Crack open your tool kit and use the plug wrench in it.

Did your Savage come with the original OEM toolkit? If so, there's a plug socket in there ... it's "thin walled" to allow it to fit down in the plug recess and over the plug ... use a 17mm open-end wrench with the ring on the opposite end; slip the ring over the tapered end of the plug socket ... this'll give ya leverage and it won't slip. Thin-walled plug sockets that fit ratchet handles can be bought, but the size may depend on the brand of plug in your machine ... I use NGK plugs as reccommended in the Owner's Manual ... the Savage's plug tool fits those perfectly.
Good luck, let us know how you make out with it ... love the LS650, but 'zuki's placement of the spark plug on this machine is one of my major pet peeves ... what the F__k were those engineers thinking when they designed that particular feature? Hell, a nice exposed, easy-to-get-at spark plug couldn't have been that hard to engineer into a Big Single?

I used a deep socket and an extension on the ratchet.  i loosened the plug then used pliers to get it out.

they probably a spark plug socket in that size so it would be alot easier to pull it out.

Detail:

I tried a 17mm Goodwrench deepsocket.
It won't fit the housing angle.

I tried an 11/16 Craftsman deepsocket.  Same problem as with 17mm Goodwrench.

I tried a 19mm Goodwrench.  Diameter is too big for housing.  I hate when that happens  

I tried an 18mm Goodwrench.  Same problem as with the 19mm Goodwrench.

I would like to get it out in one piece to test it.

The reason I want to check it is because I can't get it to start.  It was fine and then I parked for three cold days.  Then, nothing.  I have abattery charger, so that's ok.  The srater is doing its part.  I know the problem is either the plug or the carb.

Tonite I am going to scrap getting the plug out and take a look at the carb.

I noticed a bolt on the bottom of the carb.  Can I loosen that to drain the carb.

Maybe there is some water in it.  ???

Thank you all

Get all the tools with the exception of the drive belt checker for $32.89

BTW: If you NEED to get the right OEM part the first time, bikebandit.com seems like the place to go.  Oh course you pay out the nose for what you get. (i.e. complete Fuel Tank Assembly for $431.33 - without speedo)

For comparison,  here is a fuel tank on ebay - currently $16 with 4 hours left.

stanley (which sells tools thru walmart) has a spark plug socket set(consists of three sockets in a pack) that has a socket that fits the plug perfect.
i've changed a plug in a parking lot while the engine was hot even. but then that was when i was still fouling plugs and had left the headcover(?) off.

and i am NOT the most adept at technical stuff. just ask greg and susan.

Remember those iridium plugs Guys.

Clive W