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Message started by Bock on 08/14/12 at 21:21:32

Title: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/14/12 at 21:21:32

So I just bought my first motorcycle. It's a 2006 S40. It has 3,220 miles on it. Apparently it's a "rebuilt" motorcycle because it was dropped. So here's my question: If a motorcycle is "rebuilt", do they reset the miles on the bike? 3,220 miles seems kind of low for a bike that is 7 years old.

While I'm at it, I'm having trouble determining when I should shift from forth gear to fifth. The bike seems to start shaking more around 45 mph, but when I shift into 5th, it doesn't seem like it does anything. I don't really "feel" the bike shifting. I know that it does shift because when i downshift I count all the gears. Any help for this noob? Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by rfw2003 on 08/14/12 at 21:26:54

The only true dumb question is the unasked one. Legally no they can't adjust the odometer. The gear ratio between 4th and 5th is very close so no you don't really feel the diff for the most part, that is normal. If your getting some shaking I would look into figuring out what is causing that though.

R.F.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/14/12 at 21:30:46

Never riding on another bike before, I assumed the shaky/vibration is normal at higher speeds. Maybe shaky is a bad term. I should use vibration. Being a single cylinder, I'm told it won't be as smooth as other bikes.

Thanks for the quick response!

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by rfw2003 on 08/14/12 at 21:37:51

Vibration yes that is normal especially for a big single.

:)

As for the low mileage, it just depends on the P.O. when I bought my 96 this year it had less then 8K miles on her.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/14/12 at 21:40:53

Thank you R.F.!!!!!

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/14/12 at 21:45:47

55415015171714270 wrote:

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by rfw2003 on 08/14/12 at 21:53:07

6C7375726F6859695961737F34060 wrote:

[quote author=55415015171714270 link=1345004492/0#1 date=1345004814]The only true dumb question is the unasked one. Legally no they can't adjust the odometer. The gear ratio between 4th and 5th is very close so no you don't really feel the diff for the most part, that is normal. If your getting some shaking I would look into figuring out what is causing that though.

R.F.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/14/12 at 21:55:18

455A5C5B4641704070485A561D2F0 wrote:

The only true dumb question is the unasked one.

I do believe that little truism was put forth by someone who kept asking idiotic questions. Ive heard some REally Dumb questions in my life. Sadly, some of them came out of my mouth.

Resettin an odometer is a criminal offense,
Dropped doesnt necessarily mean rebuilt.
You should spend some time looking it over, tightening motor mounts,looking at the wheels,
How hard was it "dropped"? Can you talk to the previous owner?
Did you change the oil yet? [/quote]

The previous owner said it was from the guy he got it from. I guess a damaged tank and front fender. Not sure what else. I've been reading on this forum to check loose nuts/bolts, but I guess I don't know where all to check. As far as the oil change, previous owner said he got it done this summer and should last me the rest of the riding season here in Illinois.

2 things I noticed. When I removed the lid to the gas tank, the paint is starting to peel away. Also saw a little bit of rust where the paint is missing. The other thing is the front break gives a HORRIBLE squeal. It's embarrassing and I need to figure out how to fix it. I'm not very mechanical, but i THINK the brake pad is ok.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by rfw2003 on 08/14/12 at 21:58:52

with only 3K+ miles on her, she's probably got the stock pads still, swap in some EBC pads, or Kevlar pads and that pig will disappear from your Savage

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/14/12 at 22:01:50

Yea, the front brake pad is okay, in that its not worn out, but its crappy stuff. I cant remember the best replacements, but someone will tell ya.

MOtor mount bolts play a big part in vibrations. Maybe what youre feeling is just normal, it IS a honkin fat piston flyin up & down, its pretty new ( in miles) to have shaken them loose, but if people have been messin with it, maybe they didnt get it back tight,
The foot peg bolts are motor mount bolts, + the ones on top.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/14/12 at 22:03:21

6A7E6F2A28282B180 wrote:

with only 3K+ miles on her, she's probably got the stock pads still, swap in some EBC pads, or Kevlar pads and that pig will disappear from your Savage

I'm 1/2 tempted not to ask this question, but should I go to the local dealer for these, or do I need to order them online?

