Suzuki LS650P Savage Sport Bike Reviews on Cycle Insider (7)
Avg. Rating

My 99 is a blast. Bought it with 1100 miles, now 6500. For a mid size bike it has a bit of an attitude. Great starter or re-entry bike. Everyone loves the style. It handles everythin I throw at it. The power is predictable and usable, shifts cleanly, and sounds cool. I installed the factory headlight and turn signal louvers, and rear rack, Being a smaller bike, these touches add sparkle.The essence of motorcycling! After five months under cover in a garage, through our Buffalo winters, it starts quickly. My instructor at the motorcycle safety course loved it and called it the Torquemeister. He wanted to use it all the time during instruction. No leaks, rattles, or problems. I plan on a windshield and gel seat as my next upgrades. My buddy says it reminds him of his 69 Triumph Bonneville. Keep it up, Suzuki!

I bought my 1995 LS650 used with 2100 miles on the odometer. This is my first bike and the first motorcycle I have ridden. This is a great bike for learning to ride. The bike is lightweight(~350 lbs) and the seat height is low, allowing the rider to easily plant both feet firmly on the ground at starts and stops. At a bit over 6' and about 195 lbs, the bike is a bit small for me, but I really have no big issues with comfort during riding. The 652cc single cylider engine performs very well below 55 or 60 mph. The engine pulls strongly up to about 50 mph, after which it still pulls but with a bit less oomph. The five speed transmission is somewhat clunky in shifting and I have had the occasional issue with it not wanting to upshift to the next gear. This may well be an issue with the clutch/transmission on my bike. Braking is quite adequate. The Savage is a nice looking bike and it receives a lot of looks and elicits a lot of waves. The bike came with a Jardine exhaust installed. The Jardine is moderately loud and sounds good to my ear. I have performed the procedure to remove the white spacer from the carburetor to eliminate backfires I was experiencing. This had the added benefit of giving the bike a bit more low end punch. On the road the bike is very nice to ride, especially around town at speeds of 45 mph or lower. On the open road above 50 mph, the light weight of the bike allows it to get pushed around a good deal by wind, but it is a blast to ride and gives one a great feel for the road with great handling. All in all I am satisifed with the LS650 as my first bike. I hope to move up to something larger(hopefully a Triumph Bonneville America or Moto Guzzi Jackal) someday and my wife will ride the Savage. I think it would be perfect for her height and weight.

I have to tell you I'm not completely happy with this bike but what can I say, you get what you pay for. I'll admit the single cylinder thumper has good "get up and go(for the price) but it backfires constantly, its clutch is awful and it leaks oil like it was made in the 1950s. Next time I get a cruiser I'll save up some money and get a real bike (a Harley).

I am very impressed with my Savages get-up-and-go. I am not a small guy so the bike is a little undersized physically, but the big single pushes me right along. Not a tourer or rocket but the best damn CRUISER you can find!

This little thumper keeps on rolling into its 2nd life. I have rolled the odometer 2 times, I bet ya think im nutz but its true.The only things I had to do was change the belt,plugs,filters,and tires.This little beast will not die.I have a 1996 savage and ride it everywhere I go. Its the best for city driving but,a killer on long trips. It is kind of small for a cruiser yet, it has the get up and go you nead.I did do a custom paint job but the rest is still stock. The only complaint I have is it sounds like a lawn mower driving down the street.

The purchase of my Savage 650 marked the return of biking after quite some time. Admittedly- the amount I had to spend determined which bike I had to purchase. Fortunately I met a salesman that allowed a test drive on the Savage. I was very impressed with my first ride. It had adequate low end torque and ample power where needed for a single cyl engine. The belt drive also adds to its appeal. For the money this bike provides a very enjoyable riding experience for the shorter run (maybe not cross-country)and supplies a great deal of stress relief. Suzuki should be congratulated on keeping this format of motorcycling available to the public.

I find the Savage 650 to be a very fine motorcycle for the money. It is neat looking and for a single cylinder has good power. Enjoyable for short distance traveling, especially from stoplight to stoplight. I really enjoy mine. Suzuki has a great product in the Savage.