Greetings to all. I Just bought an 87' Savage and have a few maintenance questions, one of which is the dreaded oil topic.

When I picked up the bike from the private seller, I asked him what kind of oil he was using. He said "10W-40 Synthetic only since I bought the bike, and I had it changed right before I stored it for the winter." The bike was in N.J. I asked him if he changed the oil himself. He said no, and told me the name of the shop that did his oil changes. I called the shop to ask what oil they use on their old savages, and he said Castrol synthetic blend 10W-40. I will do my own oil change soon, but am a bit concerned about topping off what's in there right now. The oil looks super clean through the window. Does anyone suggest changing oil after winter storage?

Also, the area around the belt drive (back/deep into the wheel) looks like it could use a bit of lube, and I noticed while riding at slow speeds that the front wheel has a bit of a squeak. Any suggestions on grease?

Sorry for the oil question, but I have to question if what the seller was telling me about his oil changes was accurate. I say this because he insisted that the bike was a 5 speed. It's a 1987 Savage, they didn't make them with a 5 speed that year. During my test ride I looked for 5th, and obviously it didn't exist. I bought the bike anyway and am happy I did. It's a lot of fun to ride. When I came back to pick up the bike after getting a tag, I said 4 speed yes? He said, "no it's a 5."

So, I'm a bit confused and would appreciate any suggestions from forum members regarding this topic, or any addional information you may find helpful.

Thanks in advance.

Congratulations and yes, if the bike is an '87 with original equipment, it's a 4-speed.  If you had changed the oil yourself before storing it for the winter, I'd answer that you shouldn't worry and just go by mileage for changes.  In this case, if it were me, I'd change the oil and filter for my own peace of mind - regardless of how clean it looked in the sightglass.  That way you learn the most basic maintenance routine immediately and you know what's in your engine and how long it's been there.

Shift pattern should be listed on the side cover by where the shift lever goes in.    there is a possibility the engine was swapped.

As for oil, a "synthetic blend" is a mixed oil.  Dirve the bike and at next oil change go full synthetic.    It's more expensive, but well worth it.   And,  if you are not too  familiar reading the oil spec's on the bottle, then stay with a Motorcycle rated oil.   It will say it on the label.

Please don't ask us which brand.....  this thread would turn into a 20 page dissertation..... use the brand that you like or that your mechanic likes to use in their vehicles.

I see you picked up the bike in NJ.   I'm East-side of PA,  are you close by?

he probably thought neutral counted as a speed  

How close are you to Edison?