I'd like to learn to do my own maintenance, so I'll check the forum to see how to change them. I've never worked on anything mechanical before. I guess I have to start somewhere.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by verslagen1 on 08/14/12 at 22:06:37

easy as pie...

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1177184106

niche cycle is a known good guy, but i've never bought before
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-LS-650-Blvd-S40-05-10-Front-Brake-Pads-Sintered-/170867531253?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27c87f9df5&vxp=mtr

this is the brand I like, but i found it for a better price and us vendor
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Brake-Pads-Suzuki-LS650-LS-650-Savage-NP41A-87-99-/370513468462?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item564452dc2e&vxp=mtr

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/14/12 at 22:11:17

That is exactly what I needed for instructions! Perfect!!!!!

Can I find EBC breaks locally (Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, local dealer, etc)?

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by verslagen1 on 08/14/12 at 22:19:26

local m/c dealer maybe, not auto store.

the steel plate is common with atv, but the pad is thicker, so beware.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Routy on 08/15/12 at 05:20:01

Quote:
Yea, the front brake pad is okay, in that its not worn out, but its crappy stuff.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMO, I haven't found anything very crappy on this bike, not that there isn't something better out there.
Take some 100-120 grit emery paper to the shiny rotor, use a circular motion.
That'll break the shine off the pads for a while and stop the squeal.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Routy on 08/15/12 at 05:33:32

Quote:
but when I shift into 5th, it doesn't seem like it does anything. I don't really "feel" the bike shifting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you're not sure, and you want the highest gear, forget clutch, just lighten the throttle a touch, and kick it up a gear. You'll know if it shifts.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by TROX on 08/15/12 at 07:40:47

I bought my 2005 S40 with 3124 miles on it. I bought it from a girl that kept it in the garage, she had 3 kids and finally realized she didn't have time for it. That's why she sold it. Like previously said has alot to do with the P.O.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Trippah on 08/15/12 at 09:19:35

Don't know the specifics of your bike, but S-40's/savages are often bought by nwbies to motorcycling (or by/for girlfriends who want to try being in control) and after a drop, accident or near collision with Bambi the bike gets set aside until years later someone decides to clean out the garage. 3K miles is not that uncommon despite the years.

If you haven't yet done so, go over (or have a mechanic) go over the tank, petcock and its filter, fuel line replacement..that will head off about 80% of your possible issues..rust is evil.

and of course, welcome and enjoy.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/15/12 at 09:23:33

Thank you so much for all of your input. It goes a long way!

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by greenmonster on 08/15/12 at 11:25:17

quick search on my local craigslist came up with this little gem.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/3133909113.html

2500km is only about 1500 miles. That's barely broken in.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/15/12 at 11:30:17

382D3A3A313230312C2B3A2D5F0 wrote:

quick search on my local craigslist came up with this little gem.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/3133909113.html

2500km is only about 1500 miles. That's barely broken in.

I would say so!

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/17/12 at 07:40:20

My next dumb question. I've had my bike for about 2 weeks now. It's died on me 3 times at speeds of 50+ MPH. I called the previous owner and he said he never had a problem. He asked if I had enough gas and I thought I did. Regardless, he told me to put it on reserve. I eventually got it started back up.

The 3rd time it died, I paid close attention to the mileage. It died on me at approximately 85 miles. So, could this be a gas problem? I thought I could get about 100 miles before I need to go to reserve. What do you guys think? How many miles are you guys getting? Thanks!!!!!!

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by verslagen1 on 08/17/12 at 08:03:28

Time to check your petcock

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by built2last66 on 08/17/12 at 08:10:51

I had the "dieing at +50mph" problem.. I'd have to pull over, open the gas cap and allow some air into the tank while fiddling with the fuel thingy switch to get vacuum going.. I switched to the Raptor to try it out and I loosened my gas cap screws (I had been playing with the rings to try and keep gas from pouring out when I filled up) so I'm not sure the exact cause but both of these fixes fixed dieing at over 50 mph.

