1) is it better to do a compression test with cold or warm engine; I've read advocates for either side.
2) in doing the compression test, do you kick a set number of times (e.g., 5), or do you keep kicking until the compression reading no longer increases? Again, I've read differing opinions elsewhere on this.
Now the reason behind the questions: My bike has slowly but surely over the last 3 months become harder to start from cold - not awful, but 4-5 kicks have become more like 12-15. I was thinking colder weather, bike sits until weekend, not a major concern. Then for the last month or so, it sometimes doesn't want to start after I stop for gas. Feels like very little compression. But I can bump start it no problem and off I go, running fine. So I thought, check compression. I did this with the engine warm. At 5 kicks, both cylinders read 110 or so. Keep kicking another 5-7 times, and it builds to 117/120, which seems okay. So does this suggest rings are okay? I have 12,000 km on these rings since a complete new top end. What is the approx. service life on rings for basic street riding? (I could swear I remember Andy posting something on this, but I can't for the life of me find it doing multiple searches!)
If not the rings, any other thoughts on possible causes of the hard re-starting? Answers to any or all these questions would be greatly appreciated.
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-Jim
'93 MC21