Don't know if it's normal or not, mine starts right up. As long as your not having any real problems with it, I'd stick to the old saying  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

I do believe it is normal, that half second before the starter engages is when the decomp activates so it is easier for the starter to spin the engine.

Yes its normal, my 2007 does the same thing.  No worries.

Sounds like you are learning the little idiosyncrasies of our beloved Savage.  

Skid Mark wrote on 08/22/08 at 20:14:11:


On the newer bike.....  Not on my 2001....  

As for the delay... that is 100% normal.  There is a timer circuit that triggers the Decompression sloenooid first, then the starter.  The fraction of a second delay allows the mechcanical parts time to engage.

Aaaaaa...... I didn't see anything written saying you heard the solenoid engage...... I hope you hear the clunk (or maybe it is better described as a clack....)