Posted by hogryder on February 22, 2000 at 20:09:02:
In Reply to: What would you do? Big Dilemma:-( posted by Ann in UT on February 22, 2000 at 16:34:39:
This is a decision you're going to have to make yourself but I'll give you the best advice I can.
If you want to go fast, pick the Yammerhammer. It will outrun the Savage. If you want light weight, easy handling, and want to cruise at 65 to 70 MPH, pick the Savage. Like all bikes, the Savage has it's quirks but it's a very basic bike, relatively easy to maintain, and fun to ride. I know women smaller than you and older than you who ride big bikes (one lady is 4'10" and rides a 1969 HD), but you need to pick one that is right for you.
My wife started riding a few years ago and I got her a Yamaha 550 Maxim to start on. She hated it, but she rode it. It was too heavy for her and she had a hard time at low speeds. Last year we bought a '96 Savage and she loves it. She's bigger than you and still likes the lighter bike.
I think the best way for you to go would have been to pick up a used Savage to start on rather than a new one so you could see how you liked it. After you've been riding for a while you would be able to decide what bike was right for you. Since you will probably end up with a new bike one way or another, I would recommend you haggle with the dealer to get the best deal you can and trade the Yammerhammer in on the Savage. Maybe he will throw in some extras like a windshield, saddlebags, gel seat, etc. It's my personal opinion that the Savage is a better bike to learn on than the V-Star. I've ridden lots of bikes and the Savage is one of my favorites. If I didn't have my HD, I would be riding a Savage.
Hope you enjoy whatever bike you end up with.
Ride Free.