how do i know if rings are bad 84 250r

[demonband2000]

I just got this old warhorse 84 250r from original owner, its complete but not pristine. Fender are sorta faded and cracked, rear brake cylinder need repair. But it runs ok.

However, the owner said it could use rings since its been a while since he put them in before. I don't want to mess with them if I don't have to.

Bike starts up first kick or two, warm or cold,. Firm and strong kick needed. Idles good, doesn't foul plugs
Seems to run strong and wheelie prone, raced my kid blaster and while he got the jump, by 3rd gear I blew past him, even with flat tires.

Powerband on it seems, idk. Very midrangy, of and its all stock, pipe and everything.

So if it runs good, do I mess with it?

I don't have a good compression tester, so what signs should I look for? Do I have to worry about rebuilding it now?

[Yamaha_Rules69]

A compression test would be the best way to tell if the rings are worn, if your not going to take the top end off and do a ring-end gap test using feeler guages. If you think it runs good, run it till she blows, then rebuild it! Just keep an eye on jetting - by doing plug chops. If it runs really hot, it is lean, and somthing will have to be addressed (an air leak most likely) Good luck!

[demonband2000]

So if I do re ring it, can I just buy rings? Do I need new gaskets? Do I need to hone the cylinder, or can I just throw them in?

[Iprefer3]

Just leave it alone (if it aint broke don't fix it). If your gonna do rings you may as we'll do piston and have a cross hatch put back in the cylinder as well. But I wouldn't do a thing if it feels strong.

[demonband2000]

Seems to feel strong enough. I realize its a old bike, and I'm not expecting super race performance out of it just so long as it starts and runs good. Id probably gain more not driving with flat tires. The front is really bad. At least the backs being out of air still kinda hold the bike up, the front tire is on the rim and the sidewall are throwing ro@ks everywhere.

[dainpstewart]

dude, im not sure you should be racing anything without air in your tires....hahaha

[demonband2000]

Yeah I know, I just had to put the smackdown on my kids blaster first.