While preparing to tear down my 85 K100RT and removing the exhaust, I noted that of the four exhaust pipes only front pipe (closest to the front wheel) has a bit of sheen/moist oil at the top of the pipe. All other pipes simply had dark carbon in the top of the pipes. I am thinking that this leans toward a valve problem where the wet area is in the first pipe. Any thoughts?

Thanks.



Paul

Possible but the most likely explanation is that it was left on the side stand and as with many bricks the oil from above the cylinder drains into the bore and slowly past the rings into the cylinder and if the ex valve is open then into the exhaust pipe.
Give it a compression test then squirt some engine oil into each cylinder.
150 is good 140 is ok 130 is fairly good but if the comp is down to say 100 at 1st test and rises to 140-150 after the oil then rings are cactus but if comp is down and does not come up with the oil then valves are cactus.
You could do a leakdown test which will tell better where the problem is but you will probably not need to do it.

Rick,

Never considered the side stand - it actually leans a great deal more than it should - sounds like it may be a good possibility. I have drained the oil already and started to take it apart. I was very concerned about running the engine when I first saw it, as the fluids were really looking bad - all of them. I am going to have to do a visual when it is on the bench. What are my options for checking compression once the motor is drained and removed from the frame?

Great feedback - thanks.

If you can get the starter onto the engine and fasten the engine down then it should be possible to do.

If you got the engine off I'd go for a leak-down test. Gives you a bit more info.