>>1287264Bikes have 3 major systems: Chassis, Electrical, and Engine.
They all work together, but for repair/maintenance, think of them as separate pieces to the system.
Chassis ... Check over things like steering, axles, brakes, clutch, forks/suspension. Clean up and repair/replace as necessary.
Electrical can be more difficult to test, fortunately dirt bikes and older ones tend to be fairly simple to diagnose and repair. Power generation in things like stator, voltage reg/rect, battery. Ignition from stator ignition coil, CDI, coil, plug(s)/wire(s). Rest of it (lights, accessories) is all secondary and can usually be troubleshot with a test lamp or DMM.
Engine ... if it's as fucked as you make it sound like it is, get it on the bench and start tearing things down to clean up and inspect. Go through the carb, knock that down and make sure all the passages are clear, seals/springs/etc are in good condition. Wear safety glasses, fuel and carb cleaner in the eye sucks.
Same deal, repair/replace parts as necessary. Tear it down till you're comfortable with what you're seeing.
I was hoping the bearing rattle i've been hearing was in the top end, cam/rockers... turns out it's something in the crank. So I'm pulling shit apart until I can put my finger on whatever's making my oil glittery.
Gives me a chance to have the cylinder replated (shipped that out this morning) and crank serviced though. It's time to give this bike some love.
