Possible Top End Rebuild

[WillG.]

I Just bought this stock 03 Banshee a few months ago and have only had it out a couple of times. When i bought it, the guy told me it may be ready to have the top end gone through soon. I'm not sure if it has ever been done on it before. I'm assuming it hasn't, since it doesn't appear to have ever been apart. The bike starts pretty easy and runs good. For example today I wanted to test ride it after putting some pipes on it and rejetting it on Saturday. It was probably almost 100 degrees out and it started in 3 kicks after sitting 4 days with dry carbs & half choke. And starts very easily in one easy kick afterwards. Does that sound good for possibly worn top end? I will be checking the compression for myself this weekend. If its low, I may consider taking the top end off to be freshened up. Is there any site sponsors or shops any body recommends to do any honing or boring work?

[Badbar88]

I'm in So-Cal also, if it needs a bore and hone get in touch with Kevin at Herr Jugs. He's a site sponsor here.

[WillG.]

I just checked out their web site briefly. They look like they know their stuff. Thank you for the response and info! :-)

[Badbar88]

Have him do a port job on it too, you'll thank me later!!

[WillG.]

Is there a way to port it to gain any low and mid end, and/or make a better power curve without losing any low & mid end? Otherwise, I would rather just keep things simple and reliable.

[Badbar88]

Give Kevin a call, he'll walk you through any and all questions. He can def. get you low to mid power, and be just as reliable and easy to ride.

[WillG.]

Sounds like a plan. Also, given the information about on its running, starting, etc condition. When I perform the compression tests, at what psi would it be considered acceptable and what point in the psi range would it be recommended to freshen up the top end?

[Larry's Shee]

As easy as it starts you're far from needing a rebuild. When it gets below about 120 or more than 5lbs difference between cyls.

[WillG.]

Ok, I just tried to do a compression test on it. I cant tell what the compression is because the gauge wouldn't hold pressure. It would allow some pressure to build up then quickly leak out. After a few tries it seemed like it would leak out as fast as I could kick it. The thing that seems weird about this is that I've tried 4 different testers will all the same results. What could this possibly mean?

[coryv4]

Ok, I just tried to do a compression test on it. I cant tell what the compression is because the gauge wouldn't hold pressure. It would allow some pressure to build up then quickly leak out. After a few tries it seemed like it would leak out as fast as I could kick it. The thing that seems weird about this is that I've tried 4 different testers will all the same results. What could this possibly mean?

i just think you have back luck with the testers just try another tester they are supose to hold air

[WillG.]

Perhaps. But I just tried it again while both plugs were out (before i only took the plug out on the cylinder i was testing). The left read about 114-115 psi, and the right was about 109-110 ish psi (the tester started loosing air again when i was doing the right.

[WillG.]

FYI, I just read that the engine should be warmed to normal operating temp before performing the test. The test i just performed was done without running the the engine first. In addition, the left cylinder side of the bike was being hit by the sun, while the other side was out of direct sun. Hopefully this info is thorough enough for a good analysis. I'll try to re-do the test when its cooler out.