Hey all!

So I just decided out of the blue about a month or two ago that I wanted to ride! So I started doing research, narrowed down options in my budget range that fit my criteria being a new rider (never having ridden before) so I shopped around.

I found a 2009 Suzuki Savage S40 with 6,900 miles on it, for $2500, which included the owner delivering it to my house. I was cross shopping Vulcan 500's but they just felt so big and heavy, and even with my stout frame (5'5" and 200lbs, short and muscular like a wrestler) I was a bit intimidated, and didn't want something I'd find myself going TOO TOO fast on. So I picked up the Savage. Around here (DC area) it seemed prices were a little higher, so I figured to test my luck, and my mechanical prowess  It was only 30 miles away from where I live so I figured what the hell! So I jumped on it! I got the bike last Thursday, and just received my motorcycle permit yesterday (so I could ride, insure, and register it!) and I've been working on it in the meanwhile.

I did the Raptor petcock fix, changed the oil and filter (it was low when I bought it ), checked and did the air filter mod, adjusted the shocks (somehow the PO thought riding with them soft was alright so to each their own!), fixed up the air pressure in the tires, and installed a fuel filter, as well as running some carb cleaner through the engine.

I also invested a good part of money in safety gear, a good quality DOT, and Snell approved helmet, a nice leather jacket that has armor, and a good set of Daniese leather biking gloves. I'll also be picking up some armored pants and hopefully a pair of motorcycle boots soon.

In other terms I also enrolled in the MSF course. Having ridden about 150 miles today with my permit (I just feel like it's in my blood!) I think I could teach myself to ace the license exam, but I would feel better and have a better peace of mind getting three days with an expert that could give me even more tips and tricks to stay safe, especially in the Northern Virginia area.

I hope I'm off to a good start!

Either way, the slight dilemma I have is that now, I'm really running low on money since outright I just spent about $4000 between the bike, gear, MSF course, and registration/titling of the bike.

There are a few things left I have to ask/could use some advice from all you Savages out there haha.

So the bike all together I think needs the following done to it:

-New front tire within the next 1000-2000 miles/1 year whichever comes first (probably the miles )

-New front brake pads (about 1/2-2/3 of the way worn)

-Valve adjustment

-Belt adjustment (can only turn it about 80 degrees with thumb and forefinger, so I'll have to loosen it)

-Adding a windshield for longer rides!

The last thing on the list, which I'm still wondering about is, I can't tell if the cam chain adjuster is already failing at 7K miles, or if it's me being a little overly mechanically paranoid. I feel like I can hear a chain inside moving underneath the gas tank, but I can't tell if you are supposed to be able to hear a distinguishable clacking from our engines, or if any noise like that at all means that the cam chain adjuster has failed/is failing. I could probably upload a video if it would help you guys decide.

Either way. I could use some advice on that last point and kind of figuring out the order in which to make the upgrades, and it would be super appreciated. If you guys ever need anything, I'd be glad to help as best as a I can as a noob biker xD. Jeez. Sorry that was so long winded!

Thanks guys! Any replies are welcome

Welcome Matt1995. Listen to Old Rider, he knows what he is talking about. I still consider myself a noob but I'll throw in my 2 cents worth.

1. If you think the tire needs replacing, replace it. Depending on the tire you choose and if you take the wheel off of the bike yourself, it should not cost more that $100 to $125 to replace.

2. Front brake pads are cheap ($20 maybe) and easy to replace. You want that front brake to work.

3. Belt adjust is basically easy to do, but may take various tries before you get it just right. Cost: one or two beers.

4. Probably too early for valve adjustment but if you have some mechanical ability and patience this also is relatively easy to do yourself. Cost: as much as a six pack.

5. I do not yet have a windshield. The one I want is around $80.

If you feel you need to check your cam chain tensioner order your gasket first (I just ordered one on ebay for about $12) and check it.

As far as riding gear goes, look online and realize that big dollars does not always equate to good quality.

Wow, I got a bit long winded there. Be careful, take that MSF course, enjoy your bike and thump on my friend.

Hey! Thanks y'all for the replies so far! It's great to see an active forum, having been on many a forum for cars, tech, etc! I like to get hands on experience with things, even sometimes you know f'ing them up before getting them right. Gotta break things to fix them sometimes!

