Posted by LC on March 31, 2003 at 01:19:26:
I had an experience yesterday that I think qualifies me to respond to the frequent questions as to whether the savage can keep up with other bikes; survive a long road trip; handle twisty mountain roads; provide adequate comfort for extended riding; etc. My response to these and all questions pertaining to the viability of the savage as a "real" bike is..."you bet it can!"
I went on an 200 mile organized ride up to the North GA mountains. There were at least 20 bikes in formation. The smallest...a honda 250 rebel...the largest...a Hayabusa...I'm not kidding. Other bikes present: SV650, Honda Nighthawk 750, Suzi Volusa, Yamaha V-star, and several other relatively indistinguishable Harleyesque Japanese cruisers chock full of dealer options. Every size, type, and style bike was represented in the procession with the exception being a lack of any HDs, or any American bike for that matter.
My ride...'96...no white spacer, 155 main jet, supertrapp with 16 disks, flow-vent seat cover. Cruising at 70 MPH...easy. Passing...up to 85 and still pulling.
For the record: the Savage kept up with ease, was one of the best sounding(at least I think so), and handled the twisties with surprising agility.
As far as I'm concerned; the Savage can do anything and go anywhere that any other bike can (with perhaps the exception of going over 120 miles on a tank of gas). Anyone considering buying a Savage but who's feeling ambivalent because of the bad rap given to Savages by dealers and RUBs....don't be. The bike doesn't know where it is...it can go anywhere. I don't like riding it on the interstate, but then again...I don't like riding anything on the interstate (except maybe a Bradley APC).
Anyhow...yesterday was yet another proud day to be a Savage rider.
Be Safe
LC