Hey guys, I'm new to the forum.  I found you in a search while checking out what a Savage was when a member of another forum had asked about them.  I have been keeping an eye out for a cheap project bike of any kind in my area and what do you know, I found a Savage.

It is a '87 650 with 15k.  It is described as running great but has a gasket oil leak after the most recent oil change.  Has some rust on the exhaust and such but I'm looking to go through it anyway.

Is there any red flags or things to look for on a bike of this year and mileage?  I do not have any single cylinder experience, so hows the giddy-up?  Not looking for a street racer, just wondering how it will drag my 270lb butt around town .  I love to do engine mods so is there a section or thread for that specifically that I am missing.  Would like to read more.

Any input/opinions would be greatly appreciated.  I went to a few spec sites I frequent for info and the Savage is there but none of the years have the write ups.  Thanks!

Probably the most critical item to look at would be the cam chain tensioner.  Here's a link to that.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1191167029

I weigh in about the same as you and believe me it'll pull your weight.  If I twist the wick at 55 it's going past 75 in a heartbeat and still climbing (then I chicken out.).  Check out the technical section.  There's a tremendous amount of good information there.  

These bikes are almost unchanged from the 1986 model (1st year) to present.  Mine's an 86 by the way.  I've never had a problem getting parts. Haven't needed many though.

Use the search and you'll find most anything you want to know

I agree that it depends on how you are built.  I'm short and broad so the pegs are fine and the seat height is perfect but if that 270 lbs is spread over a 6' 5" frame it wouldn't be very confortable

Wow thanks for the links!  That's exactly what I was looking for.  

I see mentioned a lot to look for oil leaks, this one claims a new leak on the cylinder gasket.  Would that be a deal breaker or is it a gasket/sealant issue?  I am fully willing and able to do all work myself, just wondering if this is indicative of a terminal problem.  It's a bit of a drive from me, I hope to look at it soon and don't want to waste a trip.

 Asking $700 so I guess I can't go terribly wrong.  You may just see me around more often.  That single cylinder has a nostalgic look that really catches my eye.  Sad to say that shaking out $700 out of my budget is easier said than done right now.  Hope I can get it to work.

Houston we have a problem... yep I'd say that oil leak is worth a few, and oh... that tick, not good either... 500.

remember that cam chain is a happenin thing around 1,000 miles, too..

50/50, if you replace the tensioner with a stock one, you still have the same problem.  Either you go with the 2 holer or replace the chain.

I have 2 bikes, both with 45k+ miles with the original chain.  both chains are a bit long but still ticking.