Hello everyone! I am new to this forum and also new to the Suzuki Savage. I just bought a 1987 LS650 Savage in great shape and I have been doing a lot of reading up on these forums but still have a couple of questions.

First off, the bike needs a new starter clutch. I have already ordered the part (found one used from a reputable seller on amazon.com). I went down to the local motorcycle repair shop and asked how much it would be to put it in and they told me that they wouldn't do it. They do work with Japanese bikes but refuse to touch starter motors and clutches on Suzukis and Yamahas because they are apparently quite finnicky. He told me that they won't do anything unless they can warranty their work and they can't warranty anything to do with the starter on my bike because the bikes themselves apparently have a lot of problems with starter clutches. I am going to do the work myself but was wondering if anyone had any tips. Is there anything I need to look out for? Any special tricks I should know about? I am quite mechanically inclined so it shouldn't be a problem for me but I was just wondering if anyone had the same issues and knew how to deal with it accordingly.

Also, the bike sounds a bit too quiet for me. I want to make it louder but really don't want to dump money into a new muffler right now. If I were to drill out the rivets and take out the rear baffle on the stock muffler how would it sound? Have any of you done this and if you have let me know what you think. Will it rattle? Will it be WAY too loud?  If I do end up drilling out the baffle will I have to re-jet the carb?

Thanks ahead of time for any and all help, I look forward to being an active member on your board!

Leave the stock muffler alone. No matter what ya do, it's gonna still stink. The cheapest aproach is a take off HD muffler, there are a few options there & there are several here with experience 7 you can get details from them. You may have to fork over as much as $20 whole bucks for a muffler.
As for the starter clutch & starter being such problems on these bikes I say Horsefeatherz. It happens, but not often. I would be tempted to call them & NOT explain youve been in there & ask them what it would cost for them to order & install one. Maybe they didnt want to install the part YOU already had. They didnt get to rape ya on that AND labor, too.
You will want to rejet even if you keep the stock muffler. It's too lean. OOOPS, I forgot to take into account the model you have. Some werent so lean. You may be okay there. But, if you open the exhaust & intake up & get it breathing better, rejet a bit Then you will have a lot livelier ride. I should have capitalized a LOT livelier. I no longer ride it as hard as it will go, because it will go fast enough to make me happy & then some.

Welcome to the forum,

There's a fellow around here that will surely show up & get hold of you. He sells carbs & stuff for these bikes. You can even get a cam that will make it a bit more fun. If Lancer doesnt show up, look him up. He can get you the info you need to make the decisions you are working toward.

Alright, the guy on amazon cancelled my order...... I need to wait another week now... Any of you guys have any ideas on a cheap place to get a starter clutch assembly (used is fine) for my 1987 ls650

up to 94, as long as its the 4 speed g/box.


allan.

FollyRob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:


Before opening that motor, gives me the impression that you did NOT remove the alternator (LH engine) cover.
So how do you know what you need?
You can use the diagram of RonAyers.com to identify and/or order parts. There's also a post in the tech. section listing differences between years of manufacture.
If the big gear behind the magneto-rotor is missing some teeth and needs replacing you're gonna need a special puller to get the rotor off.
As for the muffler: follow azjay's advice: Dyna-HD and check the seize of the main jet. 1986 carb. probably a 150 or 155 and you're OKE.