From the looks of it, seems like the valves and cam chain tensioner can wait a little while, while the tire and brakes and belt seem like easy fixes that I can address fairly soon once getting a little more feel the bike! Safety first anyways haha.

Oh boy, though, tonight I did manage to pop the gas line loose, didn't tighten one of the hose clamps to the fuel filter enough, had for a split second gas spilling onto the engine before I realized what happened, and remembered that unlike newer cars, the shiny new petcock I put on had an off, so I moved the bike away from spill and aimed the remaining drippings away. Knocked on a friendly neighbors door and asked for a screwdriver and tightened her right up. Problem averted! Thank god I wasn't too far away from home though. That would've been a real "trip" considering it was my first real day on the road.

Keep the awesome replies coming guys! Thanks again!

Matt... if you looked at that petcock close enough, you would have seen a fine mesh screen is part of the tubes....

An inline filter is always a good thought, but me personally with this bike i don't use one......

One piston, one carb, two wheels..... keep that thing rollin'

Hey Matt, welcome to the world of riding..
Nice bike you got yourself.
As you have already discovered their are
many here that are very knowledgeable and
will help you along the way with any mods
or mechanical problems you have.
I did my front brakes myself and had no problems.
Also I installed  the fork brace as well..
Keep a check on the tires. Some break down
sooner than others.
Enjoy your bike and don't forget to post
ride reports as well as pics..Hugs,Kim, Genie and Shadow

Welcome to the forum, Matt. As for riding pants, I really don't think you can beat Sliders. http://www.compacc.com/sliders-pants  Lots of Kevlar where you need it along with a little padding. You can also get CE armor for the knees.  I got the blue jeans but my next pair will probably be the cargo pants.  Don't like sitting on my wallet all the time when I'm riding.

Another bit of advice is when you change your front brake pads, save one of them to use as a tool for when you adjust your valves. I think it's what people on here use to remove that little side cover.

If you want to make yourself a little safer, I recommend Skeene Design's Retina Searing brake lights. http://www.lights.skenedesign.com/ They do a great job of getting the attention of the drivers behind you. I've noticed a little more room behind me when I flash the brake lights for a turn a few times.  Think of it as cheap insurance.

Keep an eye on your license plate. The vibration of a thumper can crack the metal at the corners. I had to mount a piece of rubber behind the plates of both my thumpers.  

Enjoy the ride. The S40 is a fun little bike!

I just learned this lesson recently. Swapped it from mounting on the bottom two sitting up higher to hanging low now. Lesson learned.  Need some grommets.

Good advice guys! I'll pick up some rubber grommets to do that with!

DAY 2 of Riding: Anyways, today I took a ride out to Shenandoah National Park aka Skyline Drive, and rode along one of the mountain ranges that runs through Virginia. A nice mix of backroads, unlimited access highways and some interstate travel. I did notice a few things I wouldn't have expected on this 300 mile round trip!

-Definitely didn't realize how much wind and engine noise there would be. Along with about a 2500ft elevation change through the course of the trip, and utilizing some engine braking down hills and such, my hearing feels fried, I feel like my head is spinning. Perhaps earplugs. I was going to use headphones, but I didn't want to drown out the noise of stuff and add distractions. Earplugs are better versus headphones?

-People love to tailgate bikes. Then again I already knew that. But I just let em pass me, leave a huge gap in front, watch the mirrors, and side lanes, with an occasional head check, and motion for them to go around.
I will say it's crap when riding cautiously means every cager seems to get annoyed to nuts with riding the speed limit, and not passing everyone at every chance we get.

-It's tiring. I was really surprised that 300 miles was so exhausting, considering I've done endurance drives of 1000-1100 miles in 24-25 hours before. I stopped around 6 times throughout today, to rest my sore butt and to get some water, and refuel. I didn't realize how much more of a necessity that is on the bike. Something about "powering through" just doesn't feel right when one is 6 inches from the pavement with no cage around us.

-Was really surprised at the power our little Savages have. From the reviews I had read online, I had expected it to rev out at 70-75mph. I was pleasantly surprised it still had passing power at 80mph for interstate travel.

-Fuel mileage is pretty darn good! I kept filling up impulsively every 75-85 miles, because gas stations are few and far between, but found the $2.00 fill ups quite amusing.

-Bug splatter stinks man! So much bugs everywhere. Thank god for face shields on helmets!

Anyways yeah! Just thought I'd give an update!