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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> What would happen if I just leave it stock? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1211882430 Message started by Jay on 05/27/08 at 03:00:30 |
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Title: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jay on 05/27/08 at 03:00:30 OK, I know I've been asking a bunch of questions like a total newbie, but that's what I am. I've also been beating around the bush about this, but I'm going to just come out and ask it. What would happen if I don't do anything to the bike, and just rode it stock? I mean other than switch to synthetic oil, and add a fuel filter; and maybe see if anybody in this part of Texas sells gas w/o E85. I don't intend to replace the muffler. I'm not interested in more power or performance. Other than the seat mod and the steering riser mod; none of the others appeal to me or to my riding needs. In addition to all that, opening up the carb, frankly, scares the piss out of me. I've only one other experience with a carb rebuild. It was on a little single barrel off of a Datsun 210. I was oh so careful, but when I was done, I had about four parts left over. I was young and foolish enough to mount it anyway, and the little thing fired right up and ran another four years like that, without any loss of power, performance, or mpg. I vowed never again would I touch a carb; but now it's being recommended to do just that to my brand new little thumper. So if I don't, am I asking for ruin? As I've said before, I'm no tinkerer. I've no burning curiosity to "take it apart see how it works". I've alot of respect for you guys that do, but it's just not my thing. I can do the basic maintenence, but that is about as far as my mechanical expertise goes. The complicated stuff I take to a mechanic. Like Paladin says, each to his own level of expertise; or something to that effect. So, what could I expect if I just run it stock? Thanks for all the help, advice and support. It makes owning this bike even more of a joy. Ride safe, Jay |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by TheFid on 05/27/08 at 03:22:44 It appears that you are qiite happy to ride the Savage as design. WHY NOT ,It will probably run forever and give you no problems. ENJOY. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jay on 05/27/08 at 03:34:10 Thanks for the encouragement. My main concern with asking was, in reading the threads posted here, it would seem that there is a design/engineering flaw in the carb setup that might shorten its lifespan. I wonder, has anyone ran one for years and years stock? Did they have trouble? Anyway thanks again. I may just do that very thing. Ride safe, Jay |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/27/08 at 03:41:52 I believe it costs more than its worth to own this bike IF you cant do your own maintenance. Maybe I am wrong, but the shop fees for doing every little thing that needs done just looks cost prohibitive. The tools cost a lot less than the maintenance. Parking it & waiting on some genius in a service department to set the valves in the slapdash method Ive seen them do it & PAY for it? naaah.. better to learn it & do it. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by FreeSpirit on 05/27/08 at 03:57:54 There are private mechanics that dont charge as much as a dealer and may be better. And some buddy's will work on your MC sometimes,which may give you some time, if and when you decide to learn to work on it yourself. But,in asking if you need to do "all" this extra stuff that the guys do here.....I personally dont know/think that all of it needs to be done,but do think there are "a few special things" you could have done,so as not to have to worry about it/to make it last longer. But the guys will tell you and you could still take it to a private mechanic and not have to pay near as much! (On the few good things to have done...Lancer and Verslagen are the ones coming to my mind to ask ;) (I am no mechanic and dont know as much as most here,but...I'm just trying to help,in what I believe to be true :) |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by photojoe on 05/27/08 at 04:02:44 Hello Jay: Are you the first owner? If yes, I envy you. You will get to know exactly what has been done to your bike from day one. My bike is a guessing game. I know of a few mods to mine (1987), most obvious is the Supertrapp, but have know idea what the previous owner did with regard to motor/carb work. There is some sealant residue on the cylinder, so someone was in there doing something. Too bad they didn't fix the oil leak while they were in there. Right now, outside of the oil leak, it runs fantastic. I'm still