Motorcycle Repair: 1994 suzuki dr 350, suzuki dr 350, valve clearances

Question
HELLO MARK, I HAVE A QUESTION ON MY DR 350, I CAN'T SEEM TO GET IT TO START BY KICKING IT. IT WILL HOWEVER START IF I POP START IT, THOUGH IT WILL ONLY RUN FOR A FEW MINUTE'S. IT WON'T EVEN POP WHEN I KICK IT, IWAS WONDERING IF MAYBE IT HAS A BAD VALVE? ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREAT .
                        THANKS, DOUG

Answer
Hi Doug,

To check for a bad or worn valve, perform a cylinder compression check and a leak-down test. These tests will indicate the conditon of the engine and alert to possible problems.

If a valve is bad, it be difficult to start either way.

When was the valve clearances last adjusted? Check valve clearances and adjust as necessary.

Keep me advised of your progress. I'll need your email address as requested to return repair and test information files.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively