Recent purchase of a 1986 honda NV400. Bought cheap to get through my learners period and do things legit. Seller advised of oil leak, bugger all compared to my 30 year old diesel 4x4 so I wasn't phased. Just kept it topped up (100-200 ml per fortnight).
Then out on a ride lost power considerably heading uphill. Bike was hot, let it cool and checked oil and water both good. Rode home, fine once cool.
Next day same thing, same response but was further from home and figured I'd soldier thinking I was through the worst of the hills. Bout 10km later same issue but worse, fair bit of smoke according to mate following.
NOW will start but not idle without throttle. Rear cylinder has very low compression (according to my thumb) and front is good.
I'm thinking rings or valves, there is no obvious gasket leak and no symptoms of water in the oil.
Is there a way to tell without pulling the head off it? How about getting new valves/guides or rings for this thing? From what I can find there are a lot of similarities between nv400 engine and the vt500. will these parts be interchangeable?
Is there another more common engine I could replace this with if parts are going to be a prick to find?
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