Posted by Frank Moss on March 31, 2003 at 16:25:21:
In Reply to: some dumb questions posted by Stinger on March 31, 2003 at 11:26:52:
Hi Stinger; I don't consider any honest question to be "dumb". We are all in a learning process and asking questions is the mainframe of learning. Those who are reluctant to ask because they do not want others to know their lack of knowledge on a given subject are being "dumb".
First off, you won't hurt the gearbox starting out in second, but you could generate unusual wear on the clutch because of additional slippage. As for the muffler, if you change the muffler you will need to inspect the spark plug after a few miles to determine if the gas/air mix has become too lean. A nice brown color is just about right, ranging from light to dark is safe, but if the plug is turning white or silver then the mix is too lean and you are running the risk of engine seizure, which is no fun at high speed. I locked up a '55 Triumph T110 at 80 that way. I was all over the road before I realized what was happening. As for the speed of the Savage, that's up to the rider. I have had mine up to 85, and could have gone higher, but just to see if it would do it. It certainly will, but for me, it's more fun at 40-50 on winding country roads. My
'99 Savage runs a lot better now after 12000 than it did when new, so you can look forward to many enjoyable miles. Just be sure to change oil and filter at regular intervals (2-3000) and do not overfill because this engine will find ways to get rid of the excess. Frank M