Posted by Polar Pilot on March 27, 2000 at 17:23:36:
In Reply to: savage starter bike posted by Trevor on March 27, 2000 at 05:04:15:
Trevor - it doesn't matter much how many cylinders a bike has.
You will discover that many of the regular posters on this forum have a heavy duty history of riding big firebreathing scoots -and that universally we seem to be enthralled with the simple elegant timeless design of Suzuki's Savage.
Gone are the days when I ever again want to ride a screaming 12,000 rpm 2 stroke, mechanically nightmareish 3,4 or even 6 cylnder engines, a beast with carbs and linkages going every which way or a ride which is a target for every snatch and grab artist in the world.
What I do want is a quiet machine which will start happily and motor at reasonable speed, which won't break the bank when it needs repairs and which I can enjoy putting around on the backroads when I choose or on the highways when I choose.
The Savage is well on the road to being considered a classic motorcycle design. It may with time join the heritage ranks of the Norton Manx, the BSA Goldstar, the Royal Enfield Bullet or even the Vellocette Vennom's. Modern design appears to be recognizing that the market wants machines in these styles. We have seen the return of the India Enfield and in recent years the introduction of the BMW and this year Buell singles. Manufacturers are responding to a market which appreciates the true grace of simple reliable "bullet proof" motorcycles
The Savage is a GREAT ride - for beginning or intermediate or advanced riders.
I fully endorse your choice and predict that you will have many many many years of satisfaction from your choice of scoots.
I do however have one suggestion. And it is a small one. Seriously consider looking for an older used Savage. Take the money that you might have spent to buy a new one and use it to trick up your bike a bit. Also use the dollars you might save to buy the best BRAIN BUCKET you can find.
Whatever your choices - take it from the folks here that have been through a wide range of rides - the single cylinder of the Savage is an advantage not easily surpassed in the motorcycle world
Keep the rubber side down
Polar Pilot