rings?

I was just reading another thread and advise was given that states "if your under 40,000 miles donteven think about rings"
I didnt want to hijack a thread so I posted to ask a question.
I have 36,759 miles bike seems ok but Im not riding it right now, its been down for this and that. it did run STRONG then ran like crap,- bogging out plugs fouling. I tore the carbs down and My main jet on carb was in the bowl, so I fixed that did a quick clean and put it back together. I messed up the float levels and gas got in the oil......
since other stuff needed doing I tore it down.. way down, I decided fix it all.
NOW Im almost done cosmetics, tires, brakes (ALL THE BRAKES), revered all the hillbilly electrical work, church of clean carb job and new mixture screws,etc.
I did not do rings so what do you guys think? good compression good to go or...
and if Bigfitz happens to catch this thread.. yes sir valves are in spec acroos the board. did that
Ive read that these engines maintained can do 80 or 90 thousand? of course the rings one day will need to be done but is about 40,000 that day? if so I need to stop now and back up

 

The need to do Piston Rings depends on a great many factors.
How well and often the Bike got Oiled.
How well it got "Treated"
How hard it got ridden.
How experienced the owners were that rode the bike.

Oil being the at the Top of the list.

If you are within specs: Ride.

Change the Rings as needed.
Change the Timing Chain at 60,000

 

the thread

Allow me to clarify my comment - -

The other guy had a motor halfway apart, showing 14,xxx miles, on a previously running motor. I'm guessing he has a galled valve guide causing the valve to stick, and that his rings are fine.

His is the larger 1100 motor, but even the 650/750/900 motors are known to go 100,000 or more if well cared for. I meant to imply that even 40,000 is "nothing", and not saying it's the "wear limit".

But - at around 60,000 or more, the plastic chain guides start to disintegrate, the "ring" of the starter clutch can crack, a particular shifter spring can break, and a brand new clutch would be nice too.

 

Not to hijack this thread, but what makes you think it's a galled valve guide? You may very well be right, I'm just curious as to what your reasoning is since I'm still fairly new to motorcycles.

 

thanks guys, I can be an old worry hen sometimes. but this one is my girl. I like the kawi but I love this seca. And thanks for the info, Ill keep a watchfull eye one these choice areas.

people dont NOT change oil do they? That's just sinfull!

 

Well - - it won't close with over 100 LB spring pressure, it's the intake so I'm guessing it won't burn or warp, and . . .

I worked at a machine shop for 4 months, specifically grinding valves. Boxes and racks of valves. Intakes don't go bad. These were car and diesel valves.

 

Good enough for me. Thanks for the input I'll keep you posted.

 

You mean car and diesel intake valves don't go bad. You can sure as heck ruin a motorcycle intake valve by running it out of adjustment for long enough. I think I may still have a very interestingly melted/stretched one in my junk box, I'll have to see.

Most cars and diesels don't have 10K rpm redlines, and weren't designed to cruise at 6K.

I agree that a galled guide is more likely however.