Hey Guys, in the middle of winter just ran the bike but had to push start it. And the best way to describe when I rev is it sounds stifled. The person I purchased the bike from had a slip on straight pipe no muffler and I think the valves could be bent am I right. Please tell me know as I dont have a ton to spend on a bike and I really would like to fix it up for summer as it has no fairings and a dented tank. But back to the subject it sounds very stifled or congested. Please help I am hoping it is dirty gas or something. Any help appreciated. Again Thanks.

 

to BEND valves, you literally have to break a cam chain, make the timing jump drastically, or float the valves, which wont happen because of the rev limiter on these bikes. more likely it just needs a carb cleaning and you're set.

 

When I bought my 88 for parts, it would hardly start. When it did fire with a bang, a large quantity of mouse **** splattered on the wall behind the bike... Upon further inspection the air box was also stuffed with dog food. Your bike may need the air box cleaned/inspected...

 

Straight pipe and no muffler? I'd yank the pipe and header off and give it a shake or two. You may have some expired critters clogging the system.

 

Clean out the air filter. Since you have to remove the fuel tank to do that you may get a whiff of the gas. Does it smell like old gas? When was the fuel put in the bike? If it is bad then drain it and replace it with fresh gas. Run some seafoam through it.
The bike had to be push started? Maybe charge the battery fully and if it wont hold a charge replace it. Trying to run it with a nearly dead battery can damage the charging system. Relays, ignition coils, starters all need proper voltage to function correctly.

 

I Really appreciate the fast responses from everyone and am going to check my bikes airbox soon I will respond to let you guys know if thats what it was. I'm crossing fingers ...

 

a bike with a clogged or very dirty air filter, something living in the airbox, obstruction in the exhaust, or a dirty set of carburetors will certainly have poor running and hesitation issues.