I am 61 yrs old, my 2001 savage is my 10th or 11th bike, so far my favorite. I have had no problems, the back fire is very soft sometimes when I decelerate, half the time when I shut down. It´s actually not that annoying. My bike originally came from Texas is totally stock and does not have all that California smog stuff. It runs strong city or freeway, I don´t like to go more than 60-65 because it is a small bike. It still pulls at 60 and willingly accelerates to 70, I have found no need to go any faster. Being a relatively small person 5´4\\