[eronavbj]

I just got a 2002 Savage 650 -- mint. I've heard the bike is as maintenance free as anything on the market, but I have also heard remarks about an oil leak problem. Anyone have information on the drawbikes of this particular bike? I'm 5'7" 150 lbs, so the Savage fits me physically better than any bike I've ever ridden, even my old Honda CB 350.

 

[Va bene]

Hi and welcome to another Savage owner. The Savage is a great bike. This website is great for general information about motorcycling and other things.

For lots of details on the Savage, there are a couple of Savage-specific sites:

www.suzukisavage.com
http://www.heise-workstations.de/ls650/Fragen/LS650-Fragen.html

 

[LayinLo]

:welcomes:

 

[High Plains Thumper]

The leak you are referring to is the infamous Savage head leak. There is a rubber covered metal plug that fits into the access hole for the right front head stud nut in the air cooling tunnel portion of the head. what happens over time is the rubber loses its resilience and oil starts to seep into the cooling tunnel, causing oil to spattered on your battery box and muffler guard.

I think it was 2003 that Suzuki came out with a redesigned plug that looks more like a rubber stopper than the older thimble type.

Several months ago I replaced it on my 1987 Savage, now it doesn't leak.

If it needs to be replaced, figure on a couple hours labor, the plug costs around $7.50. If it isn't leaking, then your bike may have the newer plug or if the older one, may start leaking some time later. I wouldn't worry about it, if it happens then you'll know why. If you do your own wrenching, it is relatively simple task.

Also I believe your seat is improved over my 1987, I can only stand the seat for about an hour. Thus I'm looking for a replacement, which will most likely be an Intruder seat, as these can be had in E-bay for a nominal cost. However as with any nonstandard part, it will have to be adapted, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

- Laters, George