reply #5 - 08/15/06 at 18:31:58

This is what Babbalou said under the fork brace phyics post.

"I've got Tkat's fork brace too & I really needed it. Before I got the brace I was considering dropping down to 10 weight fork oil to smooth out the ride. With the brace I went up to 20 weight. It's that much smoother now. I could have stayed with 15 weight but I often ride hard & I'm over 200 pounds (OK, way over ) so the increased damping of the 20W adds control & reduced fork dive when braking. Anyway, when I'm leaned over in a fast, bumpy corner now, it feels like my front tire is spending a lot less time in the air than it did before the brace. Best $90 I've spent in a long time."

Good Luck.

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ratdog472 Full Member Offline The Savages are restless... Posts: 156 Springfield, MO Gender:	Re: Adapting the savage for tall or fat people? Reply #6 - 08/15/06 at 19:50:39 I am right around 3 bills and it hauls me around the pavement as fast as I need to go..
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