Welcome to the site.....we are generally "Noob friendly".

I suppose you should look for a 5 speed model (1993 and later), as it has modifications to the starter gear that can prevent the case from being broken if the engine kicks backward after the ignition is turned off.  Later improvements that can be nice are the 4 way flashers and headlight passing switch that were added in 2004.  In some respects the newer bike you can afford the better, as the rubber parts will not be as old - however a well cared for older model may be better than an abused newer model.

The oil leak from the head plug, cam chain tensioner and vacuum petcock are common problems to all years.

If you can find a bike that is well cared for, stored indoors, and not abused....the year really doesn't matter as long as it is 93 or newer.  Some folks like the looks of the older 2 piece seats...others like the single piece seat.  The sissy bar was removed somewhere around 2004 or 2005 - but it can be added to a newer bike without much drama.  Bikes stored outdoors are subject to corrosion problems that are mostly cosmetic - the clear coat on the aluminum does not hold up well, and the spokes tarnish easily.

Happy Hunting........you might try Tempest Craigslist to search for a bike.  This allows you to look outside of your immediate area.  I live in KY and bought a bike in New York....it only had 262 miles on it and was worth the drive to go get it.






Where do you live.

Thanks for the advice and suggestion. That's what I tried too, I am in Washington, DC area. Not core DC, but a suburb.

Looking forward to your input and advice. Thank you  

Thanks, I appreciate it. What about the prices? Do they seem fair to you?

Great tip about cylinder head, any other things I be looking at or paying attention to? Yeah, I am going to ask about kind of oil being used.

Yeah, crappy work means crappy bike( not always true though ).

In terms of miles, with proper maintenance and oil changes-What can one expect in terms of getting maximum miles out of S40? Of course, just a general idea and not trying to start a fight about it  

jcstokes wrote on 03/22/16 at 11:48:33:

You guys are GURUS, does blue on the exhaust means motorcycle has bee beat up or ridden hard?

Then this one seems to be the best option since one does not have any pictures:
http://williamsport.craigslist.org/mcy/5457657216.html

Thanks again Dave.

Mileage on Black is really low, but it's sitting on original tires(which need to be replaced).

I like White and Silver color too, looks pretty good

As per owner, he let the bike idle for 10-15 before taking off and also blue color has increased since he has acquired the bike(4 years ago).

He doesn't ride on interstate, I have asked him about engine oil and will get back to me on it. Are there any engine oils which are a clear 'NO' for the bike? Not starting an oil thread, please!

So blue is not a true indicator of a bad bike, is that right?

Thanks guys  

P.S: Are 8600 miles a lot for an 09 or?

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 03/22/16 at 15:11:04:


So he is using 'valvoline 10w-40 motorcycle specific oil'. Never adjusted any valves, never replaced any brake fluid or air filter.

How much should I be offering him in current condition?

Unless you Know what shape the cam is in, I would not be able to recommend a price. There is no oil on the market that can compensate for a major part being starved for oil. The Savage has low oil pressure at idle. Dave bought a bike that he had to replace top end parts on. The previous owner tenderly and lovingly allowed it to warm up before riding. The cam lobe and rocker on the right side were ruined. Coincidence?
Check out the valve lash, at least. Snot hard. Tedious, but not really mechanically challenging. We can walk you through it.

Well, the Other guys here can. My job is to stir up trouble and give the newbies a bad time.

Folks, I am a new member so please take it easy on me.

Bwaahaahaahaa!


Seriously, you're in good hands here.

Seriously.
I mean that.