SuzukiSavage.com - Wanting to join your kind

RadP

Ex Member

Wanting to join your kind
06/07/05 at 21:00:29

Hope you would not mind: I looked at an LS650 today and I was suprised how much I liked it. Seemed easy to handle and looked good. Haven't had a bike in a few years. A '96 with over 3,000 miles on it for $1,800. Is it worth it? If anyone can tell me what they like about these bikes and how easy they are on maintenance I would really appreciated it. I'm really close to get it - it looks and sound good.
Thank you

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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #1 - 06/07/05 at 21:08:48 Is the bike fairly clean, dents in the tank or anything?
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RadP Ex Member	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #2 - 06/07/05 at 21:12:48 Didn't see any dents in the tank. I looked like it was dropped once, but farely small scratch on the handle. One little dent in the pipe, but on the top like something fell on it.
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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #3 - 06/07/05 at 21:19:22 stock looking bike ? how about oil leaks ? I think the maint is fairly easy on these bikes - simple design - but they do require some - checkout the tech section - most likely at some point you will need to replace and seal the rubber cap/plug in the head cover
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RadP

Ex Member

Re: Wanting to join your kind
Reply #4 - 06/07/05 at 21:24:04

No oil leaks for sure. It looks stock; no fancy pipe or such. It has a wind shield and saddle bags in new condition on it; plus a small back rest - don't know if that's stock. Looks like the original tires but in good shape - like what it would be for its mileage. Ran really nice, no hesitations although I could hear something resembling backfire at downshift. Is this somewhat normal?

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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #5 - 06/07/05 at 21:24:45 Kelly BlueBook - www.kbb.com lists the retail value @ $1905 (depending on you zip code it may go up a bit or down) and assumes a lot more miles that 3000 on it - sounds like a reasonable price - offer them $1600 cash in hand
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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #6 - 06/07/05 at 21:27:07 the backfires are normal but a little carb mod and for the most part they are gone - need a new pipe since that one has a dent and all - really loud one!
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RadP Ex Member	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #7 - 06/07/05 at 21:29:26 Oh, forgot to mention. The guy asked $2,000 and we agreed on $1,800. But thanks for the tip. My NADA printout states average retail at $1,520. They also state this bike as having 4 speeds and I could swear it had 5. Am I wrong on this?
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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #8 - 06/07/05 at 21:29:47 RadP wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06: No oil leaks for sure. It has a wind shield and saddle bags in new condition go buy it
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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #9 - 06/07/05 at 21:31:07 it has 5 - mid 80's bikes up to 90 or so had 4 speeds
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RadP Ex Member	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #10 - 06/07/05 at 21:32:32 Ok, I am pretty set on it. Do you know where I can get a shop manual for it? I'd like to work on it myself, especially know how to tune the carburator in case I get a pipe. The dealers sell them, or there are better outlets?
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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #11 - 06/07/05 at 21:42:04 Oh yeah, how tall are you? - the savage/ls650/s40 fits riders upto 5'11" real well but may be a little short for the long of leg. and generally a solo bike. you can pick up a clymers repair manual on ebay for under 25 bucks plus ship'n - the suzuki shop manual adds little unless your going in for a rebuild
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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #12 - 06/07/05 at 21:43:48 so far as carb tune this forum is most likely the best source possible.
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WD

Serious Thumper
2005 No Login

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Professional
"scooter
trash".

Posts: 5207
Rosemark TN
Gender: male

Re: Wanting to join your kind
Reply #13 - 06/07/05 at 21:49:24

Clean,mildly customized, engine not broken in...go for it. Savage is an excellent re-entry bike (if not a long term keeper). Backfiring is perfectly normal, harmless, and after awhile, only a minor annoyance (unless it backfires on EVERY upshift, then you have problems). Maintenace concerns: change oil filter every 1500 miles, oil every 3000 miles, keep the oil level between the indicator window lines. Keep the fuel tank full, the bike does NOT like condensation in the fuel. Air filter as needed (mine has 7 years on it, just bang it out occasionally). Brakes are simple, and relatively durable. Vacuum line needs changed yearly, or the fuel valve stops working when the hose collapses. Factory IRC brand tires tend to dry out fairly rapidly...

Buy it, feed it, ride it. You won't regret it.
-WD

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On 2 wheels since 7/87

Black and Chrome 2003 1950s style custom

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RadP Ex Member	Re: Wanting to join your kind Reply #14 - 06/07/05 at 21:50:25 I'm 6'1 so that's pretty much my only concern. I did not feel tight on it, although I can see how if I ride it a few hours it may matter. My intent is to have a good/nice/affordable bike to ride on. But I kind of like this bike, it's different. Thanks for all your help.
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