Motorcycle Repair: 1983 honda shadow 750, honda shadow 750, combustion gases

Question
I just bought this bike from a friend of a friend and I was having a problem getting it to go over 60 mph, I found a vacuum leak at the carb and fixed it but that didn't help, I replaced all 4 plugs and that didn't help, I bought a compression test gauge and the front cylinder is at 70 psi and the back is at 50 psi, what else can i do?

Answer
Dan, those compression numbers are way low.  I would have expected them to be in the 140-150 range.  Try squirting just a little bit of engine oil in the cylinders through the plug holes. and take another compression reading.  Not too much or you'll be taking an oil bath.

If the compression come up to the normal range you're looking at a top end overhaul because the combustion gases are leaking past the rings.  If the numbers don't come up much the air is leaking past the valves and you may be able to adjust them and get them to seal properly.  If the valves are properly adjusted, you again looking at a top end overhaul.

Sorry for the late response, I've been out of town on vacation.  

Regards,
Rich