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Message started by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 10:38:46

Title: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 10:38:46

Folks, I am a new member so please take it easy on me.

I am looking at S40 for weekend jaunts and very occasional commute too. I have seen issues related to cam chain/as well as tensioner and also a mod done by verslagen1.

My question is, are there any specific mode/years which do not have that problem? If I go and look at a specific S40, what things I should be paying attention to? Any specific mile which should be considered a mileage threshold?

Any other input or help would be greatly appreciate. Thanks  ;D

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by Dave on 03/22/16 at 10:58:31

Welcome to the site.....we are generally "Noob friendly".

I suppose you should look for a 5 speed model (1993 and later), as it has modifications to the starter gear that can prevent the case from being broken if the engine kicks backward after the ignition is turned off.  Later improvements that can be nice are the 4 way flashers and headlight passing switch that were added in 2004.  In some respects the newer bike you can afford the better, as the rubber parts will not be as old - however a well cared for older model may be better than an abused newer model.

The oil leak from the head plug, cam chain tensioner and vacuum petcock are common problems to all years.

If you can find a bike that is well cared for, stored indoors, and not abused....the year really doesn't matter as long as it is 93 or newer.  Some folks like the looks of the older 2 piece seats...others like the single piece seat.  The sissy bar was removed somewhere around 2004 or 2005 - but it can be added to a newer bike without much drama.  Bikes stored outdoors are subject to corrosion problems that are mostly cosmetic - the clear coat on the aluminum does not hold up well, and the spokes tarnish easily.

Happy Hunting........you might try Tempest Craigslist to search for a bike.  This allows you to look outside of your immediate area.  I live in KY and bought a bike in New York....it only had 262 miles on it and was worth the drive to go get it.






Where do you live.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 11:09:19

Thanks so much Dave, I appreciate it.

Makes perfect sense, I should be looking at anything after 2004. What about any mileage limit?

I am looking at few of these right now:

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/mcy/5462736739.html
http://blacksburg.craigslist.org/mcy/5474479077.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/mcy/5470690266.html
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/5457657216.html

Is there anyone which you guys would recommend or better than the other?

Thanks

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 11:11:23

Thanks for the advice and suggestion. That's what I tried too, I am in Washington, DC area. Not core DC, but a suburb.

Looking forward to your input and advice. Thank you  :)

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by Dave on 03/22/16 at 11:29:52

Those bikes all look pretty good....it would be hard to choose between them without going to look and ride.  I would also look at the cylinder head....if you see goopy RTV on there you know somebody was in their to fix the head plug leak.  I would also ask them what kind of oil they have been using....anyone of them could have cam/rocker problems if they were using an oil without enough ZDDP.

Once you reach 10,000 miles...you are going to want to take the clutch side engine cover off to check the cam tensioner....so you can decide if you need to install a Verslagen modified tensioner...or if you cant wait for a while.

It always scares me when I see this kind of work done on a bike.  A good mechanic doesn't leave behind this kind of evidence that the engine has been worked on.  The factory sealant is neat and tidy....not big beads of orange goo!

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 11:39:11

Thanks, I appreciate it. What about the prices? Do they seem fair to you?

Great tip about cylinder head, any other things I be looking at or paying attention to? Yeah, I am going to ask about kind of oil being used.

Yeah, crappy work means crappy bike( not always true though :D).

In terms of miles, with proper maintenance and oil changes-What can one expect in terms of getting maximum miles out of S40? Of course, just a general idea and not trying to start a fight about it  :)

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by jcstokes on 03/22/16 at 11:48:33

The second photo down of the white and silver one has a lot of blue on the exhaust, maybe it's been ridden very hard or it may have been run low on oil.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 11:54:11


2F2636312A2E2036450 wrote:
The second photo down of the white and silver one has a lot of blue on the exhaust, maybe it's been ridden very hard or it may have been run low on oil.

You guys are GURUS, does blue on the exhaust means motorcycle has bee beat up or ridden hard?

Then this one seems to be the best option since one does not have any pictures:
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/5457657216.html

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by Dave on 03/22/16 at 12:08:33

That black one does have bags and a windshield, which is nice if you like them.  And it does have low mileage. - but I kinda like the white or white and silver colors.  To some folks color doesn't matter a bit - it does matter to me what color my bike or car is (red is my color of choice).

