Well, I was able to get the rocker box lid off without removing the tank and the rocker arms looked good. Nothing obvious like a break or loose roller bearings that have broken. I'll get it put back together and look at the plug again. Earlier, I put a voltage meter on the plug wire and got 14V on the cycle, so I feel sure I'm getting fire. I put a plug in the wire and turned the motor over and when I got my hand a little close, it jumped out and bit me. After changing my underwear, I came to the assumption that I was getting a spark to the plug. Something's just not adding up. Should I be able to pull the wire while the bike is running without getting shocked? I cranked the bike and removed the plug wire and the motor did not change in the way it was running, so I know I"m not getting fire and/or gas in that cylinder.I would probably go back to the sparkplug. Did you pull it and turn the motor over to verify if it's sparking? If not do so.
I would assume that if you had any problems with a lifter, valve or rocker you would HEAR it.
Lets go back to the spark.
Yes! I held the plug with a pair of pliers and set it against the jug to ground and sparks are quite visible. Also, while I had the push rods visible, I pulled the plugs, put the bike in 6th gear and rotated the wheel. The rods are moving so I would assume the flat spot on the cam lobe is not really what is wrong here. However, I didn't rotate the wheel when I had the rocker box lid off. This might have confirmed that the valve is being depressed. If need be, I'll take the lid off again and do that. :bang::bang::bang:
I have not done a compression test. Could low compression cause the cylinder not to fire? I would think it would fire but just may not have the power that it should. There is no fire at all on that cylinder. The exhaust is cold and removing the plug wire while running does not affect anything.
Absolutely! And a decent sized leak IN the cylinder of any sort (intake, exhaust, or rings) could make that happen. There wouldn't be any suction to draw in the air/fuel mix. The intake manifold is attached to the cylinder tightly, right?
Dennis is dead on the money. I gave my bike the "finger" test. Lots of compression on the front cylinder. Absolutely none on the rear. Damn near a vaccume!
With that mystery being solved, can you give me a few scenarios that would cause this? From your reply, bad rings for sure. I guess that I'm in for a full breakdown of the cylinder, rocker box, head and jug. I have 12 point sockets. Any other special tools needed for this? Just bragging on the sockets Ray. Thanks guys. I may not like the fact that I'm down, but it's great to have you guys on this forum. I feel sure I can do the work. With the forum I may never take that bike back to a stealership. 
This could be anything that "vents" your cylinder to the outside air (or crankcase) like:
Is there a "how to" or is it a simple procedure once you know how? I just went out and checked the Compression relief valve to see if it was operational. It appears to be working. It sucks in for about 1 second the moment you push the start button and then pops back up after that second. Does this rule out that valve? Could the valve not be releasing all the way back up? Should I be able to feel pressure coming from the top of the rocker box at this valve while the motor is running if this is the cause for loss of compression? Just a few questions to ponder on.
That pretty much says it's working.
Even if it wasn't popping all the way up the cylinder should have enough compression to fire, after all, even when the valve is fully open the engine fires.
I suppose that would be possible if the valve had a major leak in it.
You got that right!
You got that right. Expensive adventure for me for sure but probably necessary after seeing the rear valve guide.
I was thinking that originally but when he said there was absolutely no compression it seemed to somewhat rule that out. After all, even if there were an intake leak there should still be compression once the intake valve closes and the piston heads in the opposite direction.
I agree 110% that's why a said "carb AND pipes". Guess I should have said "exhaust" pipes just to be sure I was making myself clear. Thanks WB! :up:
I don't know if you're referring to me but if you are don't sweat it, I'm here to help and learn just like everyone else! :2thumbs:
