Posted by Bryan on June 13, 2002 at 05:40:00:
I'm making some mods to the springer to make it even
better. What's really trick about it is that it has
9 degrees rake built into the stem. I've never seen a
springer like that, so I think I've engineered something
new! My rake is now 47 degrees and from edge of tire to
edge of tire is 97 inches. I don't know how, but some
how I ended up with a 75 inch wheelbase instead of the
70 inch I planned for. I still don't have the headlight
or front brake on. I'm thinking it doesn't need a front
brake so I'm looking for a 21 inch front tire and hub with
no brake. I like the bars with no front brake anyway, much
cleaner looking. I really like the way it rides. Going
straight is very smooth and solid. It doesn't turn too
well though, but you get used to it. I don't know if
any of you have ridden long choppers, but it's a lot of
fun. It actually feels much more solid then stock going
straight at high speed. I could take both hands off and
it would still track straight!! I get looks everywhere
and people love it. I'm waiting for a friend with a
digital camera to take pics of it so I can post them.
I believe it's the only Savage with a springer in the
world. Well, many people didn't believe I would do it and
thought I was all talk. One guy next door had a stupid
smirk when he came into my shop and saw me working on it.
2 days later when I rode up on it, he wouldn't even
make eye contact with me. He knew if he smirked at me,
I'd just laugh in his face. Well, I'm really proud that
I made my own springer and love it. I have a lot of
finishing touches to do like grinding, a little sanding and
bondo, and some aesthetic touches of billet aluminum to
do before I paint it. I'm going to be taking it off to
work on it so the bike will be down for a week or so,
but I'm going to just take my time and get it perfect
looking, then paint it black and have the old rusty springs
rechromed. Sorry this is sooooo long. Ride safe, Bryan