Hello All. This is my first summer with my '99 Bullet 500 (7,500 mi) and loving it. Although I have a mechanical background, I'm still getting familiar with the Bullet.
I've read that the compression should be so great, one can actually "stand" on the kickstarter. Mine does not come close to this. Obviously, I feel increased resistance at top of compression stroke, but I can "push" thru it with steady force. I still use the decompression as part of my starting drill. My compression tester does not have a threaded end, it's the kind with the rubber push-on nipple so I can't get a good reading....I'm working alone.
My confusion is the fact that it's running great. It starts easily, has good pulling power thru all gears at various throttle settings and has excellent tick-over. Very smooth and steady. None of which I'd expect with "low" compression.
Yesterday, I pulled the decompression valve to check....all in good working order. I lapped the valve seat while there too. Put back together and pretty much the same compression. 50 mile ride out proved flawless last night.
Is the "standing on the kickstarter" an overstatement? Should I be concerned, or just keep riding? Perhaps a bugger of carbon on the exhaust valve seat? Anything else I can try to help discover the issue....before a top-end job? Am I creating deeper problems by riding it, with this "perceived" low compression...when she's running so good?
Thanks in advance!
Topic: Compression concerns (Read 913 times)