Posted by Tim Schroeder on July 12, 1999 at 21:27:46:
In Reply to: touring on a Savage posted by Allison Taylor on July 10, 1999 at 20:52:24:
Well, might as well put my 2 cents in. You might try heavier oil. I run my Savage, though not as far as what you've mentioned, on hot days and have gone from the OEM recommended 10W-40 to using 10W-50 (Honda oil) for the extra viscosity benefits at higher temps. Also, maybe some of the synthetics might do better on long distance trips. From the replys I read to your posting, it sounds like lots of folks ride their machines long distances and the machines run just fine. Though the Savage is not a mainstay touring bike like a Valkyrie or Road Star, etc., it still motates down the pavement just fine within it's speed and power limits. Keep the speeds and weight-loads within "reasonable" range and if you feel the motor is getting hot and it feels like it's beginning to run "tight," stop and take a short break and let it cool down a bit. Might help, I guess, as just like us it needs to rest, too !!
Let us all know, if you would, what you find out from your mechanic after your bike is diagnosed.
Tim