So I got a savage in July, my first bike and I love it.
It had sat for a couple years when I got it and it wasn't running.  Since then I have flushed the tank, rebuilt the carb, put in the Raptor petcock, changed the oil and put in a new plug.  And it ran great!
But as it got a little cooler out, like 60 degrees, it just didn't want to start.  It would take me 15 minutes of trying but once it started and warmed up, everything was fine and for the rest of the day it would start immediately.  Now it's colder, like 40 out, and it won't catch at all.  The engine turns fine, all the lights come on, but not a single thought of starting.  As if there's no spark.
Battery sat on an overnight charger and showed 14V, but should I still suspect the battery or something else?

Sometimes the simple things are overlooked are you pulling the choke out to start the bike?

Bike left outside under a cover or indoors?

Slip on air filter or stock?

If the bike is left outdoors in high humidity weather with just a tarp on the kn filter will get too much moister in it and your bike will not start.

Pull the plug check for spark. Check air filter , drain fuel fresh fuel in , remove timing cover and while spark pulled check compression.

It's a start to get the very basics out of the way before look at jetting I think.

Spark fuel air compression should be one of those

I guess you really don't have to remove timing cover either to check compression. After removing debris surrounding spark plug ( thanks jog ) put it in 2nd or 3rd gear and give a push.

I'm betting its something real simple like petcock is turned to off. I have done that one before.

Chase wrote on 01/17/16 at 16:48:13:


No reason to give the bike a push.....just hit the starter button.  The compression release only works for one or two revolutions - then it releases.

If you think that fuel supply may be an issue - the easiest thing to do is put a very small amount of fuel through the vacuum port on the side of the carb (the nipple that used to be attached to the vacuum line on the petcock before you switched over to the Raptor petcock).  Don't put too much in....less than a thimble full.  You could also squirt the starting fluid in this port if your spray can accepts one of those small red tubes). Using this port will keep you from having to remove the seat or side panel for access to the air filter box.