I bought a used 2002 LS650PK2 three days ago, then took it in for a tuneup yesterday (since no service had ever been done on it).     I thought maybe the tuneup would resolve the problem I experienced with it backfiring - and scaring the beejeebers out of me the first time it did it.  No such luck.  However, now that I've found this site and have been doing some reading, I guess that backfiring comes with the bike.  I've been reading about "jetting out the exhaust" and things like that, but my brain is on overload.  Can anyone explain in simple "blonde" language what this means?  I have a Clymer manual on order, so that may help me understand my new bike better.

I've ridden a Yamaha Virago for the past couple of years, and it was time to move up to something with a ilttle more oompth.  And so far, backfires or no backfires, I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!     I took it for just about 30 miles up in the hills on some twisties this morning, and it was just awesome. Love it, love it, love it!  

Thanks for your help!  This seems like a great resource with some really knowledgable (and funny!) people here.

2wheelingwoman wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:


Those little 250 Viragos are nice looking bikes.  The last of the Virago line by Yamaha, but welcome to our Savage world, now.

When you get your manual will you or someone else be able to disassemble the carb?

The you will need to follow some of the other topics like "Discoloring Pipes" to get the info to rid your Savage of the backfires.

Ride Safe.

Bernice Manning wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:


I have been doing the same thing.  This is my first bike but I want to be able to manage it and take care of it myself.  It's very feasible with this bike because it is so simple -- single cylinder, belt drive.  It is nice to have my hubby as backup but I'm enjoying doing the wrenching myself.    You'll find lots of people here willing to help if you get stuck on something.