LS650 - Any problems

[Mully]

Howdy y'all,

Found an 87 LS650 Savage on Tardme. Done 34000 miles. I'm thinking about this as a commuter (From West Auckland to City).

It has a decent amount of noise from the head. The current owner reckons it simply needs a valve adjustment to cure.

Is anyone aware of any problems or issues with these bikes? Could the "valve noise" be something more sinister? Is it likely to be a good commuter for the Husky Gentleman with the possibility of a weekend ride to improve my skillset without smearing myself on the road?

I have taken it for a ride, and it feels good, although it did backfire once when I was slowing to turn at an intersection.

Thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks all,
Mully

[JimO]

husky...................

[Mully]

I stand by my description.

[Mully]

Oh, and this one has to be started with the clutch in. Is this normal, cos I have never heard of this before.

[magicfairy]

I had a 2005 model for just over a year. Normal to backfire, tuned very lean, I rejetted mine, gave it more power too.
Can't answer the engine noise, I am not aware it is a problem but check out site below.
My bike never missed a beat.
I felt I outgrew it after a year, wanted more power for the open road, and I got blown around a lot in Wellington wind
But a great commuter, light, narrow, great on gas. If I just commuted I would have kept it for sure.

You might find it feels like it is struggling over 110k, you want another gear, especially for a bigger person, and vibrates at that point as well.

I really loved that bike, and it was very good to me as a first bike (I had only ridden scooters) Easy to ride for a beginner, and light.

Biggest annoyance - no trip meter, fuel guage or petrol light (but a reserve) so had to keep an eye on Ks. 160k and I was on reserve.
Has a reputation for being reliable, really easy to work on cos it is so simple,

All you ever wanted to know and more http://www.suzukisavage.com

[Colapop]

I had an old one like that, I sold it - thankfully. Before I sold it, the prospective buyer had a qualified mechanic take it away for a test ride and appraisal. He was honest and told the guy (and me) that it was a bit noisy in the head and a valve adjustment might fix that. About a month and a half after I sold it, the bike blew it's arse. The owner was told by the repair shop that it would cost about $3k to repair or need a completely new engine.

It had serious big end and crank issues. Before I sold it (unknown to me) it had these issues. Now, this may not be the case for the beast you're considering buying, but it is something that apparently these beasts are known for. They burn a bit of oil and so that needs to be monitored.

All that said, I found it to be a good solid bike with plenty of torque. Not a racer but good enough to go from here to there.

[Mully]

Thanks lads,

Have checked out the site. Might pay to have a mechanic check the bike out (although, that didn't help in this instance......)

What to do, what to do.......

[Colapop]

Spend your money on something a little newer...

[Mully]

Spend your money on something a little newer...

Yeah, that is the temptation, but I am having to negotiate with the boss to be allowed a bike at all. I am probably only going to be able to spend around $3K.

[Colapop]

The thing is that you can get something a lot better even for that kind of money. I was told alot that I should be patient - I'm the last person who is. But in the end I waited - and had the dubious honour of being one of the longest serving members without a bike. BUT now I have a bike that'll not only last me for some time (if I don't stop on a car again) and it'll do all that I want it to. While I was waiting I stepped up through my license graduations (on a borrowed bike - although I'd ridden before)

If you're patient you'll get a better bike and be able to spend a little bit more. 2c

[Mully]

Thanks Colapop,

I guess I should reign in my boyish enthusiasm for a while. I guess if it really is the end of the summer like they are saying on the news, then bikes should come down in price.....

Thanks for the advice.

[Colapop]

Just to give you an idea (of timeframe) click here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=21305) and then here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=34938)...

[JimO]

my cagiva needs the clutch in to start

[heyjoe]

hey there mully,

It is soooo easy to get emotionally hooked on a bike that you like the look of. Don't rush. If the bike is looking like it needs work then it will mean more $.

As for clutch in - my 1982 Z1000J needed to have clutch pulled in to start. It was one of its safety features.

Have fun.