Posted by Hackster on July 07, 2000 at 06:48:50:
I've had the '87 Savage for just over 24 hours now. In short, I *really* like this bike, with a couple reservations.
Woke up at 5AM wondering about the turn signal/brake light problems. Got them figured out and fixed.
Took a day's annual leave from work, and spent a couple hours at the tax office/DMV getting the thing titled/registered. Then spent the day trying out the bike (approx. 100 miles total) and putzing around with it. It's obviously been well cared for, and a "good" one-- no backfiring, no excess noise, good power, etc.
It's really too small for me (6' tall, long legs). I've toyed with the idea of forward controls but I figure that at roughly $100 per inch, they go beyond the point of diminishing returns. So I'll probably go with a highway bar. Any recommendations? I want to *really* stretch out. I may wind up having one custom-made, unless someone can recommend a good, long-reach set for $150 US or less.
The bike is strong (and torquey) for its size. I love rolling up the throttle at 50-60ish MPH to get that extra "oomph" for passing. But when I get up around 65/70, I find myself wishing for that fifth gear (remember, this is an '87, 4-speed). I've already got a Supertrapp on order, and am itching to start f**king with the carb (probably a BIG mistake, since the bike is running so well, but what the hell...B>) to see how much more muscle can be packed on.
In the meantime, I've sanded/primered a "boo-boo" on the front fender (from the original owner), and bled the front brake line. This weekend I'll finish the paint, replace a scuffed rear turn signal, and I may go ahead and pull the head pipe to clean it up (some rust) as well as doing an oil/filter change (still interested in your oil recommendations!!)
In short, I do like the bike, and hope I can reconcile the legroom situation one way or another. I've already had an offer to sell it for what I paid, 18 months from now (or whenever I can take delivery on my Sportster).
Cheers, and KTRSD.
John