Compression question...

[250RWANTER]

What would cause a bike to lose compression? Talked to an older man about an '82 250R yesterday. He is the original owner and has rode the bike about 3 times a year at his house in the desert up until about 4 years ago. The last time he rode it, it started right up, as he put it 'went like a striped ass ape, it was the hot bike back in the day" (this is coming from about a 55 year old guy). He went up the following year and says there was no compression, he could 'kick' it by hand with ease.

My question is, what would cause this? Bike is ALL stock, engine untouched, EVERYYTHING is red, guess it came stock that way. The only thing he added was a headlight gaurd. Pretty good shape, just a little faded and stickers peeling.

"Easy" fix...or? its not seized or anything (otherwise you would be able to turn it over, correct?), just real easy to turn kick over.

Thanks!

[C W.]

It sat dry to long and the rings stuck.cheap easy fix 75$.New standard size piston and ring set should do the trick and top end gaskets.

[86250RZ]

If the engine is turning over it is not siezed. Most likely needs a new bore job, piston and rings. Do not just throw a new piston in without having cylinder checked first.

[250RWANTER]

So pull it apart huh? Just take off the top part off (is this the 'jug' as I've seen it called?) Yeah, I would never put a motor back together without having it checked out first. So how much do you think it will run for a set of rings, pistion gasket set and bore job if needed?

I'll everthing else apart (carb, brakes, etc) and clean them up as its been sitting for a while and I'm sure the fluids need to be changed/seals checked.

Guy said he'd sell it to me for $300 (that was his BOTTOM dollar) , also has two other sets of tires, new plugs, bulbs, six pack rack etc for it. I checked the gas tank and its CLEAN inside, like brand new, no dents on the tank or anything. Forks are in great shape except for a scuff towards the bottom on one. Everything is in real nice shape, just a little faded from being old, but frame, motor, shock, etc are all fairly clean.
I'll post a pic if I get it.
Like I said, he rode it 2-3 times a year...MAYBE 10 hours a year and thats it. He is the original owner and bought it brand new from the dealer back in 1982. Paperwork is current and everything. The original pink slip looks OLD!! I've never seen one like that!! :D
Good deal?

I still want an 85 or 86, but this should hold me off for a while :D

[Icarus]

If you dont buy it let me know. Ill send you $500 plus crate/shiping cost. You can give him 300 and keep 200 for yourself. As for bore / piston / rings ect.. prolly in the neighborhood of $150 or so.

[atckowalski]

Make sure you check it for an air leak because they usually run real good before they blow.If it has a leak it could be crank seals or one of the top end gaskets.That will usually make a hole in the piston.I would definetly pick it up for 200 bucks. :TrikesOwn