Recent content by Ludachris

Gotcha, I’ll try that. I did put a tiny bit of oil in each side so I guess I technically did a wet test.

The bike has been torn apart for years, won't be able to start it and warm it up. Thanks for the link.

Borrowed a friend's gauge. I'll let him know that. I'll see about trying again with a bit of oil in the cylinders and both plugs out. Thanks Jim.

Well I went back out and tried it again and got a bit more equal readings on both sides, but it was still only at about 110. I must not have been holding the throttle open on one side on the first test. Is 110 something to be concerned with?

So assuming I'm doing it right, I got a hair over 90 on one side and 110 on the other, which I've read is lower than you'd want. I left one plug in while I checked the other side, with the throttle open and kicked it over a few times on each side. I might try it again to make sure I had the...

Would the one I used from Harbor Freight for the car work for a bike? I'll have to see if I still have it in the garage somewhere.

Thanks Kevin. Not sure about spark or compression... I've done a compression check on a car before but not on a bike. Not sure I have the tools for it. Clean, current title though.

Hi all, I helped tear down an all stock 1981 XS650 several years ago with a friend who eventually lost interest in the build. I took ownership of the project, though I know almost nothing about motorcycles - I'm a car guy. And though I keep telling myself I'll eventually build it, I don't really...