Ok, so i'm new to this board and still a little new to the S40 (almost a year, close to 5,000 miles).  i initially bought it for my wife as an anniversary gift, but i've definitely become very attached to this awesome bike, and i'm seriously considering getting another when we've got some extra cash.  Ours is completely stock right now (besides the duct.. er.. "high-speed" tape on the rear turn signal from when i layed her down avoiding a dog- in our yard, and not even our dog! i'll be fixing that soon, don't worry).  i'll probably be doing the seat lift before we go long distance as i'm 5'9" and i need just a smidge (about an inch) more height for it to be absolutely perfect.

a couple months from now (after we get our tax return) we're planning to ride off into the sunset from here (washington, d.c. area) to phoenix, az.  we'll be staying in AZ indefinitely so my wife can go work with her mentor at a tattoo shop out there.  but, we're mainly looking forward to a few weeks (if not more) on the road.  probably via rt. 70 mostly, and a LOT of back roads.

i'd really like to hear any and every suggestion.  i've done some research on here about replacement parts and good stuff to carry in general (i.e. belt, fuses, cables, zip ties, fix-a-flat, etc.).  i worked at an auto shop when i was a little younger with the title of "Shop Bi---" so i'm somewhat mechanically inclined.  "hey go stamp these cylinders!"  "move these tires!  yes, all of them!"  "go sweep the parking lot!"  ok, so not all of it was mechanical, but gimme SOME credit!  haha!  we've also done long distance road trips before.  we're born travelers, so we pack pretty light and efficient, but i'm open to everything.  lay it on me!  

i'm also curious about the load capacity of the savage, and can this be improved in any way if it is of concern?  i weigh about 150 (tops, on a good day, soaking wet with a brick in my pocket), and my wife weighs about 125ish, but even with both of us the bike still seems fine.  

we'll be camping the whole way so the other things we'll be carrying are a small tent, tarp, bedroll, and a few other small supplies like basic 1st aid, maybe a sterno can, and a camping mess kit (it's aluminum so it's very light), etc.  at any given time we may also be carrying a can of beans or something as well.  a few toiletries- toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (we'll definitely need that), etc.  oh, i'm bringing a small laptop and digicam (+25 pounds... maybe... overestimating)

i'm also going to have sissy bar and a rack put on before we go, as well as saddlebags.  i saw something on here about making bags for the gas tank, which i might do also, to even out the load, as well as a fork bag for tools.  all in all, i'm thinking that we'll be adding another 125 pounds to the bike.  so 150 + 125 + 125, do we think the bike can handle 400 lbs, for a few thousand miles?

let me know what you all think.  from everything that i've read so far there are some really great people on this site, with extremely valuable knowledge and experience.   i'm really looking forward to any comments and suggestions.  thanks!

Savage_Greg wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:01:


yes sir.

Rockin_John wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:01:


haha!  we definitely are.  we're actually pretty comfortable on the stock seats for the most part- believe it or not.  we might check out some gel seats or something though just because it's sooo freakin far.  i don't want to have sciatica by the time we get there.

EntropyofMe wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:01:

Thats a lot of together time! If your butt don't hurt, your ears will!

road trippin'

get a tank bag and put the heavy stuff in it.  With you and the wife and everything else sitting on the back tire, there's not much on the front.  So load what ever you can forward.  And an extra pint of gas strapped on somewhere would sure make me happier about a long trip.

-

When in Az, or close by, don't hesitate to contact me in case of emergency or just for a ride or for help with the maintenance of the bike. Send me an e-mail and I'll give You more info.
About the decidion to go 2 on 1 Savage- definitely BAD idea. The bike will hold with no problem, BUT WILL YOU?
You will not be able to change the riding position, so You will have to stop more frequently and spend more time at the gas stations and at the rest areas. Plus it is way more fun to ride next to each other, thah Your significant 1/2 to wach the back of Your head.