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Message started by 7 Mary 3 on 08/27/08 at 11:26:50

Title: My new project: 86 Savage
Post by 7 Mary 3 on 08/27/08 at 11:26:50

Hello! Thought I'd introduce myself. Last night my gf and I ~~stole~~ bought an 86 Savage for dirt cheap. Doesn't start (weak battery), previous owner says it just cut out on him while riding down the highway, he got it towed home, and hasn't touched it since. He was so mechanically DISinclined, he needed my help to remove his license plate!!! ;D So I'm thinking it's something simple - fuse, bad connection, something like that. I'm not asking for diagnosis help at this time - we just got it home last night and I haven't even tried to find the trouble yet. That's my plan for tonight!

I personally ride an 81 Honda CB750 Custom these days, but I've always liked the Savage. At 6'0" I'm a bit tall for one myself, but at 5'1" my gf fits on one great, and if I get it working, it's something she can ride after completing her MSF course in a little over a week. How's that for timing?

Looking forward to tapping into the wealth of Savage wisdom undoubtedly stored in the forum archives. Don't worry, I'll use the search first. :D

Title: Re: My new project: 86 Savage
Post by T Mack 1 on 08/27/08 at 11:52:10

Welcome 7Mary3,

You will find the LS650 infinetly easier to work on than the CB750. I had a CL175 (barn find) & a CM250C. A friend here at work has a CB350F (Four cylinder)) which I help wake up after a barn find (actually a factory). The LS650 is heaven to work on compared to those.

Here is a link to the clymer manual online. It's approx 70 megs so find a faast internet connection.
http://tightwadweb.com/Suzuki-LS650-1986to1994-ClymerServiceManual.pdf

Two 20 amp fuses, both in a holder on right side, just under the seat. Seat removes with two 10 mm bolts that hold it to the frame.

The fuel petcock is a vacuum actuated plunger vs the std turn on type. Check the vacuum line for gas just in case the vacuum diaphram went bad. Also check to see that the line is good and not leaking vacuum (air???).

Title: Re: My new project: 86 Savage
Post by YonuhAdisi on 08/27/08 at 12:03:32

I know you said you weren't looking for a diagnosis, but check the cam chain tensioner. How many miles on it buy the way?

Title: Re: My new project: 86 Savage
Post by Moofed on 08/27/08 at 21:12:28

I read this thread earlier and just now I read
http://community.livejournal.com/motorcycles/2530582.html#cutid1
and thought, "hmm this sounds familiar". ;)

"31,700ish miles"

Interesting seeing the difference in suggestions between our model specific community and a generic one.

Title: Re: My new project: 86 Savage
Post by verslagen1 on 08/27/08 at 21:47:59

Yes pop the clutch cover off and take a look. At 32k lets hope it's been once before.

Any strange sounds while cranking it?

Title: Re: My new project: 86 Savage
Post by 7 Mary 3 on 08/28/08 at 16:26:09

Well go figure - yep, I'm the guy actually wrenching on the bike in the LJ thread, not the one who posted it. :)

No strange sounds that I know of. Of course, I don't quite know how it's supposed to sound - quite different than my Honda's DOHC inline-4. :D I need to read up on that cam chain tensioner. What should I be looking for exactly?

Both fuses are good. Vacuum line seems good. I have spark. Fuel is getting to the carb. And the air filter is good. I seem to be eliminating a lot of the easy stuff! Ah well - gives me chance to learn more about these bikes.

Title: Re: My new project: 86 Savage
Post by verslagen1 on 08/28/08 at 16:33:43

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1192027390

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1191167029

You might hear a sound like a chain being drug across the aluminum covers on the right side. Or if you started it, you might hear a tap, tap, tap... also on the right side right above the oil filter.

Being that it's a used bike, I'd take off the clutch cover and check the innards just to be save. the links above will show you how and why.

Title: Re: My new project: 86 Savage
Post by 7 Mary 3 on 08/29/08 at 15:55:41

Well that pretty much says it all. :D That'll be the next thing I check. Thanks!