flyin polack
PR Addict
I'd run a compression check or leak down test...or both. If your valves are to spec, it may be your rings are worn to the point where they aren'tfully compressing the fuel air mixture to ge a more efficient burn. I always put a fresh piston and rings every year in the winter whether it needed it or not.
The winter project was a tear down, adjust valves (usualy just confirm that they are right) new piston and rigs, new cam chain-VERY cheap $40 insurance, and clean internal oil screen. That way I was more likely to have a summer of care free riding with no issues. Motor advice is always a dime a dozen, but I was once told that worn pistos can lead to blown cranks in 4 strokes. With the short skirts on 4 stroke pistons, when the piston starts to wear it will travel within the cylinder at a slight angle (the skirt does not keep the piston straight like on a long skirt 2-stroke piston). This angle, if allowed to get to large could translate to very edge of the piston hitting the cylinder head on the intake or exhaust side. This contact transmits the shock through the piston and rod to the bearings and can cause failures in the bottom end...grenade failure. I'm no expert but it makes sense. If you put a piece of clay on top the of edge your piston and check the clearance to the head...you will be surprised how little there is.
Preventive maintenance is fun for us old guys, and after you've done it for a while, you find out that it really pays off in the long run. When others are fixing this and that...you're riding. Besides riding, whats more fun than a few beers in the garage with your favorite gas powered sweetie? lol
The winter project was a tear down, adjust valves (usualy just confirm that they are right) new piston and rigs, new cam chain-VERY cheap $40 insurance, and clean internal oil screen. That way I was more likely to have a summer of care free riding with no issues. Motor advice is always a dime a dozen, but I was once told that worn pistos can lead to blown cranks in 4 strokes. With the short skirts on 4 stroke pistons, when the piston starts to wear it will travel within the cylinder at a slight angle (the skirt does not keep the piston straight like on a long skirt 2-stroke piston). This angle, if allowed to get to large could translate to very edge of the piston hitting the cylinder head on the intake or exhaust side. This contact transmits the shock through the piston and rod to the bearings and can cause failures in the bottom end...grenade failure. I'm no expert but it makes sense. If you put a piece of clay on top the of edge your piston and check the clearance to the head...you will be surprised how little there is.
Preventive maintenance is fun for us old guys, and after you've done it for a while, you find out that it really pays off in the long run. When others are fixing this and that...you're riding. Besides riding, whats more fun than a few beers in the garage with your favorite gas powered sweetie? lol