Posted by Andrew on July 18, 2003 at 23:31:11:
In Reply to: An interesting question posted by Richard fssnoc#4368(Ks) on July 17, 2003 at 23:26:09:
I ride a 1993 Savage. It was my Dad's toy and I inherited it last year. Exactly 12 months and 9,000 miles ago.
I was going to sell it. I'd have NEVER bought a cruiser. I hated them. Especially the Savage. Hardly any power. 30 bhp from a 650 - the CBR600 Honda has over 100 bhp. To slow to tour. Far to slow for sporty riding. Top speed of 80mpg - a 125cc bike will do that. The handling has been compromised by the raked front forks. It wobbles on a twisty road at speeds over 70 mph like there's a hinge in the middle of the frame. And whoever thought the fuel tank was a good place to put the speedometer ?? And it's got a stupidly small fuel tank. And no trip meter. And a riding position that gives a sore bum and back and stretched arms at speeds over 65 mph. And oil leaks from the head. The list goes on and on.
So why do I love my Savage so much???? Why does my sports Honda hardly get used ??? I think it's because despite all its faults, the Savage is so much FUN to ride. Now I ride at 65 mph, not 95. It's so relaxing. I often ride a lot slower, just enjoying the day and the roads and the scenery. After years of madness on sports bikes, the Savage is like a breath of fresh air. And I've stopped the head leaking oil. And I've got a second speedometer on the handlebars so I can see how fast I'm going when using a bag on the fuel tank. And it's got a trip meter. It's still a pain filling up every 100 miles though. But it's great to finish a ride and not to have been scared shitless by the speed and power.
I've no plans to sell my Savage, but am thinking of parting with the Honda.
Happy Savage riding.