I see a few different head gaskets online for sale. I noticed Cometic makes one, I have used those on lower hp car engines I build with decent results. Are they good for these or?
Thanks for all your help as these things are japanese to me

Kurt

 

They shoud be Japanese to you. They ARE Japanese. LOL
I use stock gaskets but any will do.

 

That was the joke

The funny thing is I bought a brand new Suzuki in 2006 and it was built in China

Kurt

 

Got me. LMAO

 

I found a dead mouse under the air shroud around the head when I took the plastics off the first time... I was waiting for the post- "Well, I found out what the smell was..."

 

I think the smell was the leak during combustion overheating the plastic. Should have the new gasket tomorrow and be back running.
Still checking out the brakes, shoes look good. It seems like the cable might have a little more drag than it should.

Kurt

 

Running well again!
I took off the rear brake lever and re clocked it back, this brought my adjustment in range so the rear brakes work good now. The front brakes seem good at the wheels, so going for new cables next.

Kurt

 

The front brake cables are new now, they still work poorly although they are better. Any suggestions on getting better brakes?
The rear seems to need adjustment about every 3 hours of riding, that seem normal?

Kurt

 

The pins that go thru the backing plate need lubrication.
You have to remove the front tire/hub and front brakes. Then take the arm off the pin. Remove the pin and lubricate. They should work like new.
Clean/scuff the brakes and such while in there.
Rear brakes: Could the rider be pushing on the brake lever while riding? This is what usually does that.

 

I took the right front wheel apart before I bought the cables and the pin felt free, but I did not remove it. I will take it all the way apart and lube it up.
The rear brake he is not riding it, in fact he does not use it that much. Not sure if maybe it is about to lose that cable.

Kurt