I called Les and asked him for input on this... Even with the low hours on your bike, your rings might be worn if you were "sucking dirt". Start by getting a good baseline reading without putting a light oil in the cylinder (Ron recommended wd-40). Hold the throttle wide open and kick it as hard as you can repeatedly and note what the guage peaks out at.
Then spray some wd-40 down the spark plug hole and repeat the process. If the reading goes up measurably - it would indicate worn rings, so plan on replacing them while the top end is apart (and check the condition of piston & cylinder, etc.). Note this higher compression reading and send it along with your cylinder to Ron.
Les also said two different guys will get two different compression readings and that it was best to get a baseline when the top end is fresh and then monitor compression as the engine wears. A 10% drop in compression from the 'new' value would be a good indication to freshen the top end, etc.
Ron might have something to add here....
jeff
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