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Message started by HenryTM82 on 05/14/19 at 11:22:39

Title: Exhaust leak?
Post by HenryTM82 on 05/14/19 at 11:22:39

I'm pretty certain the used 2002 650 I bought has a stock tailpipe on it. All the videos I've watched of Savages sound like proper bikes, but mine sounds decidedly weaker. It sounds like a lawn mower, honestly - it sounds more mechanical than booming, if that makes sense.

I've noticed when it starts up on a relatively cool morning, steam and/or exhaust comes out of the spot where the pipe connects to the motor underneath the handlebars. Is this an exhaust leak, and would that account for the weak sound? Is it likely to be causing other problems? Can I fix it myself?

Title: Re: Exhaust leak?
Post by Dave on 05/14/19 at 11:29:51

There is a gasket up at the head where the pipe joins...maybe your gasket has gone bad or the bolts are loose. Don't just crank down on them - remove them, install anti-sieze, and then "snug" them back up. If you get too abusive with them you can strip the aluminum head.

The stock muffler is pretty quiet - but it could be your muffler is coming apart inside, and blocking the flow of exhaust....and making so much pressure exhaust is leaking out the gasket at the head. If that is the problem....you need a replacement muffler.

Title: Re: Exhaust leak?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/14/19 at 11:44:01

Be very careful with the header bolts . They are long and skinny and just begging to twist off. Use a 1/4" drive ratchet, thumb on the head of the ratchet, gently close your fingers to tighten. FEEL the bolt.
Start with the stock muffler.
It strangles the motor. Even before it rusts .

Title: Re: Exhaust leak?
Post by VortecCPI on 05/14/19 at 12:55:39

213E383F22251424142C3E32794B0 wrote:

Start with the stock muffler.
It strangles the motor. Even before it rusts .

100% agreed. The stock muffler is nice and quiet if that's what you want. On the other hand this is a classic thumper and, in my opinion, should sound like one.

Once uncorked and jetted these engines make pretty good power.

Title: Re: Exhaust leak?
Post by Eegore on 05/14/19 at 14:27:28

I'd say its pretty normal for a 650 to sound like a sewing machine going down the road when you are on top of it.

Sounds better from the side I say.

Title: Re: Exhaust leak?
Post by HenryTM82 on 05/15/19 at 23:43:22

6141434B5641240 wrote:

I'd say its pretty normal for a 650 to sound like a sewing machine going down the road when you are on top of it.

Sounds better from the side I say.

That's a pretty apt description lol.

Thanks guys, I'll (carefully) have a look at the bolts and gasket this weekend.