Today, I got an unexpected call from a buddy who is in the journalism business. Turns out, hes leaving his paper where he worked for 10 years to move up to the Watertown, NY area for the paper up there. (very upstate NY, stones throw from Canadistan). He already moved, but he wanted to know if I'd be willing to take his '87 Savage. He couldnt take it with him, and his landlord called to let him know that if it isnt gone by the end of the week, it was going straight to the scrapyard. Its mine for free, however there is no title, though he'd work with me to get a replacement and sign it over to me.

So yeah, awesome, free bike. As to why its free, its been sitting under a tarp for 6 years, exposed to the elements. I rode out today to look at it, and though I was expecting worse, its still what you would expect. There is no major frame rust (from what I could see), looks to be bone stock. Hell, the tires were still inflated and it still had chrome left on it.  

I figured, worst case, it'll be too far gone and end up being a money pit, so sell off whatever good parts there are and call it that. However, I've been looking for a project to tear into, and this might just be the ticket. My biggest obstacle will be my own inexperience, and I think if nothing else, this could be a great learning experience into my own Savage.

Any advice on what I should do here? The bike is coming tomorrow, so I'll have pics of what Im dealing with. I was thinking of tearing everything down to its bare bones, inspect, toss away anything looking old, worn damaged etc., clean up whats good, replace whatever is missing, put it all back together, then try to get it running again. I'm sure theres guys on here who have resurrected old, neglected bikes, so tell it like it is.

Pics will follow, so until then, I don't have many specifics yet.

 
Save all the parts because you can sell them to other members in the marketplace.

You you need a goal, something that you plan to build out of the bike -- like a bobber or a cafe or a road racer or a flat tracker because whatever your heart desires the savage can become any of them.

OldFeller, I hear that. Thats the other problem, up until 2 this afternoon, I was thinking "well, I got a raptor and the heat shield on order for the bike, I'll be good with that for a while" to "Crap, what am I gonna do with bike thats practically growing moss on it?"

I always thought a bobber would be cool, but I definitely into the cafe racer look. Maybe mimic an old school Triumph or something. Its all so sudden, especially for a newbie who hasnt torn any of these bikes apart yet, much less any bike for that matter.

I'm not saying its too much. The thought of it going to the boneyard was too much for me to let it go.

Oh, and Serowbot, I've dated girls that weigh more than a Savage...   Well... not really, but a few were close, well dry weight anyway.

The best place to start with an old bike, lawnmower, or what have you is to see if you can get it to run by doing the simple things.

Clean out the gas tank, test the petcock, check fuel line etc., clean the carb and air filter, put some good oil in it, connect a battery and see if it will start and run.  After that you can make your plans because then you will better know the scope of the work that must be done.

Yea don't worry about making plans for the bike till you service it and see if it's a viable runner. Do all the above as suggested and don't spend any more money on it then you need to, even use you're bikes battery to turn it over after running through all the basics.  If it runs well enough then start dreaming either of building or parting out LOL.

First, dont buy ANYthing that it hasnt Proved it MUST have in order to run.
Not one dime on looks, until its running right.
Keep the receipt, dont touch the shield, be ready to return it. It will run just fine w/o that.IF it runs good, then install it & finish fixing it up.
Look, you got it for free. Its not pretty, But, itll be fun to ride. You CAN allow it to eat your time, trying to get it "Pretty" for others to see & oooh & ahh over. Heck with them, dont worry about what others may say or think. Just get it running & get it Safe, fresh tires, brakes working right..
Over time, you can pick which parts need attention & start cleaning it up & making it like YOu want it. Winter time is good for that..

Eeeeeek!  That photo is scary!

Still.....it is worth doing something with it.  If you find someone doing a RYCA conversion - you might be able to get a lot of parts needed to freshen that bike up...provided that it runs....or......you got the perfect start for a RAT BIKE.

Sometimes the roughest beater cars, trucks and bikes the most useful and most fun.  There are no worries about scratches, dents or washing/waxing....just ride and have fun.

hey it's not a great pic, but from what I can see it doesn't look rusted out or anything. You may have a diamond in the rough PJ, we'll all cross our fingers for ya