Hello,anotherFNG here.I have an '02 with 19000 miles that became hard to start,then needed more and more choke to run decently.After sitting for 2 weeks,cheked fuel and spark,both good,then found only35psi in cylinder,wet or dry.Ran the valves,double checked de-comp cable...all seems good....this is where it gets wierd.Figued I'd test for blown head gasket by pressurizing the cylinder my compressor then listen for leak or use soapy water...no leak...and the engine held 90psi steady for 3 hours.So.......the rings,valves and gasket are all good.Found this site the other day and learned more in three hours than in the previous 4 yearsso if there is a logical answer,you guys will know where I go next.Suggestions?

Thanks,Lancer.When I crank for compression test it will only come up to 35psi,yet  at TDC, all valves cloed,I can pump in 90psi w/an air compressor and have absolutely no leakdown,meaing no cooked or bent valves,perfect ring seal and a solid head gasket.Do these timing chains jump?Thanks so much for the input,this forum is very educational as well as entertaining...nice group of people

Seems to me I did A compression test about 2 years ago and had around 140 psi...well,back to my top secret laboratory to disconnect the de-comp cable and test that theory..will be back shortly...thanks,Tim

Relized when I got out there that I'd have to put the cyl head cover back on to test...then my grand daughter came over...not looking forward to that if indeed the head has to come off.Anyhow,I had the bike in neutral and at TDC because I had just pulled the cover and you have to relieve the sring pressure on the cam.My neighbor made me a compression adapter from a hogged out spark plug,so I just plugged it into my air compressor,which had 90 psi in it.Ten I waited and listened.NothingI guess the motor is tight, but it cranks over easily.I need to read up on the witness marks for the cam timing but dont know if I can disturb the engine whie rocker cover is off.And they wonder why I drink!

99% sure You don't have any compression issues.If You are cranking the engine the normal way, the decompressor keeps the EX valve open. The leak-down test is 10 times more acurate.
Two possibilities:
1. Fuel- carb issue
2. Spark-battery. Make sure the battery is FULLY charged before You start chasing Your tail. And make sure the spark plug is good, because it might have gotten contaminated while cranking the engine.
Luck !

I can say 20k is the norm on the timing chain life expectancy and your tensioner is probably maxed and the bore on the tensioner is probably hogged out and ready to drop the tensioner cylinder. Mine was @ 21k and from a search of the good folks here that does seem to be the standard.

Kev

20k? really? ??? wow, that is hardly two years of riding.    bummer, is there a better part?