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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> possible new owner
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Message started by tarheel365 on 10/19/04 at 15:04:03

Title: possible new owner
Post by tarheel365 on 10/19/04 at 15:04:03

i took a look at an 87 savage for 900

looked good but it appeared to have a leak b/c it looked wet around the base of the engine fins.

the brake light doesn't work when stepping on the rear brake but she said it could be fixed w/ a new brake cable.

and the battery seems to need replacing because its been sitting around idle for 3 months.

are these simple fixes or should i avoid this bike?
i rode around on it and it felt great. it took all i had to not buy the bike right there.

thanks

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by Max_Morley on 10/19/04 at 15:36:19

Brake light problem may be cable that operates the light, not the brake cable itself. they run parallel to each other from the pedal assembly and mine needs to be lubed every spring to operate correctly. I've got a spare now in case. Battery is no biggie consider the newer sealed any position high amperage style vs the orginal wet cell. Oil leak is usually the rubber plug over the head nut behind the exhaust header. Lots of information on diagnosing it on the Savage sites and home pages. See waht you can get the seller to come down for the needed repairs. and enjoy !! Max

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by sluggo on 10/19/04 at 15:36:31

the leak is common and can be fixed easily.
i say buy it. if you rode it and liked it there are several forum's where you can get the assistance you need to work on it yourself..

go for it :D

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by cphilip on 10/19/04 at 17:17:38

How many miles are on the bike?

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by tarheel365 on 10/19/04 at 19:56:10

i forgot to check the mileage ???

i'll ask about the mileage....i'm assuming b'c this is a single....its pretty easy to do work on. are replacement parts easy to find?

looks like if i get this bike i'll have to replace a couple things.

hopefully i'll be a member in a week if all goes well.

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/20/04 at 13:50:25

I haven't had trouble with parts but I haven't had to get much either. There are not a lot of accessories made specifically for it but the folks on this and Bert's forums are darn good about sharing anything they find/modify/etc. and are pretty decent at making stuff fit too.

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by tarheel365 on 10/21/04 at 08:28:35

i should be pickin it up sunday or tuesday.
she replaced the battery all i gotta do now is fix the brakelight prob and the leak.

what are some good sites for maintenance issues?
what exactly do i need to replace for the leak?
thanks everybody!

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/21/04 at 10:16:00

This site and Bert Heise's LS650 site (http://www.heise-workstations.de/ls650/LS650-e.html) are my favorites for just about any issues concerning the Savage/S40. If the leak is the infamous Savage Head Seal Plug, here is a pretty nice "how to" site (http://s89319542.onlinehome.us/pics/hsp/) and there are any number of message threads on both sites concerning it. Just look for "oil leak" or "plug" and you'll probably find plenty of information. Luckily, I have not had any leaks yet and I'm not fixin' what ain't broke.

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by Junkboy on 10/22/04 at 12:47:08

there are also a ton of parts on ebay. some guy is parting out an entire bike.

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by tarheel365 on 10/25/04 at 12:02:10

the bike is officially mine :)
i just have to wait for the insurance, then i can register and inspect the bike.

btw...
i was hitting the rear brake and the brake light works! :)
so no prob there

also she replace the battery for me, gave me a nice bike cover, and a windshield.

the only problem ...sorta is that when i hit my high beam...it goes on most of the time but at times it won't. kinda wierd.

what is a good way to get rid of the rust on the handle bars and a lil bit on the exhaust?

i did stall out several times while riding but i think its becuase i have to get a feel for the clutch...on my lil 250 nighthawk it seems like i have a larger friction zone.

i like the sound of the savage too...very rythmic beat

Title: Re: possible new owner
Post by Greg_650 on 10/26/04 at 03:27:30

tarheel365 wrote:

CONGRATS. Another Savage is born.

Get rid of rust? No real fix for that. If it has blistered up through the chrome, it is too late. Polish and wax will slow it down, but it won't go away. Might be good to save up for a new bar.

You'll get used to the clutch. It might need an adjustment after sitting awhile too. Might need to change the oil.