MOPED ARMY

It could be that the variator at the rear wheel is locked in top speed mode, which would allow you to hit a nice speed, eventually. I'd have a look at the variator and see if it's expanding and contracting normally when you give it fuel. You should be able to put it up on the stand and give it a go.

Thanks for the responses,

There doesn't appear to be a variator, just two pulleys and a belt. I'll measure them as soon as it gets home (girlfriend rode it away to class this morning)

In regards to starting it. It's generally started on it's center stand. Cold and with the choke, it starts by the 2nd or 3rd time around. When it's moving, it's about....5 feet or so.

I'll run it and do a chop tonight and report. I've been debating ordering new shoes from zippymopeds but wanted to get some thoughts first.

Offhand...I believe compression to be good (I haven't gauged it but the whole shadetree thumb trick worked well). There isn't a head gasket on it, however. There wasn't one on the original engine or the replacement engine it came with. Seemed odd to me but again, compression seemed good enough.

I'll post pics with more info!