rondic1978 wrote on 06/13/10 at 17:08:05:thank you guys
this is my first time owning a savage
it is a stock 1986
very optimistic of you, my 1st is a '96, and my 2nd is an '88 with an '02 engine.
A true '86 has a steel plate to mount the left foot peg and kickstand to the frame. '87 and later have a cast mount. You also have a kickstand down light that was discontinued in '87.
One thing to be careful of is on shutdown, the engine tends to kickback or start turning in reverse if it comes up on compression. The starter has a one way clutch, so if the engine starts turning in reverse, it will engage the starter. This can break the starter out of the bosses. So I'd recommend that on shut off, you snub the rotation by letting out the clutch.
Next thing to be wary of is the cam chain. It stretches with age, quite normal, but the tensioner does not have a stop. so if it goes too far it will disengage and fall apart, sometimes reeking havoc. Can happen anytime after 8,000 miles till 30,000 miles. normal 20 to 25.