1998 Suzuki LS 650 Savage from United States of America - Comments

I am new to biking.

I bought a Suzuki Savage last year year 1989.

Started on a journey with the bike, getting to know how to restore it to its former glory.

It was rusty, just about started and needed a face lift.

Started with a service, then it ran fine, and put the following parts on it.

I covered the seat and gave it a paint job.

Bought a new wind shield, saddle bags and a set of footboards.

Got a lot of information from Suzuki Savage.com

As I never drove a bike before, the Savage meets all my needs.

I bought a 2007 S40 after 45 years of owning and riding various bikes, from a Honda 55 trail bike through Harleys and Gold Wings. I'm through with the long tours now, and with a bad back and weak legs, the little Suzuki works just right. I put a small windshield on and a set of throw over soft luggage, so I can still do some shorter trips. The little Suzuki is a blast to ride on the secondary roads here in western Washington state, gets great mileage and is comfortable enough to ride about 100 miles at a time. You need to gas up anyway at about that time. I recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy the ride. Not for posers.

I have a first-year 1986 Savage (hate the name). First accident the tank dented (handlebars weren't tight and pushed into the tank) so after repainting I didn't bother with the tank decal. It looked better. Took the side plates with the "Savage" logo and got them chromed. Looked even better. I replaced the stock muffler with a 3' chrome car exhaust extension, flared end to the downpipe and slash-cut end to the rear, and had a Harley drag baffle expanded at a muffler shop to fit inside. Took the tube off the air box and replaced with a K&N "cone" filter, got bigger jets for the carb since it was already lean (backfire shutting it off).

I removed the chrome trim from the head, looks better without. Replaced the sissy bar with a short "jumper" made from bar stock, and removed the back seat.

If you're going to do any long distance, get a lambs wool seat cover, and some highway bars which aren't too hard to fit to the singe downtube with a U-bolt and bracket. Then switch feet from hiway bars and leaning back, to front pegs sitting upright, to rear pegs while leaning forward. That way you don't get stiff and different parts of you are in contact with the seat. And fill up if you've gone 100 miles. Hitching to a gas station with everything you own isn't worth the extra few miles.

If the LS Savage 650 came with the name Harley Davidson on it, this bike would be on back order. To hell with the price, this bike is great! But one draw back; it is meant for people under 6 feet tall. For once I'm glad I'm a shorter man. Have a great ride!!!