Posted by krap on November 14, 2001 at 19:57:00:
In Reply to: Re: anybody know anything about the Kawasaki Ninja ex500 vs zx600? posted by Willis on November 14, 2001 at 18:50:24:
Yeah, doesn't get much simpler than the Savage. Just getting tired of a few things though. First, bike offers no protection from the elements whatsoever - I live in Seattle, WA so this is important as it rains quite a bit here. Second, there is virtually no aftermarket bits for it, forcing Savage owners to purchase dealer parts for most mods and replacements. Third, way too wobbly on the rear - when I go around turns the back end just feels way too squirrelly, probably because the light weight of the bike and the fact that what weight there is is spread out over that long frame. Fourth, brakes suck. Fifth, suspension is lacking and provides little feedback from the ground - making it a bit harder to tell when you're in trouble until you really start slipping and sliding! Sixth, gas tank is minute.
I commute in the thing so all of these things are very important to me. If I drove it only on the weekends than I might not care quite as much but I need something that won't let me down handling-wise when it really starts pouring around here. I don't really mind that most other bikes are a bit more complex than the savage. Anything a little bigger will most likely have more cylinders or some sort of fluid cooling system. Non-chain drives such as shaft drives tend to be pretty heavy and aren't really very common on mid-weight bikes (except on a BMW but I'm also looking for something pretty inexpensive.
I'm thinking of the ex500's because they excel in every area over the Savage except perhaps simplicity. Two cylinders are a lot easier to manage and adjust than the usual inline four on most mid-weight standards and sportbikes. Same goes for the carbs. Great aftermarket for the bike - everything from jet kits to exhausts to full fairings to racing modifications. Bulletproof design - engine has been tested for a decade for longevity and ease of use. Still pretty light weight - about 420 wet. Great handling - especially with the disc rear brake and larger tires on post 94 models. Large gas tank with fuel efficiency of 50-60 mpg allows for range of 200-250 miles on a single tank. Bikini fairing gives great protection from the elements. Best of all, they're cheap and plentiful.
Granted some of the models look pretty gaudy with red wheel rims and mult-tone paint jobs but hey - with the money I'd save on getting a Yamaha V-star classic or a Suzuki SV650 (two great alternative bike for Savage riders wanting to try something a little new) I could slap a full fairing on the thing and get it repainted and, gasp!, not have to make payments on it at all!