SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1405280007

Message started by Sterns on 07/13/14 at 12:33:27

Title: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by Sterns on 07/13/14 at 12:33:27

Hi everyone,
I negotiated a Deal on a 95 savage 650 for $1200 but I'm worried about the issues with the cam chain. I don't know if I want to buy a bike where I have to keep worrying about the engine failing and I really don't want to wrench. Just get on and go. It has around 11k on it. New tires,new belt, aftermarket pipe and rejetted.

Title: Re: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by HondaLavis on 07/13/14 at 12:38:02

There is no reason to fear wrenching, as it really isn't that difficult. There really isn't a constant worry about the engine failing, either. With that bike, I'd plan on opening up the side cover around 15K miles to do the very simple install of a versy modded tensioner. From there, you can "get on and go" for many more riding seasons without worry. Between that and replacing the vacuum operated petcock, this bike is as bulletproof as anything else on the market. ;)

Title: Re: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by Sterns on 07/13/14 at 12:56:09

On a scale from 1-10 host hard is it. But keep in mind my mechanical ability is very minimal. The only thing I have ever done on a bike was oil change, front brake pads, and removing front wheel.

Here's a link to the bike
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/4549252585.html

Title: Re: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by S-P on 07/13/14 at 13:20:29

684F5E4955483B0 wrote:

For 1200.00 that's a bargain and you can probably even afford to have someone do it for you. I did my cam chain tensioner. I'd say it's probably a 5 and you can do it all on a Saturday if you can follow instructions carefully. There are lots of detailed instructions on the forum and people respond pretty quick to requests for help if you get stuck.

Title: Re: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by jcstokes on 07/13/14 at 13:26:52

Verslagen, who makes the extended tensioners may be able to point you to a thread in the tech section which will tell you how to install his tensioner. There are also threads on this forum which demonstrate what the tensioner rattle sounds like. Some one with more computer savvy than I can give you the links. There is also a video post on how to install a Raptor Petcock and threads which give the proper Yamaha Raptor part number. As HondaLavis points out you may get several thousand more miles before worrying about the tensioner. Alternately you could buy a Verslagen tensioner and have a mechanic install it.

Title: Re: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by humblegeo on 07/13/14 at 14:19:01

I don't think a 1995 will sell for $1800. 1200 to 1500 would be more like it but it does have allot of aftermarket and new parts on it. If it's got current inspection, plates and title in sellers name, ready to ride $1500 tops. I wouldn't worry too much about cam chain tensioner. Almost all Japanese bikes have cam chains and tensioners. At least this one only has one carburetor to fool with and the belt drive is really nice too. And it's a thumper!

Title: Re: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by verslagen1 on 07/13/14 at 14:32:33

Sp rates it a 5, I might go lower 3 to 4. there's not anything really tricky about it, just remember not to over torque the cover bolts.

'ell, if you're in the neighborhood, buy me lunch and I'll put it in for you.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1191167029

As far as charging more for "aftermarket" mods... it had one before you started... right?

Title: Re: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by HondaLavis on 07/13/14 at 15:51:22

I wouldn't worry about regular maintenance. You'll see that on any bike you pick, no matter what. However, straight pipe exhaust isn't exactly a positive. Sucks power and turns it right into noise. ;)

This bike is a hard one to judge. Aftermarket bars look like the newer style stock ones. Pegs and forward controls are nice. New tires make a big difference. Belts have a looong service life. Why did they replace it - or did they? All said and done, it wouldn't be a bad deal. I'd recommend changing the exhaust, and that goes hand in hand with re-jetting. That might sound scary to you, but you'll find an army of mechanics on this forum waiting to give you their best advice. ;)

Title: Re: Thinking of buying but worried about cam chain
Post by Dave on 07/14/14 at 04:23:21

Most bikes have their weak spots....the good news about the Savage is we have them identified and also have figured out how to fix them at home. The head plug, vacuum petcock, and cam chain tensioner can all be corrected rather easily.

Update your Personal Profile to include your location....maybe there is someone in your area who could help.

Dave