You are probably looking at a good project.
1. The gas in Europe is way better , but 5 years might be too much even for the "good gas". Pull the gas tank and drain all the fuel.There might be  water and rust on the bottom.
2. Clean the carburetor.
3. Get a good quality new battery- there is a discution about the batteries in this forum.
4.While the tank and the carb. are off the bike check the el. connectors and spray a little WD-40 in each one of them.
5. Lube the cables.
6.Now will be the moment to check and adjust the valves.
7.Again now You will see do You have the tipical "plug leak".  If You have even a sweat around the head cover-or around the head gasket - don't hesitate-fix it. If You don't - You will have to deal with it in the future.
8.Do all the modifications, suggested in this forum and in Bert's web page  /  exhaust, main jet, needle spacer/.
9.Put back together and start the bike.
10.Put some money to the side for tires and fork seals/You can expect "hop"in the tires, because of the sitting and usually the fork seals will start leaking after not too long/.
 Keep reading the Suzuki forums and keep posting messages  if You have any questions.
Be welcome in the Thumper family
 

I'm sure the Savage is a great bike.
What I meant by comfortable is if she was to tall to ride it without moving the controls.
The only Suzuki experience I've had is my ma's intruder 1400, I'm to tall for that one but I'm about 6.2.
With the high torque and easy handling it seems as a perfect beginners bike(and girlie bike, since it dont need so much muscle).
Seems better than the virago535, I've tried that one but it needed a lot of shifting and throttle, more like a sportbike than a custom.
I love the sound of the Savage, best sound I've heard from such a small engine so I'm sure it won´t be ashamed with the 14-15 and 1600's in my family.

How often do I need to change the belt?
Here in Europe at least there are two different Savage's one with 27hp and another with 31hp(due to taxes and regulations??).
Anyone who can tell me the difference between the two(throttle limiter??) and of course how to make a 27hp bike 31hp  
Is there any "fixit" pages about fixing the s k "plug leak".
What is the url to "Bert's page", can't find it among the links?
There's no risk the piston will be stuck after so many years?
Anything else I need to worry about?
In such a simple construction it shouldn't be to many things that can go wrong, or am I wrong??

Thanks for the answers, I'll keep posting to let you know how everythings going, if I don't buy this one it will be another Savage..
/Tony, Sweden

I love my "girlie bike".  So do these guys. Check out all of the cool mods. This link is to a friend's site that I really respect and has inspired me to mod my savage.

Here's his link, and once there check out the photos section.
http://www.jonline.org/savage

Here's mine (I've been waiting to post it, it is very similar to Jon's but not exactly. I give him all credit for the inspiration, and I shamelessly stole the pattern because it is so cool, and with Jon's blessing)

Warning about my link --the pictures are BIG so if you have dial up -- you have been warned. I will lower the size in the future (when I have some free time).

Make sure you scroll down to see'em all
My bike

GIRLIE BIKE???!!!  You are obviously TOO YOUNG  and /or  INEXPERIENCED  to know what a real 4-STROKE SINGLE is all about.  The Savage, in stock form, is down on power to be  sure...but with the proper application of selected parts and the  RIGHT TOUCH...it can be made to breath fire with some of the best.

Remember, your 1500 may make more power, but it is also at least 300 lbs heavier.  PERFORMANCE IS ALL ABOUT POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO.  I would be willing to bet that my Savage will match your 1500 up to the last 10-15  mph.  
If you are ever in South Carolina give me a call and we can go for a ride.

Thanks Nightrain. I bought a tank off of Ebay that had no stickers on it and just happened to be the same color as mine. I read some horror stories about taking off stickers from under the clearcoat, so I waited until I found a tank for cheap. And just in case anybody gets confused. I do NOT think the Savage is a girlie bike. My bike kicks A$$ and it has got me a date with quite a few girls. So, like my quote says "I love my bike".

anfrewo wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:01:


Hey Tony, Don't sweat it. We just all love our Savages so much, we tend to see red when it seems like someone doesn't understand how great they are! I bet your girlfriend will love the Savage.

Welcome to the Forum!  

I'm a girl 5'8", 125 lbs. who just got her motorcycle license in October - bought a Savage in November - and put 200 miles on it before the snow and salt hit the road.

I think the Savage was the perfect bike for me to start on.  The only riding I did before the Savage was during the motorcycle safety class I took (about 5 hours riding around a parking lot).  I feel totally comfortable and in control on the Savage.  

Just thought I would put in my 2 cents.  Also I consider it to be a girl bike since it's all mine.

Good luck and welcome to the Savage world.

Kim