Hello everyone.  
I have been a silent member since I picked up an  86 Savage this past winter.
This website has been a great resource and I hope to get some feedback on an issue I'm having.
 The problem is that when I hit the starter I can hear and see the decomp unit working but it will just click and click and then the starter catches and the bike will start, though I think it needs some carb work so it stalls out.
I am not too concerned about the engine staying running at this point since I think I can fix that without too much aggravation.  However, this starting thing is driving me crazy!
So far I have cleaned all the contacts, purchased a new battery, a new solenoid and even a new starter.  All to no avail.  Today I checked the continuity of the start switch which was fine.
I also found that if I jump across the solenoid it cranks the motor ok.
So now I wonder if the decomp unit has something to do with this, but if it does I don't know what.
I really like this bike. I've had other bikes but being a 5'4" man none have fit me as well
as this
I would love to get the bike running this summer so that this winter I can possibly bob it,
or maybe even spring for the RYCA cafe kit.
At any rate I sure would appreciate some help.

hiya i would make sure you def have a good battery as they do need power to turn em over well. then put the engine in tdc position and then check the decomp cable for too much slack and that it sits home properly. simply loosen the lock nut and then wind the cable out till nearly all the slack is taken out. then try it again. also check your earth cables ect

Thanks for the input.
The battery is brand new and fully charged and I have checked all relevant connectors.
I will adjust the decomp unit as suggested and go from there.
I'll let you know how it goes.  Again, many thanks!

You can look at the decomp lever & see if its working before ya go pulling hair to adjust. You can also manually lift it & see how the bike acts & prove whether thats the problem or not. You lift, things work right, then, there ya go. You lift, still dont wanna crank,, well,, you do the math.

Savatage wrote on 06/21/14 at 06:11:23:


If the starter won't spin the engine with the plug out I doubt that your problem is in the decomp solenoid Taking the plug out does essentially the same thing as the decop - it lowers the compression so the motor spins easier.

Does the starter TRY to turn the motor when you hit the start button, or does it do nothing?

I just reread your first post. You said that the starter works OK if you jump across the terminals on the starter solenoid.

I think you still have a wiring problem, or possibly a defective decompression controller. The signal to the starter solenoid actually comes from there. If you have a Clymers manual there is a schematic, and a procedure for testing the decomp controller starting on page 244. I don't know how often these devices go bad though.

An '86 also has a part called a starter solenoid controller in the wiring diagram that isn't on the newer bikes. I can't figure out from the schematic what it does and I can't find any mention of it in the text. Hopefully someone with an older bike knows what it does/where it is.

I'd recheck all the plug together connectors under the tank and the connections on the starter solenoid before I went any further though.

the fuse holder has  a little cover on it and at first glance just looks like a relay. if that fuse is popped then it still sounds like the starter is trying but it wont engage. 2x 20amp fuses is all there is bud

you can download the clymer manual in adobe pdf form through this site bud as i did a couple of months ago. i dont think its the decomp thats the problem,i would of thought solonoid,but i coverd everything i could think of in case it was a smaller problem. the decomp unit does make a bit of a noise when trying to start usually,i know when i first started mine i thought it cant be right but it is. if your wires are all good and clean tight connections and your cut out switch and start switch is ok then i reckon its your solonoid. im not sure how or if you can bypass the decomp electrics. i will go out and pop my tank off and have a closer look. im in uk so sorry about time difference ive just woke up lol

Decomp relay on my 98 filled up with water years ago and quit working.

Here's the modified wiring diagram I used to delete it... read the whole thread and any links out of it. Bike is almost done being rewired, got sick of not riding and picked up an 03 to ride and make the 98 project fun again.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1173898705