I think I've blown a head gasket

On the mouth of the carb is a large vent at the top. Lift the slide, put your thumb over it and see if the slide drops fast or slow. It might also be sticking.
Steve

swest wrote: On the mouth of the carb is a large vent at the top. Lift the slide, put your thumb over it and see if the slide drops fast or slow. It might also be sticking.
Steve

is fast or slow preferred?

Slow.
Steve

I don't think the issue is the head gasket. Your compression numbers wouldn't be so good.

Most likely the bike is dropping a cylinder. Could be ignition or carbs related.

From a cold start you might want to check to see if all the exhaust headers are getting hot. Just be careful to not burn yourself. This will help you figure out which cylinder is the offender.

Already checked pipes at idle. They're all firing then.

swest wrote: spark advance
points and condensers, if electronic, (suspect)
Steve

If points set dwell and check TIMING. If electronic test the unit for continuity - like Steve said it could be bad. Also make sure the spark plug wires are cleanly connected and spark plug caps are good. Make sure spark plug wires are going to the right plug.

Often times it's a simple fix, don't overlook the basics before getting into major work - these bikes are built to last.

...just my 79 cents

Thanks all. It appears I had a blown exhaust gasket not a head gasket. But I still need to figure out the culprit.

For the record this bike has the original induction timing, Not points though I have seen the Maxdwell system.

I'm going to slow down and go through everything slowly and methodically and shoot for having it back on the road next week. besides i need to fashion some decent exhaust hangers or I'll probably wreck something the first decent bump I hit..