Motorcycle Repair: 1994 Yamaha FZR 1000, proper air flow, yamaha fzr 1000

Question
I have a 1994 Yamaha FZR 1000 that was running great up until a month ago.  I was able to run the bike over 4 RPMs in 1st and 2nd gear, but in each gear after that it would started to bog out at exactly 4 RPMs.  A friend suggested that it was most likely the cam chain.  Is this something that a amateur mechanic can fix?  I got a quote to repair it for $650, the part cost $22.00.  Is this right?

Answer
Hi Josh,

1st things 1st, If you cannot run the bike above 4k rpm, chances are good a few different things could be causing this, #1, does your bike have an air box? If not, this will happen.you need proper air flow for the bike to run to its potential. #2 check the slides inside the carbs, if they are frozen in the base position, from the bike sitting too long....this will happen. #3, If you DO have an air box and an air filter in the air box, make sure the filter is clean, as not getting enough air will also cause this....

Whom ever told you a cam chain will cause this, really needs a tad more schooling, ive done this for almost 20 years and have yet to see this the cause of this issue....Ive been wrong before, but if the bike doesnt make and "chain slapping" noise, then your cam chain is fine...I would just hate to see you dump a bunch of $$ into something you could do free yourself..

Hope this helps!!

~Mark Panka