Wow, 250 is hot. Start checking things like your radiator and water pump impellar. The hottest I ever seen mine was in the dunes when it hit 205. General riding around temps were in the 160-180 range. I'd say you definately have cooling issues. Could be jetting so you might look into that as well.
Do you have access to another compression tester? I would try to double check the gauge somehow to eleminate the possibility of it being off. Definately run at least 91 octane with those domes.
Nope, not even close. I suppose one could make it fit with a lot of work, but I don't think it would be worth it. Not only would you have to modify the front, but also the brake calipar mount.
Rod,
There is no play in the axle hubs. The width is adjusted with spacers and then the hub is bolted on tight with the axle nut. I've seen durablue elimator axles (the kind with the pin on hubs) that had a bunch of slop in them but the g-force has a good fit with the factory hub splines. No slop on mine.
I would have to agree that it does look a little on the lean side, but not much. As far as the swirling, thicker ring, I would say that was the area above where the ground strap was located.
I wouldn't run it. I believe it says "energy conserving" on the back of the bottle meaning it contains friction modifiers that will cause your clutch to slip. Mobile 1 5W50 doesn't contain friction modifiers but they dont make it anymore.
For the money, you can't go wrong. I am completely pleased with the quality. I actually like the lock nut design better than a durablue style. I'd buy another if I needed one.
It doesn't matter what model and where it was made, the 17 digit VIN is a world-wide standard.
Maybe you have a replacement frame that has been assigned a number?? Some assigned numbers arn't 17 digits.