surprised how well it runs 2-up. I enjoy doing my own work, but know my limitations. When I first got it, I was going to give myself a gift and have a mechanic give it it's first oil change and inspection. After getting an estimate for $100 just for the oil change, I bought oil/filters and did it myself. Bought a Clymer manual and am building a little tool collection. Took the seat off and did the air filter, and had a look inside. It feels great not only saving money, but accomplishing small tasks. I thought that my wrenching days were over after owning two old Sportsers vowing "never again." Always had greasy hands, but was able to do most everything myself including a clutch job. It's really more about having the right tools for the job. Everything seems to go so much smoother. Hey, if you're happy running stock, do it! |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Sandy Koocanusa on 05/27/08 at 05:08:27 You asked what will happen if you leave it stock? If your bike is like mine, this is what will happen: You will drive it and have a blast for awhile. Then all of a sudden one day, you will notice that the screw holding the blinker on looks a little loose. "No problem," you will say. "I have an old phillips in the junk drawer." So you'll give it a twist and think "That wasn't so tough." While you are standing there admiring your accomplishment, you'll double check all the phillips head screws that you can see on the sheet metal and whatnot. Then, when you go to change your oil, you'll realize you need a 5mm allen wrench, so you'll go buy one. But you won't get just one, you'll pick up a folding set because it only cost 5 bucks. Returning to the bike, you'll notice that there are more allen screws than you had seen before, but since you have the whole set of wrenches, it's no problem! Just check them all while you're at it. Gotta take the seat off? Remember that set of Walmart wrenches your mother in law bought you for Christmas in 1993? There's a 10mm socket in there, so off she comes. No sweat! By this point, you've discovered that you already own the three main tools required to tinker on the bike. So some Saturday, you'll decide to just look at the bike for awhile since it's too cold out to enjoy riding with no destination. Arriving in the garage, you'll discover that somehow your tools found their way into your pocket. Might as well open up the headlight and snoop around in there for loose stuff. Pretty soon, without any precipitating event to change you, you are looking at the timing cover plug thinking "If I can just get that little bugger off, I'll have those valves set in no time. But first I have to slap the carb back on and see how she runs." It crept up on me. I hope it will for you too, 'cause it's a lot of fun. I'm still intimidated by the "larger" projects, but less so every day. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by FreeSpirit on 05/27/08 at 05:27:28 I admit....I did buy a Clymers Manual and a pretty good bit of tools. I may even learn to work on some things that I wouldnt have imagined I could! (If I just didnt have to work so darn much!! I'd love to learn more :) |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Paladin. on 05/27/08 at 06:23:34 404B53465A1B1B2A0 wrote:
Given the number of what appear to be used stock Savages on the market, I would say you would be NORMAL. The people who gravitate to forums about any subject tend to be nuts. Using the dealer or a trusted bike mechanic for your maintainance will cost you a bit more than doing it yourself, but that IS what most people do. I've had my Savage for 3.5 years/18,000 miles, have swapped the stock muffler for a MAC, have managed to replace the dreaded oil plug thingie in the head. (What some claim a four hour job took me three days.) The P.O. adjusted the idle thingie as the cover has been removed; other than that I have no idea of what, if anything, has been done to the carb. I don't care. Thumper runs, which is all I have ever asked of any vehicle. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by bill67 on 05/27/08 at 06:48:33 Leaving it shock and synthetic oil don't expect over 100000 miles, pipes and air cleaner mods cuts the life by 1/2. if you bought a new car and hopped it up up 20% expect about 1/2 the life of engine. its been that way since I was a kid.also don't do the high rpm stuff motor is not make for that. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by YonuhAdisi on 05/27/08 at 06:54:54 What would happen if you left it stock? Hmmmm, I reckon you would have years of worry free riding unlike those of us who have made heavy mods and are always fixing those mods. (me included) |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jerry Eichenberger on 05/27/08 at 08:22:23 I symathize with Jay. I have no desire or ability to do anything to my bike other than MAYBE an oil change. My cars go to the dealer for routine maint., as will my bike. My dealer is only 3 miles form my home, and they are even open on Sunday. I'm in awe of those who can do maint. themselves, and who enjoy it. I can't do it, and even if I struggled to learn, I wouldn't enjoy it. I understand how mechanical things work, which I think you need to know in order to operate them correctly. But that's a big difference from tearing into them. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by T Mack 1 on 05/27/08 at 12:30:01 As long as you have the scheduled maintenance done and keep an eye on the oil, it will be fine. It would run a little better if you had the fuel mixtures set to be a little less lean. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by FreeSpirit on 05/27/08 at 13:00:45 This topic is interesting! Just as I thought! These guys just like messing with their bikes ;) :o But they are very smart & helpful when needed :) |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by bill67 on 05/27/08 at 13:39:57 You got it Free Spirit lot here want more power and less mileage,more power puts strain on all parts of engine and transmission ,clutch,wheel bearing,frame,tires, belt you name it. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jay on 05/27/08 at 14:48:20 WOW! Thanks for all the responses. You guys are great. I really love this forum. The feedback, advice, counsel; it's all fantastic. I wasn't as clear as I'd hoped in my original post. When I said basic maintenance, I meant things like oil change, valve adjustment, belt tensioning, etc. Larger issues like the cam chain, or replacing the valves, splitting the case etc; I would take that to a mechanic. There are those who love riding, those who love wrenching, and those who love riding AND wrenching. I'm afraid I fall into the first category. It seems most of the guys and gals here fall into the last category, and I'm grateful for it!! Thanks guys. I think I'll leave it stock and do all the PM acording to M.O.M., maaaaybe richen it up eventually. I don't know; but you can bet I'll be glued to this forum for all the how-to. Ride safe, Jay |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by rigidchop on 05/27/08 at 14:48:22 more power may put more strain on everything else, but the more powerfull engine is more efficient. i dont believe that an air filter mod or a muffler mod would decrease the life at all. good after market pod filters (k&n comes to mind) filter the air better than stock. the only thing that WILL decrease the life of the motorcycle is poor upkeep, and beating on it (i'm sure that the louder muff will encourage some the latter) |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by bill67 on 05/27/08 at 15:27:29 Back when I was 16 and put my first loud muffler on my car A friend on the family was a Pontiac dealer He said you know that motor was designed and built with a back pressure,you take that away and its not good for it. But he was an old guy what did he know. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by rigidchop on 05/27/08 at 16:46:19 i am no expert, but maybe the pontiac dealer can explain why some cars with the same engine come with dual exhaust and others come with single. both have the same warranty. so in and of itself a freer flowing exhaust will not harm an engine. now if you or someone you know changed the exhaust yourself and didn't re jet accordingly, i could see a problem. backpressure is not the problem. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by bill67 on 05/27/08 at 17:22:10 Why is your warranty no good when you alter the exhaust on cars and motorcycles |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by stinger on 05/28/08 at 01:18:46 Jay, if you have never ridden a savge that has been modified then you will be satisfied with the way it runs stock. Ride one that has been rejetted, a bolt on after market muffler and a more free flowing air filter, and you most likely wont be satisfied riding stock again. It just makes it that much more fun! Greg D replaced my jets in less than a half hour and didnt need to take the carb off the bike. The muffler and air filter are bolt on. Im sure you know a mechanic that could do the rejetting for you. Maybe get lucky and find someone in here that lives in your part of the country that could do the carb for you. Seriously, there is that much difference in performance. I just couldnt stand that darn put put from the exhaust and the looks I got from other bikers like I was riding a Vespa. To each their own! |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by FreeSpirit on 05/28/08 at 04:57:28 I dont like the stock muffler either :( I'm probably going to get the Supertrapp....I think I have "heard" some guys say you dont need to rejet/carb with that one,but I still want to make sure/positive on this before I actually do it ;) I've also heard you can have problems with some changes....I dont personally want to make too many ;) The muffler is the biggest thing I dont like! (The rest I can live with) |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by rigidchop on 05/28/08 at 13:38:42 i guess bills not gonna give up ;D so if YOU change your muffler it may void the warranty, but if the dealer does it, it will not. ya know why? cause he should know to re jet. thanks for the argument bill, but i'm done. ride what ya like. