Posted by Jim on January 31, 2000 at 21:27:06:
In Reply to: Savage a good choice for a first bike? posted by Bill in Oregon on January 08, 19100 at 22:08:58:
Bill, In a nutshell, I'd say go for it! I just bought a new black 99 a couple months ago, and I absolutely love it! My wife is starting complain about my time spent riding to anywhere I can think of.... The only other bike I ever had was a mid-70s 250 in college, and I hadn't rode for about 10 years. The Savage is really forgiving and I got back into it in no time. I'm about 5'10" and 200 lbs, and I think it is a very comfortable ride. Vibration doesn't seem to be a problem, but I'm just getting it broken-in, so I haven't done any long rides yet. I can tell you that it is a perfect comuter bike in mixed suburban/country riding. In terms of maintenance, I have put 600 miles on it and completed the first scheduled service myself. Piece of cake. Tools and materials ran about $50 bucks in addition to what I would think anybody has got lying around the garage.... Exceptions are a manual ($50 for mine because its a new model, but you should be able to pick up an after market for less) and a torque wrench. Pricewise, I paid $3,800 out the door (partially because I couldn't find a used one in the area). I know two or three guys who started out on Savages, and have since moved up to bigger bikes. All of them liked and recommended the bike, and some even wish they had stayed with them (and these guys are Harley riders!!!!). Good luck and enjoy!!!