Posted by Stuart McCreary on May 23, 1999 at 04:22:14:
Hello Fellow Savages.
I just bought a '98 Savage from the local Suzuki dealer here in Watertown, NY. I had to do it because this one had only 235 miles on it and the asking price was $3200. I took the article from Rider magazine to the dealer and the mechanic graciously agreed to take out the white spacer and adjust the low speed flow as per the articles instructions. I'm pleased to say that I have absolutely no backfires or coughs, no matter what I do with the throttle.
I'm not real thrilled with the standard handlebars (pull backs) and would like to put on some drag style bars. Can anyone tell me how tall the risers were on the stock drag bars that were available on the bike a few years ago? I'm only 5'6" and want a little forward lean position (I'm sitting too upright now) and a wider grip. Highwayhawk has 4" and 6" risers and a wide drag bar available. They also have a bar called a "wishbone" that looks an awful lot like a Marauder handlebar - riser is built in to the bar - that has a little bit of a backward sweep to the risers. Has anyone had experience with this?
I also want to change the exhaust. I'd like something with a deeper and somewhat louder tone - but not a "wake the dead" boomer. I have a new muffler made for a Harley that is a little longer than the stock muffler and has a different chasis connection scheme. i could modify the connections with a metal strap or bar to make this pipe fit. I was just wondering if it was worth the bother. Has anyone else used a Harley Cruiser muffler? What does it sound like?
In closing, I have to say that this has got to be one of the best handling, beginner friendly cruisers there is. I had my wife riding and shifting smoothly in our backyard in a matter of minutes! As for me, after a 22 year hiatus (I rode when I was in college in Arizona)it was as if I had never quit riding. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your outstanding input on this site. I hope to add some of my own in the future.
Best Regards,
Stuart