So I get my Clymer manual and get all set to check out a couple of things before heading out on a ride. The left rear turn signal stantion was broken when I bought my bike and a replacement was in hand. I want to install the replacement and check the spark plug.

Every manual for mechanical repairs has its own style and takes some getting used to. Anyhow ... I can't figure these out by eyeballing 'em and I haven't got the hang of the Clymer yet so I'll ask outloud, so to spaek.

It appears that the gas tank has to be removed to get the plug cover off. Can that be?

How in the dang world, or where in the dang world do the wires go for the rear turn lights? Man, I'm out there on my back in the driveway staring up inot that odd space between the tire and fender and can't see anything. Fingers moving around like Helen Keller and nothing resembling wires to be found.

So I put contact cement on the cracked stantion, wrapped it with rubber tape and put nylon tie wraps around it. Seems strong enough to hold a while longer.

So I was gonna head out anyway ... Ha! While putting on helmet and stuff as it warmed up I looked over to see the baffle of the Ja...gar, Jaymar, Jamar (?) whatever pipe hanging out into the slash cut end. What tha?!

End plate broken completely away. Shut it down and backed it into the garage. Couldn't find my welding helmet anywhere and had to root out the older one with the broken head band thing. It's not autodarkening and the sun was shining into the garage so I couldn't see a dang thing. Got it tacked in place good enough to hold for a quick ride.

The JCWhitney windshield special makes a real difference in riding comfort, though I won't know for sure until I sit there for an hour or so at speed.

The drag bars I got are too flat and too short and I had to roll 'em forward so the controls'd miss the tank. Now the controls are a tad forward of the head tube so the front wheel tends to flop over like a broke neck chicken.

Anyhow ... sparkplugs and rear blinkers. What's the scoop Betty Boop ... gas tank off? Fender off?

Oh, almost forgot. I modified a screwdriver to use on the carb screw to reduce backfiring. Turn it all the way in, then out 1 1/2 turns, then incremental 1/8th or 1/4 turns 'til best performance ... right?

Thanks        

Yep.  Gas tank off for spark plug.  Then the chrome head cover.  There are some great tutorials on this website that explain it in detail.  I can't remember exactly where they all are, but start here:

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1208520526/0#0

A search for the word "door" will probably find you the best results.  Good luck.

-Jason

For the spark plug removal, I don't think I removed the chrome head covers ... but that was last year and I can barely remember last week?  Yes the tank must definitely come off.  Some people have had trouble getting it off, but I've been lucky I guess.  Process:

1.  Remove seat and take off the only 2 screws holding the tank on.
2.  Unhook carb hoses and spedometer cable.
3.  Pull back slighty, then left slightly (very important), then straight back.
4.  Last you'll have to unhook the electrical plug (for lack of the correct term) right under the tank.

I'm not even remotely a gear-head and I can do it in a few minutes.