Posted by WD on July 18, 2003 at 10:09:36:
In Reply to: Noise!! Valves or normal?? posted by Michael on July 18, 2003 at 06:47:25:
Savage is a mechanically noisy bike. All air cooled bikes without self adjusting valves are. Air cooled bikes with self adjusting valves are noisy too. Check the stem of the valve for a rough spot, same with the rocker ends. Make sure the rockers aren't wobbling on their seats. If that's all good, use a piece of dowel or a pencil to try and move your timing (cam) chain. Chain should be fine, but there's no telling how the bike was treated before you bought it. Finally, make sure the oil stays topped up, and try a different brand. My 98 is very noisy with 10W40 factory oil, not too bad with with 20W50 Castrol car oil.
-WD