I'm gonna switch back to my stock vacuum fuel thingy soon though and see if there's any performance comparison between gravity fed (raptor) and vacuum fed (stock)

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Boule’tard on 08/17/12 at 08:16:33

6275696C74326C6173743636000 wrote:

I'm gonna switch back to my stock vacuum fuel thingy soon though and see if there's any performance comparison between gravity fed (raptor) and vacuum fed (stock)

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/17/12 at 08:20:42

The rust and peeling paint is just on the rim (right under the gas tank cap). But maybe some has fallen inside???

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by bojangals43 on 08/17/12 at 11:16:26

I agree with Verslagen - It would go a long way pulling your petcock and checking it (and/or testing). Or if you want to kill two birds with one stone you can pull the petcock to check for debris and go ahead and switch to the Raptor petcock. IMO switching is the better idea - I've had multiple motorcycles have petcock issues and I'm a firm believer in the non-vacuum operated petcock. Plus it's super easy to change and cheap. My Raptor was only $35 on fleabay (free shipping) ;)

On a side note - if you aren't filling your gas tank up all the way it could be another factor for you not getting more miles on a tank. Also, if by chance the problem is your petcock it will screw with your MPG.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by built2last66 on 08/17/12 at 11:42:08

434E544D4455405345210 wrote:

[quote author=6275696C74326C6173743636000 link=1345004492/15#23 date=1345216251]
I'm gonna switch back to my stock vacuum fuel thingy soon though and see if there's any performance comparison between gravity fed (raptor) and vacuum fed (stock)

(pedantic correction) ::) The stock one is still gravity fed. It is just that a vacuum is used to hold the valve open.

Bock mentioned there is some paint flaking and rust in the tank (?) The screen is probably clogged. [/quote]

My misunderstanding... So is there no performance difference with stock vs. the Raptor?

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Bock on 08/17/12 at 11:44:42

i know this may vary based on a number of factors, but how many miles on average should I expect to get on a tank of gas before having to switch to reserve?

I've noticed when I roll off the throttle at high speeds, I sometimes get a loud backfire. My boss told me it might be it's running too rich. Would this help diagnose the problem being the petcock?

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Boule’tard on 08/17/12 at 11:59:26

6E796560783E606D7F783A3A0C0 wrote:

So is there no performance difference with stock vs. the Raptor?

When everything is working correctly, no. Both kinds of valves should flow enough gas into the carb bowl so the float valve can regulate it. The vac line should not be flowing any gas or air, and therefore has no effect on mixture when everything's in good shape. The vac petcock can cause a mixture (and therefore performance) problem however, when its valve sticks, or the vac line leaks air, or the diaphragm leaks fuel.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by Oldfeller on 08/17/12 at 12:54:10

You hear folks like me talking about Raptors as necessary for performance modded bikes.

Vac comes on your Savage in many many little vac pulses, of varying strength and duration. Your vac petcock in normal mode flows the gasoline in the same way, little spurts of varying strength and duration on top of a steady state suction level which varies at the same ratio that your CV carb varies it's vac level (throttle response). It is the same suck after all.

Low throttle, low suck, low gas flow. High throttle, lower suck than you would think, sometimes too low a gas flow on an ailing vac petcock.

This is because at full throttle on the Savage the vac level dips a bit, causing the stock vac petcock to deliver a little bit less gasoline than you would think.

Performance modded Savages use a lot of gas at full throttle. My vac unit wasn't delivering the gas I needed at the topmost part of a hard run and I got the stumbles.

Raptors don't care -- they deliver max flow all the time. I do not get stumbles any more at any speed.

Title: Re: Is this a dumb question?
Post by WD on 08/17/12 at 13:02:13

If the bike is still stock your boss is wrong. No such thing as an adequately jetted Savage/S40 from the factory, let alone one jetted too rich. They can be close to adequate IF you live at a high altitude (Denver comes to mind), but never too rich. I went from stock jetting to a 155/55 and still get a lean bog occasionally.

MPG varies a lot. Stock mine consistently got in the mid-70s. As it is now I'm doing good to see 36 mpg. Worse than a Harley.