Posted by Hackster on March 25, 2003 at 06:58:02:
In Reply to: Re: Glad I kept my Savage... posted by TomCat on March 25, 2003 at 06:27:09:
Well, now, I'm glad you asked.
For me the used Savage was a low-dollar first step back into riding after 13 years off. I'd planned to move up to a Softail, but then... I test-drove a Vic.
If you want a big noisy torqued-up American V-twin that'll smoke a stock HD without the inflated price... ride one. That's all it took for me. I would never try to convince someone to buy a Vic. I'd just advise you to ride one. Handling like you just wouldn't believe in a bike with a 92-inch V-twin motor. The balance is damned near perfect. Closer to a sportbike than you could imagine in a cruiser.
Here's the thing about the Vics. The first two years, '99 and '00 (mine's an '00) had serious design flaws with the transmissions. That's why mine's in the shop right now. They haven't done a recall yet, but the factory is replacing most of the '99-'00 trannies brought in for repair at no cost. By '01, the tranny was redesigned and no longer an issue.
Many Vic dealers still have '02's (and even some '01's) on the floor that can be had at *way* discounted prices. The resale/overstock value of the older models is still low. I'll bet that changes with this model year, though... '03 is the year of the Victory Vegas. That's the motorcycle that HD was *trying* to build with the Deuce. If God himself hasn't bought one yet, he will. And they're still building the traditional cruiser as well. Bottom line is this is a great time to pick up a great bike at a great price, if you can find a dealer with older stock on the floor.
But, to get back on-topic, I'm definitely re-enjoying my Savage for now...
John