WOWsers! I think you have it. Those compression readings that you are getting are ****-poor. I would definitely check the valve lash. I guess they are to tight and loosen up when she heats up. I would tend to go this way because, the temp. of the engine will not effect bad rings. To prove the case, check the compression with the bike cold and then hot. I bet they changes.

 

The bike being hot/cold absolutely makes a difference. If you see my videos you will see that after the bike has been warmed up by actually running for a while that it will start like there's no problem. If I put a halogen lamp on to the engine it starts up easier as well. That tells me there is definitely a difference in compression depending on temperature.

 

CyberTrip, have you adjusted shim and bucket valve lash before? If not we can help you through it.

 

No, but I have read the how to on valve clearance here and I also have the service manual. Any tips would be appreciated.

 

Checked the clearances on the valves. All the intake valves are out of spec by at least .003 inches. They were too tight. The exhaust valves were off spec by .001 inches. They were too tight as well. Tomorrow I will work on getting them all set correctly. Hopefully this fixes the problem... If not... I'm very close to just parting it out. I've got my eye on a 2006 Suzuki SV650S which I am probably going to get anyway.

 

ah i just set my valves last week its a breeze

 

All done setting the valves. Put her back together, broke a bolt on the valve cover while doing it, gonna have to get it drilled out and get a new one put in. I checked the compression and they all pass now! Also, the starter doesn't sound like it's dying anymore. It sounds like a normal start. I took her outside and engaged the choke and she started right up! Took her for a spin and boy does she perform better than ever! She spits out some oil where the bolt had snapped off because it's not sealing but that's just a minor set back until I get the repair bill for it.

Anyway, all is well again! I'll take video when I've got light out with my new Kodak Zi8 HD Camcorder.

Thanks everyone for your help! I should have checked this from the start.

 

Bummer about the bolt but great news about the rest man, glad it's sorted for you.

 

I think the bolt may come out with an extractor. I didn't put much torque on it. My torque bar was set to 7ft-lbs and it twisted off before it even clicked.

 

Happy for you!! Putting some new life in the old girl!!