6th gear useless, can't even max out 5

[Narsil]

Hey, I just posted about an inconsistent idle issue, and this may be related, but we'll see.

The other issue (I assume it's not normal) with this bike (2000 GZ250 Marauder I bought for the Wife to learn on) is that it maxes out at about 110kph, in 5th gear, full throttle. Trouble is, there's till more room in 5th, RPM is not even close to redline, and it won't rev higher. 6th gear is useless, you loose speed.

I'm thinking of rebuilding the top end, assuming that's where my idle issue lies, and that this may be related. I tested compression, I don't remember what the reading was but it was well over 100psi, I want to say like 130psi maybe, I'll have to check that again. I cleaned the carb (90' soapy water for a few hours, compressed air through all passages, acetone, more air).

I'm wondering if maybe this is normal for this bike, since it is only a 250? The spedometer doesn't go much higher than 110kph, but it seams weird that 6th gear is no usable. I was thinking of changing the sprockets to gear it down and get some actual use out of 6th.

I've love to hear about anyone elses takes on this, your experiences in this area. Any ideas or knowledge sharing would be appriciated!!

[alantf]

There is no 6th gear!