I am about to purchase a 1986 Savage (tomorrow) and I have a few questions to ask.

I am going to go pick it up tomorrow but have agreed to purchase only after I can hear it run (stopped by to look at it and it's super clean).  It has a salvage title which obviously made me a little suspicious, but the seller is very open and explained to me that the frame is from an 86' but is not sure where the engine is from.  I have the serial number from the engine.  Is there anywhere to determine where it's from?  

I noticed a small oil leak on the very top left side of the engine.  I'm hoping it is just the gasket going bad or the bolts not torqued properly but what else could it be?

Is there anything that I should be looking for, mechanically, when examining the bike?  I have been a rider for about 5years and work on all my bikes so i know, basically, what to look for, but i'm wondering what specific problems the Savage may be have and what signs to look for.

Pictures of the bike can be seen here:
http://www.toddlampone.com/pictures/motorcycles/ls650/

I will also want to change out the muffler asap, and get saddle bags.  I read something about HD mufflers but would like to know specifically what to look for.  Also, are there any type of saddle bags in particular to buy?

Thanks.  I look forward to spending a lot of time here.

Thanks for the welcome.

The seller is claiming that it runs fine but has idleing issues.  I have yet to hear it start and plan to do that tomorrow.  It was actually the seller that mentioned the engine is most likely not from an 86.  It seems too clean to be 21yrs old, but I guess anything is possible.  The cosmetics look great.  They're even better in person.  All of these facts point to a machine pieced together from different donors and thus the salvage title.  

I'm still trying to find out what the engine's serial number means so that I can tell what year it came from.  It is a 4 spd, but i'm sure all those pieces can be from most any Savage since they haven't changed much and still mount up to the 4 spd.

Since it is still 4-speed, even if it is a mix-n-match parts bike, hence requiring the salvage title; only some top end parts might be from anything newer than the old 80s version. More likely two 80s bikes mixed together into one good one. I have a hard time imagining finding a 90s> jug and head to put on the 4-speed bottom and trans, but it is possible.

It does look good. Better looking condition than my 87 with only 7k miles, and about as nice as my 28k mile 99 model.

But do be aware that oil leaks around the head/header area are a tip off to the old "cap plug" leak as you were already warned. Not a deal killer if the leak isn't that bad, and the bike is cheap enough for its condition. My 87 has developed the "cap plug" leak since I've owned it, but it leaks so little volume of oil that it could be kept on the road for who knows how long before I would HAVE to fix it. It is annoying at long stop lights if there is no breeze and more than a little oil smoke rises up around you though.

Also be aware of the "salvage" title laws and problems from state to state differ greatly. I understand Texas has done away with them, but here in Okiezakistan they can be a real hassle.

Welcome and good luck with it!

$500.00!!?? Wowzaas! What a deal. You could scrap it out & make $$.
Did I see chrome flaking off the front wheel? If so, that was the only place I saw that was less than real good on the whole bike. The seat even looks well maintained, not all old & cracked looking.

That's not the reason she parted it out.
She couldn't get the holder of the title to sign it over.
I'm guessing it was in the name of the x and whoever sold anyway.
Bikemom should've checked that before she bought.
So should you.  Go down to the dmv and ask if it's clear.
That's what I did.