Posted by Richard fssnoc#4368(Ks) on June 21, 2003 at 22:18:32:
In Reply to: Re: detailed info on this shim method... posted by Richard D on June 21, 2003 at 05:08:00:
Richard D. - Rich, you ask a good question and a fair one. It can be answered however only to ones self not to you. We can however give you a feel for what a great bike the Savage is even with all its foibles. I'm 60 years of age. I grew up in the greatest of motorcycle times. Days of the great British bikes, the likes of Triumph, Matchless, Ariel, AJS, BSA Royal Enfield and others. In those days, a 650 was a BIG bike. They ruled the street. They were the platform for everything you did on two wheels. Singles of the day were typically 500 cc. Thumpers as they are called have always had a following. Those who feel that more than what you need is too much. So you see the single Savage compares favorably with big bikes of my day. Its more to me than just nostalgia however because with the passage of time technology has improved immeasurably. As an example, Lucas used to make the electrics for the British bikes. They were not of the best quality let's just say. Lucas was known as the 'Prince of Darkness' because either your spark of your lights would go out without warning. Nobody I know recently can even recall ever having to arrange shipment of their bike home. Or push -- well that's another story! Electrics on todays bikes are stone ax reliable. Anyway, back to my personal love for my Savage. I've had other bikes both larger and smaller than the Savage but none I like better because most bikes do only a few things well. Specialized, in other words. The Savage does everything quite well thank you. Its engine size is such that I can use all of it and feel quite comfortable doing so. I find that quite pleasing and acceptable. Compared to my 1000 Guzzi where I never used it to its capacity because death had no appeal to me. It was too much most of the time for the type of riding I regularly do. And --- I guess that's part of it. What type of riding you REGULARLY do is the key element for me. If all I did was tour then a Gold Wing could be a consideration. I tour with friends who have Gold Wings and get along just fine. This type of riding is not my main focus so I don't have a bike that is directed to that focus. Are they more comfortable - undoubtably. Can they do on their bikes all the things that make the Savage a better pick for me - no way! What is the price of my friends brand new Gold Wing or another friends new Harley softail compared to a Savage. Who has the best value for the dollar. No question in my mind - I do. Hope, Rich, that this gives you some insight as to why some of us feel as we do about this bike.