The blue on the pipe is not always a problem - some bikes turn blue and some don't.....however it can be an indicator of somebody that likes to let the bike sit and idle for long periods of time....or rides on the interstate a lot.  Fuel mixture can affect how likely the pipe is to turn blue.  My bike never turns the pipe blue....but I don't let the bike idle much and I seldom ride for extended periods at speeds over 60mph.  Serowbot doesn't abuse his bike....but he rides in western desert heat and his pipe is beyond blue.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 12:46:57

Thanks again Dave.

Mileage on Black is really low, but it's sitting on original tires(which need to be replaced).

I like White and Silver color too, looks pretty good ;D

As per owner, he let the bike idle for 10-15 before taking off and also blue color has increased since he has acquired the bike(4 years ago).

He doesn't ride on interstate, I have asked him about engine oil and will get back to me on it. Are there any engine oils which are a clear 'NO' for the bike? Not starting an oil thread, please!

So blue is not a true indicator of a bad bike, is that right?

Thanks guys  8-)

P.S: Are 8600 miles a lot for an 09 or?

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 15:11:04

People who
Let it idle fifteen minutes
Do so on the sidestand. That robs the cam of oil.
Wouldn't buy it without pulling the tank, pulling the valve cover, and inspecting.

Who lets the mower run fifteen minutes before cutting grass?
Car?
What's wrong with people,,,,,,

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 15:13:06


786761667B7C4D7D4D75676B20120 wrote:
People who
Let it idle fifteen minutes
Do so on the sidestand. That robs the cam of oil.
Wouldn't buy it without pulling the tank, pulling the valve cover, and inspecting.

Who lets the mower run fifteen minutes before cutting grass?
Car?
What's wrong with people,,,,,,


So he is using 'valvoline 10w-40 motorcycle specific oil'. Never adjusted any valves, never replaced any brake fluid or air filter.

How much should I be offering him in current condition?

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by jcstokes on 03/22/16 at 16:15:48

JOG's point is  very valid, modern engines don't need warming up and certainly not for ten plus minutes. If you like the white and silver one, find out what you can about any maintenance and possibly who did it. If you ride any S40 on the original IRC tyres you will find they get skittish on uneven black top and this gets worse in the wet.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 16:23:34

Unless you Know what shape the cam is in, I would not be able to recommend a price. There is no oil on the market that can compensate for a major part being starved for oil. The Savage has low oil pressure at idle. Dave bought a bike that he had to replace top end parts on. The previous owner tenderly and lovingly allowed it to warm up before riding. The cam lobe and rocker on the right side were ruined. Coincidence?
Check out the valve lash, at least. Snot hard. Tedious, but not really mechanically challenging. We can walk you through it.

Well, the Other guys here can. My job is to stir up trouble and give the newbies a bad time.

Folks, I am a new member so please take it easy on me.

Bwaahaahaahaa!


Seriously, you're in good hands here.

Seriously.
I mean that.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 16:27:13

I truly appreciate it.  What price would be good for this one:

http://blacksburg.craigslist.org/mcy/5474479077.html

Of course a ball park based on my message above?

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 16:52:03

http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/2009/Suzuki

Snot outta line, but, walk in ready to walk away, with $2,000.00 in the pocket. Point out the blue pipe, running lean, gonna need carb work... coff, coff...
Listen to it run, ask about
Letting it Warm up..
Obliquely,, like

Do I need to let it warm up? I Really want to take care of it right...

What's Your normal preparation for a ride?
I'm a newbie.
Play dumb, get the lowdown.
Got the shield and engine bars, cool..

Is that front tire cupped and worn?
How are the front pads, shine a light on them.
The brake fluid is well due a change.
Hopefully , the master cylinder cap bolts are not stuck.
Don't go after it with a Philips..
Can't say the name, s o rry.
Look at the oil, ask what oil he uses.
Look at the master cylinder window. Orange isn't a pretty color.
Look at the air filter...

And don't remove the spark plug without cleaning out the frud from around it. Don't want sand in the engine.

If it checks out, the price is fair. You aren't stealing it, but you're not getting ripped off.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by jcstokes on 03/22/16 at 17:37:05

Go to You Tube and type in Suzuki Savage cam chain noise, Do the same for Suzuki S40, There are some videos which will show the noise of a bad cam chain. There are a variety of videos showing different aspects of the S40/Savage as well. If you can inspect the bike of your choice and video the engine running with a smart phone. Post a link to the video here which will allow the experts here, and I'm not one, to help you decide. The bikes are noisy but with practice the cam chain noise should be discernible. Also hold your hand up near the oil filter cover with the engine running, this will allow you to feel excess vibration from a loose chain or tensioner.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by Dave on 03/22/16 at 17:55:26

