Posted by George on June 14, 1999 at 03:23:39:
In Reply to: Re: Savage has no power ? posted by Bruce Clarke on June 14, 1999 at 02:41:10:
I have read the book, and I think it's unfortunate that the author chose to say something negative only about the Savage and to not balance that with anything positive. I do see his point, though: he writes something like, "There's nothing Savage about it except the name," and he's correct; as has been noted, 30 hp or so is not much for a 650cc machine, even a single; the bike is just not a screamer. Perhaps the author was put off not only by the name but also by the psuedo-HD styling; he recommends, for those who want "this kind of bike," the entry-level HD Sportster 883 -- a comparison apparently based on the looks of the bikes alone. Obviously, he doesn't understand the appeal of the Savage. The chopper styling and the relatively weak engine do make an odd combination: if, for example, Kawasaki had done the bike, my guess is that it would look exactly like a BSA Gold Star -- and have a dozen more horses to boot. (Have you seen their new Indian and Triumph clones? Amazing copies). But the Savage is what it is: a very inexpensive, relatively low-maintenance, good-handling, unique machine that's fun to ride, especially with a better exhaust system, and as well-suited to commuting as to a good romp over country roads. And it can hold its own on the expressway -- again, especially with a third-party exhaust. If I'd wanted to invest a large sum in a bike, I'd have bought something else, but for what I paid, I'm satisfied. My three-month-old Savage is not super fast, it leaks oil, it rattles, but it's a joy to ride. There's nothing like the torquey, hammering feel of a thumper pulling up a hill or passing a car at highway speed.