I was wondering if there are any southern New Englanders(RI, MA, CT), that could assist me with wrenching on my 2004 Savage? No worries, I am not asking for 100% free help. I have some mechanical ability and not afraid to get my hands dirty, just lack the confidence to mess with the engine alone.  

I am new to bikes, somewhat new to the area and having a hardtime finding someone trustworthy to work on my bike.  Or if you can point me to a honest mechanic that could help me out, I'd really appreciate it.


Thanks in advance!

I have a 2004 Savage with +4K miles.  I was looking to adjust the valves/retorquing the head.  I'm also going to need new tires soon, & probably put on back brakes while the wheels are off.  Taking the rear wheel off and back on, putting the belt back on correctly also concerns me.

I'm noticing some topend noise & starting to become paranoid about riding.  Perhaps purchasing and installing the Verslavy.

I haven't done a Verslavy or valve adjust yet but the rest of it is a piece of cake.  I figured I would remove my own wheels and have the tires mounted professionally but then I read a  bit in the tech forum that made it sound not much harder than bicycle tires so I might try that someday.  I  won't need them for a while so haven't really decided.

Like Bill said it sounds pretty early to worry about some of the things you mention.  I don't how much top end noise is normal -- anybody?

My bike/mc endorsement is 2 years old & I've only put on 1,200+ miles.

My back brakes are squeaky, pretty sure they are OEM and they seem to be louder when its humid out; my front brakes needed to be changed.  

For my tires, the local stealerships are telling me in order for them to change them, I must remove them from the bike.  Again I'm concerned about placing the back wheel/belt on correctly.

verslagen1 wrote on 06/04/10 at 20:38:50:


Yes i started noticing the ticking with helmet on but it has been warm here. I've noticed it lately, but its been in the 90s which is kinda warm for us this time of year.  

I was told that the spark plug, oil, & front brakes had been done before. From reading this site, I changed the oil anyway, because it had been sitting for the winter and who knows what oil they used(please no oil debates, lol).

Speaking of oil, I've developed the speedo cable leak. Is it possible to be leaking up top of the cable or is fixing the bottom of it solve the leak?


Oh and I've added the (mini) crash bars too(the stealership wanted to charge me $85 to put them on). This state is bad for hit and runs.  My last car twice within 30 days, 2 different locations.

Where is ur loc exactly?  I'm in western ma(Holyoke). I've been meaning to retorque my head bolts, but been to lazy.  Just adjusted my valves although barely needed it at 8.5k.  I've got a 2002 with a few cosmetic mods and a jardine exhaust.  I want to rejet carb and add a cone filter.