Hey guys,
I'm a recent owner of  a Suzuki Savage 2000, with 19000km (11 800miles). Well, I got it last year, but recently got my license and started riding.  I got it from my uncle who passed away last year. He had it in storage for a couple of years, since he can't ride anymore. I've been reading your posts on the site for a couple of weeks and you seem like you know what you're talking about.

Anyways, when I'm riding it at 3rd gear or higher and I accelerate, there seems to be a knocking sound coming from the engine. The first couple of times, I thought the bike was about to stall, but soon found out it was only when accelerating. Today I was riding on the highway, at about 60mph, and the bike started backfiring and slowing down, so I got off the highway immediately.

If you guys have any idea what it could be, I'd appreciate your input. I know very little about motorcycle, which brings me to my second question. If you guys know of a video, book or anything that could help me learn more about how motorcycles work and help me expand my knowledge on bikes, I would like to know.

Thanks in advance,

At 11800 miles I'd also make sure to check your chain tensioner, that might be a little loose and you need the VerSlaVy chain tensioner

I changed out my stock suzuki petcock at 5k miles just to be sure the stock vacuum petcock is not gonna leave me stranded, go for it, get a raptor 660 petcock and know that's not your issue

How long have you owned the bike? Have you done a valve job on her yet?

I got it last year, but started riding 2-3 weeks ago. The only thing I did on it was change the handlebars and change the oil.

Alright, I'll try to do that. As you may have noticed, I know very little, so if I do like this guy, I would be on the right path?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9mCtzThqYY

Thanks in advance