Posted by Frank on February 12, 2001 at 02:54:56:
I hauled my Savage to the dealer last week. The problem started when I pulled her out of the garage on Wednesday, started her up as usual. She started ok but suddenly a nasty noise (sounded like cam chain rattle in a bad way, like maybe the tensior broke), anyway, I quickly shut it down, called off of work and transported her (122$ tow fee) to the dealer. The dealer charged 97$ for a diagnostics test. When I brought the bike in, the service writer started the bike and the same metallic (loud) rattle was heard from the right side crankcase. A mechanic on break heard it also but then suddenly the noise went away and everything was fine. The mechanic said that even though the noise went away that there was something deffinately wrong so I had them check it out anyway since I had already towed her there. After a day or so, the service writer called me to say that the bike had many miles on it (no kidding!) and that it looks like I needed a complete top end rebuild. He said that he needs seven hours of labor time (at 65$/hour) to determine exactly what I would need. He said that I could be looking at 1.000$ to 1500$ to fix! I said no way, put it back the way it was and I would pick it up. Trouble was, now I have no daily transpo (except my wife's car, and she needs it). So, this weekend I put down hard cash on.....yes, my fellow Savage riders, I defected to Harley Davidson and bought a 2001 883 basic sportster. I have 20 years of riding behind me but have never even sat on a Harley. Now, I'm scheduled to ride off on Wednesday morning. I have not picked up the Savage from the shop yet, but I plan to bring her safely home and keep her. Ride safe. P.S-the shop never told me what the noise was. A friend of mine who is a mechanic said that it might have been the cam chain tensioner sticking temporarily due to chilly weather and unsticking after warming a bit. I guess I won't know until I get her home.