Suzuki Savage reviews

Ok after working at the local Suzuki dealers for awhile I convinced my mother to buy one for her first bike. She loved it as it's sleek and has plenty of chrome. She wasn't impressed with the backfiring but tried to ignore it. However, I had to ride it back from the shop to her house which was about 25 miles. I know I'm a pretty big guy but that bike vibrates and the seat is awful. While slowing down for an intersection an almighty bang from the pipe was enough to make anyone wet the bed and I'm a veteran rider. Overall for a first bike it really is a good bike; it's more at home in single lane traffic than the open highways as the air stream from a passing Geo Metro is enough to put you in the ditch. Show less

I'm 55 and have owned 19 bikes over the last 40 years. The bigger bikes, with 100+ HP are too much for me now. I don't have the reflexes I used to, so staying off the freeways is fine for me. But the low-end torque and pull from my 650 single is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Its little 350 lbs. and easy maintenance access sure helps define what the fun on two wheels is all about. I had the seat redone so it's more padding and "level" all the way back. I'm tall but sitting "in the middle" makes it perfect for someone my size. I love my new thumper ride! Show less

Bought mine new in May of '02 and have added a windshield, engine guard, saddlebags and Corbin custom seats (front and rear). Any passenger that could last longer than 30 minuts had no feeling in their butt. I get about 48 mpg, with a top end of about 85mph wide open, not an open freeway machine. I now have over 15,000 miles on it. Outside of tires and front break pads, I have had no issues or problems, though recently I have added carb cleaner to the gas to correct a rough idle. The idle smoothed out in one tank full. Seems to run better with premium gas too. This has been a great bike for around town and the two lane highways of the CA central coast, but I am ready to move up to a bigger more powerful machine. I don't regret buying it, this bike has got me back riding again after 20 long years. Would recommend this one to anyone who wants to take over Main Street in their town. Show less

I purchased my Savage in March of 2004. I went up to the dealership with a friend of mine so he could look at a bike. While he was with the salesman, I was looking around and started looking at the Savage. Of all the bikes in there, it is the one that caught my eye. I told myself that I was going to have to try and get it. I was currently riding a 2003 Suzuki DR200 dual-purpose. I liked it, but not that much after seeing the Savage. I sold the 200 and went back and bought the Savage. Good choice, I love this bike. It looks good, handles good, sounds good, and overall preforms super. My friends and myself just got back from a 4000 mile trip into Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado from Georgia. The Savage never missed a lick. I feel like it was money well spent. My girlfriend thinks it is real cool too! Show less

What can I say about this bike?? I have had this bike for over 4 months, and I absolutely love it. As a first time rider, this is a great bike!!! It has withstood a lot of punishment on the Arkansas roads, and yet it keeps on surviving. Show less

I love my new 2004 SAVAGE. It's just right for me, 650cc is a lot of power for me actually. Took a 3 day class in Aug, went to the DMV, got my license the next week. Then headed to my dealer in Fredericksburg, VA. I placed my eyes on the Silver Savage and knew it was for me. I jumped on it and brought it home. Very nice bike. Suzuki's are nice products. Just went over 100miles and life is good. One suggestion, get a new gel seat for comfort. Other than that, the bike is great for just cruising or for opening it up on the highway. Show less

This is my first bike and I love it. Definitely a great beginner's bike. I ride with my Harley friends and I am able to keep up. They were even suprised! I recommend this bike to anyone who wants to learn. No need to start off on a smaller bike. This one is perfect! Show less

I'm not a big rider, and she's just my size! I'm also not a new rider, and can keep up with the veterans on their 2, 4 and 6 cylinder bikes! I'm not a speed demon, but have held my own on the highway, and though I'd never admit to going over the limit, the bike can do a respectable speed (we impressed my touring club!). I'm the smallest rider on the smallest bike, and though I might not accelerate as fast as the others, I can definitely hold my own! As long as you don't mind the occasional backfire, so far, she hasn't failed me! Show less

I have been riding a Savage for the past two years - and LOVE it - the best bike to learn on (lightweight, low) and yet it'll easily do 70-75 on highways. I easily keep up with my husband on his 1500cc Vic - and we've done a lot of long distance trips. It's happiest on back roads, though it handles the twisties as though it was made for them. It can get rather 'buzzy' at high speeds - mostly just annoying - and cross winds can bother the rider too although, again, its mostly annoying - not a safety problem. Show less

I bought this bike new and to date have no major complaints. It runs smooth and has strong low to mid range power. Starts right up and shifts silky after the engine has warmed up. Excellent gas mileage at over 60 MPG without babying it. Can keep up on the roads with most traffic, I've had it over 70 with little vibration. A little cramped for an adult passenger, but OK for short rides. Show less