There are lots of things to look out for, but i'll just list the on that burned me.  

Make sure that the bike hasn't been warmed up before you look at it.  My bike, for instance, has some carb issues that mostly go away when the bike is fully warmed.  (won't idle until all the way warm . . . have to sit there an work the throttle to keep it running until it's warm).  The seller knew what time i was coming, and made sure the bike was warm before i got there.  

Said he just wanted to take her for one last ride before it was sold, but ensured me it was running perfectly.  

Oh well, live and learn.  I'm not too upset by it, as i've learned a lot about bikes and carbs by having to fix it.  

Make sure the kickstand interlock switch works. Expensive to replace if you won'y do the 25 cent bypass. Ditto the clutch interlock switch. The shifter linkage is pot metal, make sure it isn't bent. NOT the shifter arm, the little piece you can't see unless you lay on the ground.

Otherwise, a fairly normal small motorcycle. Brakes are inexpensive, simple to reload the drum and caliper. Fork springs are a bit soft if you weigh more than 190 pounds, ditto the rear shocks. Headlight bucket is plastic, so don't use a handlebar mounted tool roll without changing the bucket. Stock tires are garbage, ANYTHING is an improvement. Grease the throttle sleeve and lube the cables, I can pretty much guaratee it has never been done (and makes a world of difference). Turn signals tend to fill up with water, so check function at least once a day. A liitle bit of clear silicone fixes that right up.

I enjoyed my 1998 model. Beat on it for 7.5 years without any major issues. My stepson loves the bike as well, so, it's now his. I think you'll find it to be the same for you.
-WD

To check the head cap plug leak: When the engine is cold put your finger in the cavity of the head next to the exhaust, if its wet of oil , there's the plug leak. You can ofcourse look inside.
Check the bike has not been dropped.

Greetz
Kropatchek

Actually you can blame the Greens and the EPA and such -- the backfiring is a direct product of trying to meet emmissions requirements.  You can stop the backfiring by correcting what Suzuki had to do to please those who claim that an SUV getting 8 miles per gallon puts out less harmful emissions than a motorcycle getting 60 miles per gallon.

RoughRider wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:07:


Buy yourself a $30 sportster muffler follow the advice found on THIS SITE on carb adjustment and stop bitching.  I wouldn't buy from a dealer who treated me like that either but it's still a great bike especially for the money.  Even 20k bikes need tinkered with every once in a while.

Thank you guys !!!
I bought the biker and couldn’t be happier.  The bike is not perfect but most the problems are cosmetics. The previous owner lives in the FL keys, had the bike on a boat and would only use it whenever it was ducked. I paid $1500. It came with the saddlebags, windshield, a cover, a disc break lock, a kryptonite lock and cable, and best of all propad seats. The paint and chrome look awful from being in a boat as you can imagine. But the bike is a 2000 and has about 6500 miles. The only mechanical problem it has is the constant backfiring and already knew that that was an issue common to Savages. Coming from the keys I gunned the throttle got 90 mph and it could have gone a bit faster but the turbulence was too much. The engine is impressively strong and smooth. Soon I’ll start the cosmetic work and hopefully rejuvenate this old thumper.  8)  

i have a 2000 with 7800 clicks on it i adj. the fule mixer screw and it still backfires but olny a 1/4 as much as it did before it not perfect but it  sure beats spending
7 to 25 grand on a harley $hiterson  ??? 8) the reason there so cheap is so you can afford to fix them up

shawn