I've got a 1996 XR440 that has seen moderate use and has been reasonably cared for.
The low-end was rebuilt when 3rd gear went away and had to be replaced,
but the valve train wasn't done then.
It has started burning oil, and I want to make an assessment of the "health"
of the motor before I tear into it.
I adjusted the valves not long ago; the exhaust valves were a little loose.
In the past when at this point, I've taken bikes to mechanics I trust, and I may
well end up doing that again. But I want to dive deeper myself this time.
Ideally, I'd like to learn something about basic 4-stroke engine diagnostics.
If I have to, I'm not against spending $ on tools to help.
I've seen the 4-stroke leak-down tester that Motion Pro sells
(
Motion Pro)
but I'm not sure if it would help me figure this out.
I've seen excellent tutorials on suspension settings, carb theory and jetting.
Does anyone know of a good tutorial on assessing valve train health?
-- jeff