Posted by Steve on October 21, 2001 at 18:36:23:
In Reply to: Re: A ride in the Virginia countryside posted by Capt Capsize on October 21, 2001 at 16:45:54:
I envy your opportunity to do Daytona. I expect if the noise was irritating that October was probably the best. I'm sure the Spring gathering is many times worse for noise. I use foam earplugs from the hardware store to modulate noise in everyday riding. Might be worth a try.
Re Savage mods, I just put on drag bars in place of the pullbacks. I retrofitted original factory parts from the 80's models when drag bars were an option. Others on this board have used Harley bars or aftermarket parts to do it cheaper.
The drag bars change the entire ergonomics and feel of the bike. Takes pressure off the back and rear by redistibuting some body weight forward. The bike also takes on more of a "sport cruiser" personality in that performance is increased by way of less drag from the reduced frontal profile of the rider. Moreover, what another rider I know characterizes as "oversteering" is cured - probably by a combination of getting a little more weight forward and the firmer push required by the narrowness of the bars to get a change in direction.
In my opinion, this change trumps all others (carb tweaks, pipes, seats) for improving overall performance and comfort.