Motorcycle Repair: 1979 Yamaha 1100 xs Special Compression, yamaha 1100, compression tester

Question
is there a way I can do a 4 cylinder compression test without professional help?

Answer
Yes. You need to get a compression tester which has the fittings for your bike. Take out the spark plugs and bring one to your auto-supply place and tell them its for a bike. They will sell you a compression tester.

Do this with a fully warmed up motor: remove the tank and hook up the tester to the left most (#1) cylinder. Leave the spark plugs off the rest of the cylinders.

Now hold the throttle fully open and crank the starter. You will see the needle on the tester jump and settle on a number. Write that down and repeat for the remaining cylinders.