Suzuki Savage

[BWalker]

The wife and daughter just passed the MSF course and we are looking for a used bike. I have done a lot of reading and the Suzuki Savage just keeps coming back. They are 5'8" and 5'10" and the Honda Rebel, etc. is a little too small. I like the idea of going from 250 CC to 650 CC and only adding about 40 lbs to the weight. Anybody with any good/bad experience with the Savage?

[route66paul]

I would keep an open mind. The right motorcycle will show up, but buying used, it is hard to be model specific.

[sonoffatboy]

only thing negative about the savage...it being a single cylinder is it is not really an easy bike to sell after yer done with it...compared to other ricers...like shadows and vulcans ect ect..(all vtwins)

but wtf if you can buy it for the right $$$ ..its a decent intermediate bike..for someone with limited skills...

[BWalker]

Originally Posted by route66paul

I would keep an open mind. The right motorcycle will show up, but buying used, it is hard to be model specific.

Actually there are 3 within an hour or two from here. I went and looked at the new Boulevard 40 which is supposed to be basically the same bike and really liked it. The wife is supposed to srop by the local dealer and take a sit and see if she likes it.

Never thought about the one cylinder being an issue on re-sale though.

[BluegrassBoy]

Motorcycles are not an investment. They depreciate. And new ones (of any kind/config) depreciate vastly and immediately.

I'd recommend you try to find two or three models you like and then patiently watch for a used one to show up. (sales listings tend to spike in March and again in August - but watch ALL THE TIME).

I'd say that you might want to avoid getting one that's more than 5-7 years old until you confirm you can get parts for it (and get it worked on).

With the kind of bike you're looking at, you can probably pick up something 1-2 yrs old w/ low mileage (after all, most people don't ride them on long weekend excursions or to-Sturgis-and-back) for about 2/3 of what a new one will cost. Plus you'll save yourself tax, etc by buying from an individual.

Suzukis are fine starter bikes. Yamaha V-Star 650s are good too.

[Gulfstream]

Just bought a neglected 96 Savage for the wife to learn on. I got it cheap and am doing some work on it now, hope to have it on the road in a couple of weeks. Parts are fairly easy to find, the basic bike hasn't changed since it was introduced in 1986. It's a great entry level machine, only weighs 350lbs, has a low seat height but still has some power...it won't be an intimidating bike that can cause a newbie to quit in frustration or fear. I got a good enough deal that I'm sure I can sell it for more than I paid for it once the wife's ready to move up. You won't go wrong with the Suzuki "Thumper". BTW, the Boulevard 40 is the exact same bike with new badging.

[BWalker]

Originally Posted by Gulfstream

Just bought a neglected 96 Savage for the wife to learn on. I got it cheap and am doing some work on it now, hope to have it on the road in a couple of weeks. Parts are fairly easy to find, the basic bike hasn't changed since it was introduced in 1986. It's a great entry level machine, only weighs 350lbs, has a low seat height but still has some power...it won't be an intimidating bike that can cause a newbie to quit in frustration or fear. I got a good enough deal that I'm sure I can sell it for more than I paid for it once the wife's ready to move up. You won't go wrong with the Suzuki "Thumper". BTW, the Boulevard 40 is the exact same bike with new badging.

Thanks. I like the weight, especially with a 650 engine. That single is kinda like the old one cylinder euorpean bikes. Going to look at a 2001 with 13,000 miles tomorrow. It does have the "crash" bar and a windshield. I figure if we keep it a year and lose $300 we just rented a bike for $25 bucks a month.

[Sponk]

Hi!

A friend of mine had an `86 Savage a while back that I rode around on, too. I don´t have anything really bad to say about it. It´s a decent beginner´s bike and it´s easy on maintenance (belt drive). The one negative thing I would see about it that it is just that: a beginner´s bike. It does give you a good deal of vibration at highway speeds and you won´t like it if you plan on taking longer trips or going fast for any longer than a cross town jaunt.

Take a look at the Yamaha V-Star 650:
It weighs little more than a Savage and it has a low center of gravity so it´s a great beginner´s bike. It looks WAY better than a Savage, it is absolutely bullet proof and super reliable. It can be equipped with touring equipment (the classic/silverado actually comes with bags and windshield) and you can get low mileage V-stars from $2500 and up. It looks like a grown up bike and can be used like one, too. No problem to take it on long cross country trips. My GF got one as her first bike and she even passed on a Sporty, because she liked the V-Star that much better. Considering that the V-Star is more versatile and that it may be around longer than forvjust a year, it may end up being a better deal even though it is more expensive to buy than the Savage.

Good luck with your search!

Sponk

[dogtownmax]

the savage / b-40 is a really good little bike, especially if you are really short, like around 5 ft or so. torque-y engine, simple mechanicals, not any major known issues, and a very long (twenty years +) production run.

that said, they are sorta vibey, and not so powerfull, even for a 650.

if your wife and daughter are both over 5' 7", there are lots of other bikes to choose from. a small v-twin might be a better choice. like Sponk said, the yamaha 650 vstar is prob a better bike overall. maybe that for the wife and the b40 for the daughter?

getting away from the cruiser style, im a big fan of the kawasaki ex500 too. they look a little fast, but are basically just a good, inline twin with a proven record for reliablility and good handling.

[Cadiero]

My sister has a Savage. They are nice bikes but after only a few months she wants a bigger better bike. The Savage seems to vibrate and be generally less comfortable at any speed above 60 MPH already. My younger sister is now looking for a learner bike and I am steering her to something a little better.

Even a Yamaha 650 V Star would be better than the Savage. Just something to think about.

[BWalker]

I appreciate all the info except maybe the last three posts. Not that it was bad information, quite the contrary, it was very good information all while I was on my way to pick one up.

Got an 02 with 2K miles. I took a spin and it's a pretty cool bike but at 6'4" and 260 lbs, I didn't really fit. Ya'll are right about the vibration over 60 but the MSF course was the first time she ever got on a bike. I like the 350 lbs right now.

She seems happy.

[Lefty]

Cute biker babe you got yourself there, BWalker. I think you'll be satisfied with the Savage for awhile. Resale? You'll sell it in the blink of an eye when you're ready. I see one in the paper here once in a while, never for longer than the 3 day minimum. Like Honda Rebels they turn over fast and easy. You made a good choice.

Lefty

[Cadiero]

yeah you made a good choice, I wasn't trying to steer you away, just sharing my Savage Experience.

I hope she likes it!