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jay on 05/28/08 at 19:07:42 Hey guys, Thanks for all the input. Stinger, you're right I haven't ridden a moded Savage. Maybe one day, but for right now I'm enjoying the heck outta this little thing just the way she is. Sure, I get no respect from the Harley guys, but then they often don't respect each other, unless they're all ridding the same exact model. Even then there's always somebody with more accessories, more chrome, the list goes on and on. Besides, I used to ride a 250 Kymco scooter, so I'm used to gettin no respect. No respect at all! ;D The exhaust note sounds fine to me. If I ever do de-badge the Savage, it'll be to put Tecumseh or Briggs & Stratton on the side. ;) bill67 and rigidchop, you guys both have valid points, really! We should be able to do some of the basic mods (muffler, rejet) without messing up the warranty; however, I ran into a boatload of trrouble with Kymco when they found out I was doing my own PM, including checking my valves. I eventually prevailed on the warranty issue (I pointed them to an act whose name I can't recall, that provides for the consumer to do routine maintenence without affecting the warranty. Since valve check/adjustment is listed in the MOM as routine maintenence, they had little to argue with, but it kept my scooter in the shop for weeks longer than necessary.) I wouldn't want to go through that again. Not for an optional mod. Don't fight! Ride and be happy!!! Seriously though, it's guys like you that keep this forum so fresh and alive! Thanks for all your input. Thanks for the great info and ideas. I really appreciate it. Ride safe, Jay |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/28/08 at 22:13:52 I think its great someone wants to keep it stock. Maybe in 20,000 miles or so, Jay will decide he wants a bit more Ooomph out of it. It will be interesting to see how it holds up, how long cam chain places last, etc, etc. Jay, are you a peg scraper, grip twisting wild man or do you ride it nice & easy? How long did you ride the Kymco 250? What did you think? The shop I use sells them & the wife is NOT gonna get a full sized bike but would consider a scooter. Your opinion will be considered for more than a minute. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by ALittlebird on 05/29/08 at 03:30:23 This got me thinking - I bought mine from a couple of great mechanics - old shop, nothing fancy and they adopted me. What can I say. It's completely stock. Just for grins and giggles I called the dealership which is actually very close to work to ask them what a basic service would be. Couldn't get a clear answer since they run $75 an hour but finally got him pinned down to sway what would be the 600 mile service cost. $200! My Subaru cost less! The mechanics I bought mine from have 3 times adjusted it for me for nothing, gave me a discount on my new front tire and showed me how to drain the bowl just in case there is water in it. I want to learn to do the basics myself but the rest will always go back to them as long as I am here in this city. It might take longer but they are doing it with love. As the guys said - find a good solo mechanic. Works for me! |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jay on 05/29/08 at 04:09:21 Hey floks, Justin_o_guy2, I'm definately a nice n easy sort of rider. 70mph is about tops for me. My fav tho is a quiet country road at about 50-55mph. As for the Kymco, I had mine for about 3 years. It did a good job for me. That said, if I had it to do over, I would get the Yamaha Majesty. Yes it costs more, but that 400cc power plant, a more comfortable ride, better storage, better handling, and the extended valve adjustment intervals, combined with a seamless CVT make for a sweet ride. Not to mention one that the Mrs. could keep up with you on! (top speed 80mph, water cooled 400cc cruises at 70+ all day long):D Seriously, I know Kymco sells a 500, but the Yami 400 puts it away in overall performance. The Majesty was what I was considering when I ran across this site. I think it's a great maxi-scooter. Here's one that would be worth the drive to check out. 2006 YAMAHA Majesty $4,795 LOCATION: Lindale, TX 2006 YAMAHA Majesty , Check out this Yamaha Majesty Scooter. It's like new with only 2261 miles. A bargain at $4795 + TTL. DEALER: Select Power Sport One owner(877) 203-7510 ALittleBird, you are one lucky person to have the shop you do. Make sure you find out when their b-days are, and be sure to remember those guys at Christmas! Service like that is something to treasure. Ride safe, Jay |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by ALittlebird on 05/29/08 at 04:14:57 272C34213D7C7C4D0 wrote:
