A few years ago when I bought my '01 used, I noticed an oil leak where the speedo cable enters the engine case.

After finding it to be lacking a seal of any type, I found a properly sized o-ring in the drawer and popped it in there....end of leak.  I remember wondering why Suzuki would have left this junction unsealed.

The other day, I was fiddling around with something on the Savage and dropped a washer into the starter motor black hole.  Being the anal type, I removed the starter motor (very easy) and, lo and behold, I found the original speedo cable seal in there, along with the washer I'd just dropped and another little clamp that I have no idea about but probably dropped in there at some time.

I removed the o-ring I'd used to seal the speedo cable junction with and replaced it with the original seal (after cleaning it up, of course).

QUESTION:  Do the original seals prevent leaks well, or should I go back to my jury-rigged o-ring?  

Well, on this note, my speedo and odo are broken.  Well, I don't really care about the speedo, but not having an odo $ucks.  Anway, I will prol'ly remove the speedo drive cable.   I guess I should find something to cover it up.  I can't just leave it open, can I?  (Well, I can, but probably shouldn't.  ) 8)

Believe it or not, the starter is easy to remove to get into the black hole.  Just remember to put some oil on the starter o-ring before reassembly...

Yep.  Prevention is certainly the best way....