Posted by Amy on July 08, 2001 at 21:01:06:
My husband and I just returned from a 2400km trip on our bikes. What a blast! We started here in Hamilton, Ontario (Canada) and headed across the border at Fort Erie/Buffalo. We drove through New York, through the Pennsylvania mountains, through Maryland and Delaware and finally wound up in Virginia. We took backroads the entire route and saw some of the most beautiful countryside imaginable. On the way down, we drove across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which was spectacular. On the way home, we drove through Shenandoah National Park along Skyline Drive, which was also amazing. We had a really great trip.
The Savage performed admirably. Never a problem. I learned that the Savage has lots of power/passing power left at 120km/h, but no one would really want to test out how much. After about 105km/h the vibration would be unbearable for more than a short period of time. We drove a fairly constant 90-95km/h, and I never felt too much vibration. Don't think I'd ever want to do an Interstate trip on the Savage, though. This bike is definitely for backroads cruising, which is fine because it's the only way to travel! (We would have missed so much beauty if we'd have been on the highway.)
Anyhow, a couple of technical notes:
1. GEL SEAT - Contrary to my previous opinions on the Suzuki gel seat, I think it made a big overall difference. My butt was never very sore, mainly just the top of my legs from the edges of the seat. Only a wider seat would help that, and the Savage doesn't really accomodate a wider seat. I think I would have been suffering a LOT more if I'd had the stock seat.
2. PRO-TAC backrest - Saved my back a lot of hardship. Definitely recommend it.
3. HIGHWAY PEGS - I had them mounted to the engine case guard. I didn't use them that much, but they were handy for the occasional usage. I already had the case guards on and an old set of highway pegs, so it was a freebie addition. Try it out if you already have the case guard.
4. CAMELBAK - Definitely recommend this. Well worth the $60 I paid, easy to use and works well with a full-face helmet. I clipped the hose to my jacket collar for easy access. Changes for next trip: I plan to buy the extended hose because the one that came with it is just a little too short. Also plan to buy a better clip.
5. LUGGAGE - I have a set of slanted Willie&Max saddlebags that will hold a few odds&ends, but not much. On a tip from another forum, I went to Zellers (don't know if you have those in the States) and bought a piece of Cherokee luggage that you would swear was designed for motorcycles. It is a perfect size and shape, and has a pocket on the back that slipped over my Pro-Tac backrest. Two bungee cords and it was securely in place. It has wheels and a pull-up handle (which was a lot more appreciated after a long day of riding that I had anticipated!) It really came in handy and was the perfect size to hold all my clothes and stuff. I think the Lazy-Rider is a great idea, but this bag held twice as much as the Lazy-Rider and when I'm not on a trip, I still have my Pro-Tac backrest but not a big bag strapped on. The Cherokee bag was $40 CDN (approx. $25 US).
Amy