I feed them too! :) What is really cool is they have never thought I was crazy, never said I couldn't do anything or treated me like an idiot. Rare these days. Ed, the dad, was concerned that I got on the bike before the safety course but I couldn't let it sit in the garage for 2 months. After he saw me ride though he just grinned. He did offer to let me use his Goldwing for my trip. How many mechanics do that? I refused. It's me and the Savage. Besides I can pick up my Savage myself. Can't do that with the Goldwing. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jay on 05/29/08 at 06:24:33 WOW! ALittelBird, you don't get that kind of service anywhere!!! What a rare find. Hope that guy stays in business til he's a 100. Awesome find ALittelBird. Ride safe, Jay |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by ALittlebird on 05/29/08 at 14:57:32 He's 78 now and the son is 40. The older son was to take over the business but was unfortunately killed by a drunk driver. I think Ed would like to quit but can't quite let go. Of course if someone offered him big bucks for the business he'd probably take it. ;) |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/29/08 at 16:58:57 Thanks for the listing. Lindale isnt too far, really. We lived there a couple of years ago. I bet I know where this one is. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jay on 05/29/08 at 21:08:04 AlittelBird, sorry to hear about the son. The dad sounds like a real gem. Justin_o_guy2, that came out of cycle trader. Just a couple of weeks ago, they had multiple listings all over north Texas. You could get a sweet deal for about $3,000.00; but with gas going up the way it is, I guess those are going quick. There were only 6 in a 150 mile range of your zip. Kymco sells some really nice 250's, but I'd be concerned about your wife's ability to keep up with the Savage. 70mph is about the limit for those. The Xciting has more than enough umph at 500cc, and a carborator, but I still would favor the Majesty. Valves and drive belt are on about the same schedule (last time I priced a belt it was 'bout $85.00, and is a do-it-yourself IF you have impact tools; but that was for a Kymco). I still think the Maj is a better deal. That one I sent you looks good...on paper anyway. Hope you find what you're looking for. Ride safe, Jay |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/29/08 at 21:24:01 IF she gets a ride, it wont be for her to keep up with me, it will be me, making a pace that she will be comfortable with. Yea, I have the impacts & stuff. With an impact I was able to install the clutch pack without having to back up the engine. Handy stuff, air tools. A low buck compressor & a 1/2 inch & a 3/8th impact & suddenly, the toolchest just got a lot friendlier. Air ratchets are great, too. |
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Title: Re: What would happen if I just leave it stock? Post by Jay on 05/29/08 at 22:48:42 justin_o_guy2, In that case, there are some nice 250's by Kymco that I think might be worth a look. The 250 Xciting comes to mind, as does the Grandvista, or the People 250. I don't know much about the People 250S. Depending on price compared to the Majesty and your budget, that would be a viable alternative. There are some good deals to be had in the used market, though as with the Maj, they're going fast due to rising gas priices. plus you have a dealer so close. In fact, when mine developed a power issue, while still under warranty, that got too involed for my mechanic, the regional Kymco guy sent it to a shop somewhere near Tyler to get it fixed; so the knowledge base repair-wise is there. Good to know if you ever need back up. There is also a Kymco forum on Yahoo that, while no where near the level of this one, has some pretty knowledgable people on it. Like I said from the start though, personally if I had it to do over I'd have gotten the Maj. I still haven't got my impact tools.....yet. :) Who knows father's day is just around the corner. (hmmmm. Maybe I should print this page and leave it out for the wife. ;)) Ride safe, Jay |
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