As pretty as the silver and white one might be.....the 15 minute warm up is almost a certain early death on the head, cam and rockers.  That is not the bike I would buy unless you get it cheap enough that you can still feel good about putting a new cam and rockers in the engine (($ 350 if you do the work).  I bought a project bike with only 3,800 miles on it that needed a new cam and rockers.....as the guy would let it idle on the sidestand, and yes the pipe was blue.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1440293732

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 18:14:15

If that's the one that got the fifteen minutes of warmup, I'd pass. Unless you carefully inspect the cam and rocker.. I'm doubtful that they are healthy.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 18:21:12


013A3720313D26203B333E21520 wrote:
As pretty as the silver and white one might be.....the 15 minute warm up is almost a certain early death on the head, cam and rockers.  That is not the bike I would buy unless you get it cheap enough that you can still feel good about putting a new cam and rockers in the engine (($ 350 if you do the work).  I bought a project bike with only 3,800 miles on it that needed a new cam and rockers.....as the guy would let it idle on the sidestand, and yes the pipe was blue.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1440293732


That's exactly the same guy, idling and blue pipe too. Honestly, I feel like passing on to it and waiting to see if any other good deal comes up.

Your bike LOOKs amazing!!!! Really good, mind asking how much did you pay for it?

I am going to consult you guys for a few more options.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 18:29:56


323E293A2D363C3439372C5F0 wrote:
I truly appreciate it.  What price would be good for this one:

http://blacksburg.craigslist.org/mcy/5474479077.html

Of course a ball park based on my message above?




You do realize that is pretty confusing, right?
After the whole

IF it's been allowed to idle on the sidestand...
rundown, Then ask about THE bike that was allowed to idle?
I wasn't expecting that.Dang shame, too.
It's not outta the running, but a REAL serious inspection is due.
It's good Looking, but it may not be healthy.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 18:35:38

Sorry, I read all of your messages and Dave ones about the issue just now.

Based on my conversation with the owner it's leading me in the direction that bike would definitely have issues-Long idle, blue pipe and few other things.

So please disregard that above message, asking about the price.

Thanks

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by stewmills on 03/22/16 at 19:02:08

the folks here are giving you good advice and you are wise for listening  :)

be patient, learn what you can by asking questions, and the right deal will come along and you'll make the right decision.

mechanical is important, dirt and dust can be cleaned. bought my 08 with 400 miles on it and 4 years of dust from sitting in a barn. took it apart an cleaned it top to bottom and it looked literally brand new. don't be scared of seeing through a little dust if it was not abused and stored in the rain.

good luck!!!

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 19:09:10

Yeah I joined the forum to ask and learn from people who have been doing it for a long time :)

I'll keep asking questions, so please be patient with me 8-)

Thanks

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 19:27:27

While we wait for the right bike to roll into your life, what kinda mechanical skills and experience and tools and place to work on stuff,,, like that.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 19:29:06

I have worked on cars, timings belts, headgasket etc..

On bikes, I have replaced spark plugs, all fluids, filters and pads. No engine work or any carb work yet.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by stewmills on 03/22/16 at 19:32:54

that says enough. you are more than capable of working on this bike. it's not hard at all if you let the forum guide you.  

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 19:37:30

Yeah, I have tools for the cars but definitely nothing specific to a bike.

Plus, I have a big hesitation for carbs and all. I am sure, will be consulting you 'GURUS' a lot!

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 19:38:16

Excellent platform for expanding your abilities. I was terrified but these guys guided me through. I'm aware that some say
There's no such thing as a stupid question.
But, we all know that is B.S..

And, no, dear, the Pants don't make your ass look fat.
It's the F a t, on your Ass..

All that aside, Do keep asking questions. You'll notice that while you seem to be listening, the amount of patience is almost unlimited.

Ask what oil they have been using, too.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 19:41:06

HELL no, no oil and filter related questions.

To each their own, I have a pretty thick skin, but not a fat ass! :D

I definitely have patience and am asking/consulting all of you because I don't know and want to learn, so not going to play 'smart or know it all'  :P

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 19:46:30

We see plenty of
My clutch is slipping
Because they put the wrong oil in.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/22/16 at 19:48:03

I don't have a clutch yet, so not slipping  ;D

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 20:08:14

I don't want you to buy one that does slip.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by stewmills on 03/22/16 at 20:12:36

I'll solve the oil discussion. shell rotella t6 synthetic with a little redline zddp additive per tech section guidelines. works like a charm with no additive, but a little is icing on the cake.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by MMRanch on 03/22/16 at 20:18:00

maverickfhs

You know the lower miles usually equates to less time for the previous owner to "SCREW-THINGS-UP" .  ;)

I'm on my second Savage/S-40 now.   I learned a few lessons with the first one.

