First of all, let me introduce myself....I'm Rainy.  Have owned a 2001 Savage for about two weeks. It's a one-owner machine with 53,000 miles on the odometer. Cleans up real nice. It seems a bit short-hitched but I think I can live with that.  I'm 5'9" and shrinking at 65yrs of age.  The Savage is completely stock except for a modification I made to the exhaust system. Some questions if I may;  Where could I buy a real service manual?  Is there a method of adjusting drive belt tension without using the guage that comes with the tool kit (which, incidently is missing)? I have removed the air/fuel mixture screw plug and fiddled with the adjustment to stop the backfire. What might I expect to do in the form of preventavie maintenance at 53,000 miles. I believe the P.O took care to have regular maintenance done. Thank you all for the very interesting forum. Seems like a great group of people. Rainy  

2001 with 53K some one liked to ride.