'84 Spree losing power

[oakdog]

Hi all,

I looked around for similar topics but found nothing, so I hope someone may be able to help with this problem.

I have a 1984 Iowa Spree with about 2800 miles on it. Being an Iowa, it normally tops out at 24mph, and has little trouble accelerating to top speed.

Recently, however, it has started to struggle, and seems to be getting worse.

On straight-aways, WOT, it has recently started to top out at 20 mph. Occasionally, it will find a little extra juice in it and accelerate slightly, but it is not sustained. The problem persists down hills. Previously, I could cruise down a big hill and approach 30mph, but now I'm lucky to get 24 down the same hills.

Going uphill is more problematic still. Sometimes the power will be very minimal, and I might end up plodding up a hill at around 15 mph or even less.

The engine seems to sound fine, which makes me think it has something to do with the gearing. It sort of feels as though the bike can't find the right gear to be in...as though it has the power it needs, but can't get it to the wheels.

I would love any advice on this topic - and will be happy to answer any questions that may help clarify my problem.

Thanks in advance.

[jsun3thousand]

What's the compression? The spree only has one gear.

[oakdog]

What's the compression? The spree only has one gear.

I don't really know, and am not sure how to figure that out.

(I haven't really taken the time to tear it apart and get my hands dirty yet. It's my daily commuter so I'm hoping I can just putter on till the weekend).

[Bear45-70]

What's the compression? The spree only has one gear.

I don't really know, and am not sure how to figure that out.

(I haven't really taken the time to tear it apart and get my hands dirty yet. It's my daily commuter so I'm hoping I can just putter on till the weekend).

You buy a compression gauge and take the spark plug out and screw in the gauge and crank the mother over until the needle stops climbing then read the gauge. If the number is below 114 PSI you need to pull the head.

Cheapie here; http://www.harborfreight.com/flex-drive ... 92697.html

Better here; http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-conn ... 95187.html

However after the compression check and if it is good, I would replaces the belt, check the clutch shoes and de-carbonize the exhaust, while at it I would remove the restictor washer in the pipe mouth and have a slight faster scooter.