jaydefazio
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SuzukiSavage.com Rocks!
Posts: 7
Northern KY/Cincinnati OH
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Hi guys/girls-- I am a brand new rider and lucky recipient of a 1998 Savage, no mods, 10,680 miles.
Last owner kept it in a garage but hadn't ridden it in at least a year. One year ago, she sent it to a Honda dealership to get it 'running' -- according to the paperwork, they did an oil change, carb clean, and 'spring tune up' whatever that was. It didn't specify. But again, she hasn't ridden it since then.
I got the bike last week, without knowing it had been parked this whole time (it was given to me, no charge, so I didn't test drive it). It started right up, sounded good. I drove it around town for about 30 mins and it started to smell hot. Headed for home and it sputtered out on me. Checked the gas tank, it was pretty low. Tried to switch to reserve but switch was stuck in 'ON' position, would not move at all. After 20 mins or so, it started up again, barely. Got it two blocks, sputtered out again. Eventually restarted and got it two more blocks to my driveway.
It was dark, so next day I took a look at it and noticed dark brown fluid had leaked out onto the grates of the engine. The fuel switch will move now, which is weird. But the bike won't start. It tries to turn over but sputters out. I considered filling up the gas tank -- obvious solution -- but after learning it had been parked for so long, I figured it would be best to empty out what's in there first, although I haven't done that yet.
I visually checked the oil window and oil is at a good level.
After reading manuals and lots of posts on this forum, I'm thinking I should replace the factory issue petcock with a raptor. But I'm concerned about whatever was leaking from the engine. Can you guys give me a list of things I should check/do, considering both the problem I described and the fact that the bike has been parked so long? I don't have any experience with mechanics but I'm more than willing to learn. I want to learn how to maintain the bike myself rather than to take it into a dealership. Thanks for reading!
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