For the past week and a half the bike has lost in performance, is not as responsive as usually is. I'm not sure what's going on with it. I checked the oil and there is plenty of it but I did notice that the oil is darker than when I bought it in August. I got the bike used and the guy who sold it to me said he got it serviced recently.

May the old oil be the problem? I rode all Fall and winter with the same oil...don't tell me I answered the question myself? lol

 

The oil hasn't been changed since August?? How much do you ride? If you ride a lot, change the damn oil already lol

 

The oil might need changed, but I doubt you'd notice any real performance issue just from needing a change......But, you might get some performance back when you clean the air filter if you're needing an oil change.

 

Is the fuel fresh? Low air in the tires will make it work harder also.

 

Thanks guys for the comments. The tires are good, I check the pressure every week; and I put 3,000 miles on the bike since August...is the answer THAT obvious?

 

Still,
the oil wont be the full reason for its lack of power. but you should change it, clean the air filter to while your at it. make sure your clutch line is still tight and there is no play in the throttle.

should be good to go once you give it that "spring overhaul"
even the best kept bikes feel a little rusty after a winter hibernation

 

Thanks for your advice! Tho the bike did not hibernate at all...I rode it several times a week all winter long

 

Then aircleaner clense and new oil should just about do it. I rode my bike probably once to twice a month for our winter season. NJ had a bad winter. it always snowed then got warm then snowed again. Hell, it's snowing right now and it's April. My bike is pissed at me cuz all i'm doing is polishing her up waiting for a break in this snow

 

Clean the Air filter,,,Mine at 3,500 miles looked only a little dirty,,
I threw It In the Dishwasher (when the wife was at work)
Dried it good,,stock filter btw,,,popped It back In,,,Oh yeah the snap was back !!
At 4,700 miles, Cleaned an re gapped the plugs. Oh yeah baby I could feel that to XD

Note:
When removed the plugs were only snug,,barely snug. No sign of blow by but still
check em now and then.

Wires last along time, they should feel supple and very plyable to bend.
Best way to check for voltage leaks Is to start the bike In a completely dark garage
and look for blue flashes,,Mist water from a spray bottle on em.
If ya get a light show,,,change em.

File all edges on the plug end flat, center electrode should be absolutly flat across,,I use 800
grit paper here.
Ground electrode should have sharp edges on ALL sufaces not just the side
that points to the center electrode..
I gapped to .39 loose but contact no drag

A plug Is a Plug, a clean plug Is all you need, Don't get suckerd into big bucks for
a fancy spark plug.
Iridium will last longer,,but why,,,the Stock Plugs are dirt cheap an go 10,000 plus miles......

 

Thanks, Osco! The bike has 7,000 miles....of which 4,000 where put by the first owner in 8 years...I doubt he ever cleaned the air filter...I'll wait for my GF to be out this weekend to do it lol...

Thanks again I'll check the plugs as well.