Greetings everyone, I just purchased a 97 Savage as my first bike and I'm loving it! This site is great and I intend to be here awhile. I have been doing some reading but would like to summarize some of it here.
So to all you experienced thumper riders... my ride is completely stock except for a tampered exhaust which the last owner drilled four holes in the end of the pipe. I plan to send it to my local mechanic in the next week or so to have the jet work done. I'm thinking the 152.5 main, #55 pilot and reducing the jet pin spacer to half thickness, am I on the right track?? Was also thinking about the KnN air filter too...is this recommended? Should I let the mechanic bring in the parts on his own or would it be better if I obtained them myself off ebay or the jet kit from Lance? Any other reccomendations or things to stay clear of? I am completely "green" when it comes to this so everyones help and advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
NewThumperGuy
SW Ontario Canada

Thanks SimonTuffGuy,

What would a Dyna takeoff cost?
So Lancer's air filter is cleanable similar to the KnN but no oil needed?
I apparently need to get talking to Lancer here soon...so Lancer if you read this I would like some more info on your costs, payment options and shipping details to Ontario, Canada.
Want to hear from more of you.

I paid $5 for my Dyna takeoff from another member on the board, plus shipping. They can be had off EBay for usually between $20 and 40 for a set (that'd be 2) and shipping.

The performance filter from Lancer is cleanable, just no oil is needed like the K&N ones.

Your best bet is to probably PM Lancer or post something in his FS thread (JETSETS) under the Marketplace forum.

NewThumperGuy wrote on 07/24/08 at 09:03:33:

NewThumperGuy - I'm a fairly new Savage rider myself.  Started riding about 5 weeks ago.  At first I was a little frustrated by the backfire, but I have been experimenting with different ways of riding and have pretty much eliminated the backfiring just by adjusting the way I roll on/off the throttle.  Much less expensive than changing out a bunch of parts etc...   To each his own, and you can obviously do whatever you want to do.  Just wanted to let you know that the backfire can actually be avoided with just a little effort in throttling styles.  The key for me - simply don't completely roll off the throttle from high RPMs.  Instead roll down to about 1/4 throttle and then slowly roll off the last 1/4.   That's what works for me.

Why pay for someone to do the work? Buying the tools will save the $$ & give you hands on experience. Tools are cheap & will be there to save you $$$ next time.

Thanks for the Dyna info SimonTuffGuy and I did PM Lancer.

07S40rider.. I have been playing with that also and I am aware of the reduction abilities with throttle work but would also like the mid range power increase that comes with the jet changes.

Paladin.. I do have past dirt experience from teen years on the farm but riding cruisers is a new experience for me. I ride to and from work, about half hour each way and plan to take the occassional longer cruise with the wife when I am fully licensed. Just want a cool, smooth running ride with some attitude!!

justin_o_guy2... I hear what you are saying but for the time being I do not have the time myself and would rather have a qualified tech handle the work and pick up what I can from him. The forums here are great and with all the help from everyone I know I could do myself but as stated earlier time is a problem.

sjaskow... Now that is the reason why I like the ability to bang one off on demand...ha ha ha.... Did you make him drop his phone? lol

Thanks everyone for your inputs. Keep them coming.
I am just another unique character lookin to make my bike my own and make it the best that it can be with the occassional mod or customization. I want to represent the Savage Brotherhood to the best of my abilities and raise the occassional eyebrow  

NewThumperGuy

Welcome, Newbies.  You'll all learn tons here.  I'm still learning.  If you're bikes running fine, I wouldn't worry about the carb mods just yet.  Unless you are dead set on playing around, which can be fun, of course.  On the other hand, this bike is so simple to work on that even I can handle it.  My only experience with engines was with my lawnmower as a teenager and the diesel generators we used for lights in Iraq .  

This bike is a ton of fun and the options are endless as you'll see, if you read through past posts.  And don't forget to check out The Cafe section.  Oh and buy a T-Shirt, too.

Hey all,

twistedcreekfarm... thanks for your feedback, I was playing with that some more this morn on my way in to work.

HardCorps.. Thanks and I agree there is always more to learn. I have been eyeing up the T shirt..lol
I have not been to the Cafe yet but will check it out.

Verslagen1.. Whoa scary story. Fortunately alot of people talk highly of my local tech.  But I will be sure to keep a close eye on some of the work if/when I proceed with it.

Thanks again to all who have replied and I want you all to keep it coming.

Lancer did reccomend a betterflowing muffler and intake, carb re-jetting and a tune for sound and performance improvement. I think I will do some looking around for a new muffler to replace my drilled out stock muffler. Any recommendations from anyone on a cheaper muffler that will put out a nice low thump? I did listen to the sound clips and will be doing so again after this but I do enjoy everyones input so feel free all!  

How many Savage riders out there have removed the gas tank decals? Thinking I may do this also due to the coloring not complimenting the color of the bike bike itself.

Any more advice out there for this 3rd week Thumper rider?
Lets here it!

NewThumperGuy