solved???

finally i managed to made it to Houston, TX. Got to the mechnic at "Houston Bike Exchange' and i must say that Tommy is the best salesman ever lived!

Clutch issue: he suggested me to use the fully syntetic engine oil. with out my acknoledgement, he test drove my bike, ride into the workshop and ask his mechnic to drain my old engine oil and start working.

he said he is afraid that if he is going to get parts, he couldnt get any so changing the engine oil might help.

It has been 40000km since that i have not do any valve clearance. he made the mechnic to do a compression ratio on my bike, results:

front 160pounds
rear 140pounds

where the XRV manual stated: 185. that means that i have to do valve clearance!

he tried to show me some wierd stuff in his workshop saying that he do not know how to do valve clearance.

results: i ended up paying for US$245.29 for something which i can do myself like changing sparks plug, engine oil and oil filter.

then i test ride the bike,

with that oil, it became worse!

he just try to escape my question, made it complicated for me by using all the technical terms where i do not know. also one of my spark plug was stucked inside because the thread was broken. i wanted him to do the job but he said it should be ok to leave it inside. com'on, sooner or later i would need to change that spark plug!

what can i do? is all american workshop like that? i am dissappointed.

Oh god !! That mechanic was an IDIOT !!!! He stole your money man. If he can't do a simple job like valve clearances, he is not a mechanic ! Maybe try to get your money back.

My friend.. I think you need to find a good honest workshop in the USA. I am sure there are plenty of them. Ask the question here or on Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum. I am sure you will get help on that site (many Americans on there)

With no disrespect, I think the problems on your bike need to be looked at by a competent mechanic with correct tooks and knowledge. Your bike has many problems and I dont think they can safely be fixed using a forum.

The threads can be repaired on the spark plug (it needs to be fixed. Maybe it is leaking causing low compression)..

Low compression can be many things, but yes..Valves should be checked first. It could be badly worn piston rings or leaking head gasket (which would also explain the burning of oil)... Do you have smoke when you start the bike ????

I really think you should not go any further without finding a good mechanic. You maybe looking at spending $800-$1000 to fix all these problems.

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.