Compact, Lightweight, Sport? American? LS650 Savage 650 Vehicle Inspection, Customer-Supplied Parts Replacement, Fluid Exchange

Finally, we’ve entered August.
When you really think about it, we’re rushing straight toward year-end. I really don’t want to think about it…

The Savage, destined to become a Tempter, is quite the machine. By the way, this was my first time seeing it and getting to test ride it.
It’s a peculiar American-style bike unique to Suzuki.
Despite being a single-cylinder 650cc, there’s no thumping sensation at all—it revs smoothly with nimble handling.
I found myself thinking it could probably go pretty fast.

Has this niche displacement become popular?
I’m going to keep working steadily on this.

An engine with real presence. Really upright.

It’s quite a nice-looking engine design. This is the first time I’ve seen this engine.
This engine is used in the Tempter model down the line.

When I really think about it, I’ve never actually seen a Tempter?
GOOBIKE Tempter
There aren’t many of them in circulation, so they’re quite rare.
GOOBIKE Savage 650
Only two Savages were listed.

We’re going to replace the customer-supplied parts.

Normally this wouldn’t be a big deal, but this Savage has really poor serviceability.
The step plate goes through the engine mount,
and to change the rear brake cable, you have to remove the muffler too.

It’s quite a challenging design.

The side stand switch and other components have quite a unique configuration, so if something breaks, you can’t use parts from other models.
When one part tries to do multiple jobs, it creates more headaches.

Everything is fixed to the step plate.
Since the side stand is attached to it, you can’t work on it without a racing stand or chock.
Also, shift pedal position adjustment is basically impossible in the assembled state.

The shift shaft oil seal was shared with the oil-cooled model.

It doesn’t cost much, so we replace it at times like this.
When removing it, work efficiently by lubricating well and warming it with a heat gun.

This Makita heat gun is self-standing, making it really easy to work with.
If you’re using a 100V heat gun, I really want you to try this once. I think you’ll be amazed.

We removed the muffler and repositioned the brake cable and rear brake switch.
Everything gets fixed to the right plate again, making it extremely difficult to work on.

Organizing things with future work in mind will make everything easier.

This is a really annoying M8 bolt.
At first I thought the stud bolt had come out, but wait—it’s Suzuki. Suzuki = bolt fixed.
Everyone wishes they’d switch to stud bolts already.

Since it won’t go in smoothly by hand, I’ll tap it and clean it up.
I never thought a long tap would come in handy like this.

It’s a bit of extra work, but cleaning up threads like this makes future work much smoother.

Almost done with the replacements, now for the step rubber…

At first I thought it was loose and wouldn’t come out, but when I looked from the other side, it wasn’t turning.
Turns out it had broken, and only the head was spinning.

Removing the step plate would require taking off both sides.
The shift pedal too, everything.

I really don’t want to remove it, so I’m going to figure out how to remove this M6 bolt somehow.

Never drill by eye alone—it’s definitely better not to.

By making a guide on the lathe like this before drilling, anyone can avoid mistakes.
The broken bolt has no flat surface, so it’s easy to slip.

Even when cutting corners, if you set things up properly, you can work reliably.

I’m not a fan of reverse taps.
This impact-type extractor lets you adjust the bite, so it’s extremely convenient.
The bite is really solid, so if you get a chance, I’d love for you to try it once.
I think you’ll be pleased.

Once I make a tool, I label it with a P-touch and store it.
I don’t know if there will be a next time, but keeping it properly stored makes future work easier.

Finally, we’re going to change the brake fluid. And the master float too.

The brake fluid seems to have picked up some moisture.
Masters from this era tend to weep, so
adding a master float really improves work efficiency.

Honda 45523-MN5-006
It’s a bit long for current models, so feel free to cut it to size with scissors.

And then a test ride to finish.