Posted by David K on August 11, 2003 at 16:59:18:
In Reply to: How much power do you need. posted by steve on August 11, 2003 at 15:16:28:
My Savage has enough power for me to enjoy, when driving alone or with other slow cycles.
How ever not enough power for most group riding.
I live at high altitude (5,000 to 9,000 ft above sea level) and must traverse long mountain climbs.
Last Saturday I drove along, on my 750cc Yamaha Verago, the same route as perviously taken on my 650cc Savage. We only got to 80mph once for a very short time. The rest of the trip was an average of 65mph with a few 70/75 spurts.
The virago stayed in fifth gear and only needed full throttle a couple of short spurts, When I took this same 290 mile round trip on my Savage I was doing extended full throttle (wide open) exercises and even full throttle in fourth gear, just to keep up. I realize the big difference of steep mountain roads at 8,000 ft elevation, concerning the power needed, but this is fact for me. My Savage is not the bike that can keep up with group ridding here!!
My 750cc Yamaha Verago is all the bike the Savage should be. BTW: the Verago has about twelve more horses and is only 100cc larger. Question: do I need something larger than the 750cc? I am thinking that I might pick up a 1100cc Yamaha Verago, which is exactly the same cycle as my 750cc (only larger pistons and stroke and higher gearing in the transmission). Why? Do I need more power,-- yet? Well, it is the same light weight cycle that is so easy to handle and sits very low. I think the extra power would be welcomed and the higher gearing is a plus.
Do I need a super bike? No! Do I have to be mocho? No! Do I have a short penis? No!
Am I dissatisfied, with the performance of the Savage, for most group ridding? YES!