ncb2004 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:

In stock form the Savage performance is lackluster in my opinion. In stock form it runs out of guts at highway speeds. Lean jetting and EPA regulation is responsible for this. Nearly everyone here has rejetted their carb and put on a free flowing muffler. It makes a huge difference in the way the Savage performs. It makes the Savage a much better bike on the interstate. With these few simple changes, these bikes will pull hard to 80 or 90.

The parts are not very expensive. Parts for the rejetting will be less than $20 (new main jet and replace all the carb screws with stainless steel). Mufflers range from really cheap (used Harley mufflers) to a few hundred dollars for a new higher end muffler or exhaust. I highly recommend these changes. It will really transform the bike. For just starting out a totally stock bike is fine. With a rejet and a free flowing muffler these bikes are a blast.

You're right about the stock seat - it really is that bad. That can be fixed too.

As for a comparison between the S40 and larger cruisers, I can add my opinion. I ride both the LS650 and a much larger Honda Shadow 750 (550 lbs). They are both quite capable on the interstate. I rather enjoy the Savage and I think it would be a much better starter bike. Just the sheer weight of a larger bike can be intimidating to some. While beneficial at speed, the weight at slower speeds can be tough to handle.

The Savage IS the perfect beginners bike and/or ladies bike. Its low seat height, light weight, and easy menuverability are a joy.

ncb2004 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:


Just my experience as someone who has owned a harley in the past. The savage will handle the highway with some modifications. I would be more concerned at you ability to handle highway speeds than the bike. Do I think a 104lb woman could hang on to any bike at 80mph without a windsheld?? The anwser is no. What do you plan to do to the bike and to yourself to keep up with your husbands bike and mods?? What is he willing to do to help you?? AT 104 lbs you will not outgrow the savage. It can be modifided and we do many things to improve it. The person who is more gifted with wrenches should study the site and ask questions when they plan on doing some mods to make it a bike that both of you can enjoy.

I have had my Savage for about a year now and love it. I feel very comfortable with the size , weight and power. It cruises comfortably at 60-70 mph. I am your size and I would feel intimidated with anything much bigger. If you're uneasy riding a bigger bike you won't enjoy it.

It is in the shop now getting rejetted because of the new muffler I added. Looking forward to the new improved Savage.

Have fun!

I ride 38 miles each way to work on interstate at between 65-70 with no problem. The bike works well for having half the horsepower and 200lbs less weight than a 1200 Sportster. It is a small bike, which means that, like an econo-car, it'll do everything you ask of it except for outrunning other bikes or hauling lots of stuff. I'm pretty happy with it, and if you do the recommended mods- (relatively easy) it really does the job well. Regardless, welcome to the motorcycle world!

yes, tank is small, bike is light & so on (but supernimble). sure it is not really ideally suited for high speed Interstates but really how many bikes/riders are? my 125 mph 640 lb Sports Cruiser has the world's most advanced suspension (it's a BMW) but if I hit a nice bump on the Interstate (as we did today!) I/we/the bike still feel it.

I have wound my (basically) modified Savage up to 85 without much trouble (which judging by those "Your Speed Is..." signs on the highway is pretty accurate, unlike many "speedos" that are optimistic) with a fork brace on & in pretty calm weather & found it a little squirrely.

I concur with my friend thumperclone who over a beer said he is happiest @ around 65 cruising - keeps you out of way of most vehicles - you get used to allowing for the blast of wind when big semis go past.

if you wanted a steadier bike for higher Interstate speeds I also concur with others - maybe consider a heavier bike. however, Kathe for one loves the Savage for its lightness (she is a tad more than 104 lbs - shhh! - & 5' 9" but likes the seat height too). when I bought it she wanted to learn to ride for the first time in her life - via an MSF course, naturally.

I, as I said, love its nimbleness, which you'd lose on any other "comparable" bike, as it takes me back to simpler, "lighter" (me & bikes!) days. (I know nimbleness is likely not a "real" word, but there you go - sorry).

georgekathe wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:

Nimbleness is a real word:

I agree, the minor batting about is a cheap price for the nimbleness and flickability (chokes m-w!) of the LS650.  I'm an ex-dirt rider and place a premium on nimble.

I do think that a windshield can make you more aerodynamic and reduce the buffeting a bit.  However, the reason I use one the majority of the time is that it keeps a lot of road yuck off of me... and it doesn't even have to be rainy weather.  Just an open fireplug or a sprinkler system getting water on the street and you have cages in front of you slinging crud soup at you.  I even had a few vehicles in front of me misting everyone with diesel fuel once.  Just my 2cp.