Posted by Michael Bechler on September 19, 2001 at 02:39:55:
When I got my '96 Savage earlier this year, it was
dead stock (red!) except for two leather braided
tassels that hang down from the brake and clutch
handles. I loved it right from the start, but it
was uncomforatble at freeway speeds -- around here,
minimum 65 to 70. Not only did the wind push me back
enough to make me uncomfortable, but it vibrated too
much for long rides.
So I bought one of those dinky windshields and a
set of Harley cruiser-style handlebars. I wanted plain-
old motorcycle handlebars, but they are all 7/8ths,
and it seems like my Savage requires a full inch.
That took
care of the wind pushing me back. At first, I thought
the handlebars were WAY too wide, but I've gotten
used to them. My scooter looks like a Texas longhorn
now, but I like the feel. The windshield was a
winner from the git-go.
My tires were a bit low -- still had tread all
over but it was only 1/16 in the middle. Another
rider showed me how thin the OEM tires are -- the
beads bend real easy, and they seemed cheap
compared to the better brands. I was going to need
new tires soon enough anyway, so I went ahead and
got a Continental in the front and a Metzler on the
back. The Metzler is a 190 vs the stock 180, so it
is slightly bigger.
Just enough to push the comfort zone from 64 to about
70 mph. Plus, with the larger tire, I suspect my
speedo is reading slightly more conservative. Now,
I can hang in there with the bulk of the cars and
not get vibrated to death. And, the thing corners
SO MUCH better. It just leans over, easy as you like.
Maybe the existing tire wasn't balanced correctly.
Maybe the Metzler is just a better tire. Life is
better -- I'm planning to make a longer ride one of
these days, as I have been just bopping around town,
an activity for which this bike is awesome.
I also got the Suzuki luggage rack. I have good news
and bad news. The good news is that it's easy
to install. The bad news is that it's DINKY. I had
visions of the old 9 x 9s that I used to get. Instead,
it's about 5 x 6.
Keeping the round black things down and the
shiny side up.
Mike