Motorcycle Repair: 79 cx 500, valve clearances, rat nest

Question
just purchased the bike for my wife,the bike fires right up runs smooth but when i gun it it's slow to react try to ride no power in the lower rpm's when it warms it's a little better.when i tested the bike before i bought it it sounded great but now i hear ever so slightly, what sound like a bad lifter.with a stethoscope can't isolate the location

Answer
Hi Mark,

The performance problem sounds as if the carburetors are excessively rich. Check the appearance of the spark plugs to know. Plugs are likely black & sooty.

If carbs are rich, check for air intake restrictions such as dirty air filter or bee/rat nest in airbox, etc... The carbs may need thoroughly cleaned and synchronized.

If air intake appears unrestricted, the carbs will need attention to correct the air-fuel mixtures. I recommend having a local tech perform this work for you.

Ticking/tapping sounds are normal, but may indcate a problem. The sounds may be the result of loose valve clearances or camshaft timing chain. Quiet ticking is alright- it's difficult to describe sounds.  Louder sounds should be inspected by a local tech.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively