i recently scored an immaculate s2r 800 (with just 3,400 kms) which had been standing 'on the street' without use for about 9 mths. to make matters worse this has been a very wet winter :(
on acquiring this bike it was noticed during the plug change before starting that the compression (assessed simply by turning the engine over by hand with the plugs in one at a time) on the front cylinder was noticably less than the rear.
on riding it was noticed to be running unevenly below 3k revs and a remote thermometer showed the rear exhaust was 70C hotter than the front.
due to the very low mileage on this bike is it reasonable to assume one of the front valves has suffered due to sitting open during its long non-use period as opposed to ring failure ?
Before panicking you need to do a compression, or better yet, cylinder leakage test. A cylinder leakage test will tell you how much is lost through the rings and how much through the valves. Roughness under 3K is normal, as is the vertical cylinder running hotter than the horizontal.
cheers howie ... yes i have been told today that the leakage test is the thing to do so i'll try that first
thanks again