Posted by Bob Alcorn on June 09, 1999 at 01:42:39:
I bought a new Savage a few months ago, after not having ridden for about 20 years.
When people on this website kept talking about the savage being a "fun" bike, and giving the feel of a "real" motorcycle, I didn't know what they meant until the other day when I went to look at an '87 Honda Rebel 450.
I was looking for something that I could ride to work and park without worrying about kids climbing all over it (I teach in a junior high school on Long Island). My test ride was uneventful, yet I noticed 3 things. First, the Honda has nowhere near the torque of the Savage. Also, the acceleration is not in the same league. The only area where the Honda came out ahead was in the smoothness category. Absolutely no vibration! But, I kind of like that in the Savage. It gives you that true motorcycle "feel."
Anyway, the price was right and the condition was pristine, with only 5400 miles. It had really been babied. So I'll take the rebel to work each day, and save the savage for when I want to have some fun.