Posted by WD on August 19, 2000 at 15:19:28:
In Reply to: Re: And The Winner Is... posted by Barbara Brooker on August 19, 2000 at 14:53:20:
Other than the fuel economy and getting used to the different feel of the driveshaft versus the belt, it really is the better of the two. No vibration, no backfiring, mechanically quieter, and a considerable amount more power (enough to light up the rear tire if you aren't careful). The only drawbacks I really found are the non-adjustable handlebar, and a tendency for the driveshaft to try to lift the rear tire if you come out of a curve/turn under lots of throttle. The bikes even share some common parts, i.e., the tail light, turn signals, head light, horn, and a few others. The Savage has a lighter sprung suspension, likely due to how stiff the Intruder driveshaft is, seeing as how the shocks appear to be the same.
All in all, the 800 gives more bang for the buck, but I still like my little bike. I can fool around with the Savage mechanically and cosmetically alot easier since there aren't as many trim pieces, it is laid out simpler, and seems a bit less complex. The Intuder on the other hand only requires our adjusting/replacing the handlebar, and rebleeding the front brake/ maybe changing brake pads up front, and it will be set up correctly. If I was faced with choosing one or the other again, I'd buy both, again. The Intruder to ride until the wheels fall off, the Savage to have fun customizing and maybe showing, it still has a greater "novelty" factor stateside.
-WD