1 week - suggestions on what to tackle

[Irishluck002]

So I've got a week off work and what looks to be good weather. I'm new to working on my bike (CL 200) but have made some progress over the summer (fixed all oil leaks, carbs cleaned and rebuilt, clutch rebuilt). Currently the bike will idle at about 1,800 once warm (smoothly at least), and climbs evenly through each gear except I don't really get anything out of 5th (can get to about 60mph in 4th and then 5th gear I can get maybe to 63 or 64 but really just good for maintaining speed and maybe even losing speed). I've rebuilt my clutch and carbs. Need to do valve height and timing still. I've never done a compression test on the bike, and everything I do will be on my own without any guidance (short of online).

If this was your project, what would you address next? I just bought some feeler gauges but I'm a bit nervous about setting the valve height and timing (will have to buy or borrow a timing light). Would those potentially fix my 5th gear lack of power? I'm aware my carbs could be synced a bit better; but I've been putting that off because its a pain to remove the exhaust to remove the air filter to allow access to the left carb to mechanically synch on the CL model (saw a good method that suggested using Popsicle sticks to check of movement, since these carbs have no vacuum ports to use a sync tool).

Anyway, I've got a week and the weather should be good (my work space is my driveway). What would you suggest; try to do all of the above? One of the above? Ride as is and figure it out next spring? Any tips or suggestions are more than welcome.

Thanks,

 

[Big R]

A compression tester can be "loaned" from Advanced or Auto Zone - you pay for it, then get your money back when it's returned. You'll need the proper attachment for your spark plug threads though.

The valves are easy to check - that's why they call to do them every couple hundred miles or whatever. Just make sure the motor is stone cold or you'll be chasing your tail. And if you just do a static timing check, you'll be better off (spark plug lights up at the timing mark). Again, easy to do - just make sure your battery is on a tender since leaving the ignition on can drain it quickly. I think a timing light might also be one of those loaner tools from an auto parts store?

 

[Tim]

In this order:

Cam chain tension
Valve adjustment
Timing (static is fine for the moment - don't need a strobe although I use one and wouldn't do it any other way). I use a second 12v battery to power my timing light as my battery is tucked up under my seat.

Then give some thought to syncing the carbs.