1.  when the bike warms up is the idle speed at or above 1000 rpm. ? oil circulation .
2.   Some of the guys here have got over 50,000 miles with no problems , but still the lower miles on it before you get it the better.   One feller here has over 150,000 miles on the same bike and motor.  
3.   I bought a 05 in 2013 for $1750.oo .  with about 6000 miles. and a wore out rear tire.   The tire wore out in 6000 miles says "I've been ridden from red light to red light a lot  :-X"   Tire should last +-9,000 miles.
3.   bikes with windshields and bags might have been ridden easier , or for "commuting"
Thats all I can think on now !  :)

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by Art Webb on 03/22/16 at 20:38:16

Rotella T, or T6, conventional or synthetic 15w40, or whatever vis the T6 is those are the best oils for this bike, bar none, though there was a scare about the synthetic at one point
I change oil at the recommended intervals, so to me synthetic is just spending more money, so i use regular Rotella T

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by jcstokes on 03/22/16 at 20:56:36

What ever S40 you buy, just remember that the rear brake is quite prone to lock  up if applied hard, nasty in the wet.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/16 at 21:41:11

A handheld grinder, slots across the shoes, ditch about 1/3rd of the contact surface,,,,then it's useable.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/24/16 at 14:50:52

You guys are funny. I am looking for a low mileage one, definitely.

Lets see how it goes, am in no rush :)

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/24/16 at 17:25:00


2B343235282F1E2E1E26343873410 wrote:
A handheld grinder, slots across the shoes, ditch about 1/3rd of the contact surface,,,,then it's useable.



That's what I did. Worked great.

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by Art Webb on 03/25/16 at 09:11:43

Lol, Justin quoted hisself

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 03/25/16 at 09:12:47


405F595E43447545754D5F53182A0 wrote:
[quote author=2B343235282F1E2E1E26343873410 link=1458668326/30#37 date=1458708071]A handheld grinder, slots across the shoes, ditch about 1/3rd of the contact surface,,,,then it's useable.



That's what I did. Worked great.[/quote]

Aren't you a 'GENIUS' and a character like me? :P

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by maverickfhs on 04/01/16 at 11:18:36

What do you guys this about this one?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/5518507248.html

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by MMRanch on 04/01/16 at 15:46:22

Maverick

Check the rear tire ,  it should be almost new --- but if it's wore out - then buy the bike !  ;)

anybody that gets 12k miles on the original tire is babying the thing around and being really nice to the machine.

That is a Perty Bike !   :)  and the price is about right for buyer and seller.

If ya get it , do the Versey sometime soon , at 12k miles the adjuster should go back to almost -0-  8-) just about perfect timing !  

when new , the adjuster isn't at -0- , and the original "stretch" has already happened .  :)

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by MMRanch on 04/01/16 at 16:16:51

I just noticed :

Its got a case guard already !  :)
Its got a luggage rack already !  :)
Its got a back rest added to it already !  :)

and its been kept polished !  :)

you may have hit the Jack-Pot !  :)


Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by Kris01 on 04/01/16 at 19:50:50

The seat, bars/risers look modified too!  ;)

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by cheapnewb24 on 04/02/16 at 09:43:05

I only paid a $1k for mine, but it id probably rougher than you're looking for. I think some people here have gotten good deals for well under a grand. The Savage/S40 is a cheap little bike. Remember that.

With all that said, I think that red one seems like an okay deal

Title: Re: Looking for a Savage/S40
Post by cheapnewb24 on 04/02/16 at 09:56:40


4C5355524F4879497941535F14260 wrote:
[quote author=2B343235282F1E2E1E26343873410 link=1458668326/30#37 date=1458708071]A handheld grinder, slots across the shoes, ditch about 1/3rd of the contact surface,,,,then it's useable.



That's what I did. Worked great.[/quote]

Justin, I think mine has glazed over from using it lightly so as not to lock. It'll still lock if I push it, but not like it used to. Accidentally locking that rear tire will get ya' into deep trouble fast. Seems like rear tires are more problematic than fronts, despite what the MSF tries to beat into your head. Either that, or it's just my junky tire. :-/
Front tires don't lock much. Letting go of the brake (the natural reaction) is generally the prescribed treatment.

Rear tires?

--generally the opposite--

They're just pure evil....  [smiley=evil.gif]

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