left pipe hotter than right pipe........

[joeyg]

Ok here goes.My left pipe is hotter than my right pipe on an xs 650.Also the plug on the left side is running really lean.I had some popping issues b4 (still having them) but have replaced the exaust port gasgets.I bought the bike used & think the guy who owned it b4 modified the carbs and the exaust but was fouling plugs badly.I put what I think is the orignal carbs back on.What can I do to rectify the for once and for all. Thanks for any advice.

[grizld1]

Well, you start by making no assumptions. First check compression. If there's a big difference with the weakness on the right, you've found your problem. Then adjust cam chain tension. Then inspect valve lash. Then inspect breaker point condition, gap and timing (if so equipped; you haven't given much information here) and make sure you have a good hot spark on both sides. Then you can turn to tuning the carbs. Check sync. first. My crystral ball in down for rebuild, so to get any more guidance on this you'll need to tell which carbs you have, what brass is in them, and what if any exhaust and intake mods are in place.

[brian]

I had the same problem on my bike. Come to find out it was a bad spark plug. Was gfiring sometimes and not other times.