Motorcycle Repair: starting problems, ct honda, valve clearances

Question
Hi there
We have a 1970 CT honda minitrail, we went out to start the bike and on the second kick it fired up.  It ran for about 3-5 seconds and stalled.  Now I can not get it to fire up at all.  I even tried push starting it.  I am getting a spark when pulling the plug but am wondering if it is sparking when re-inserted.

thanks
Troy

Answer
Hi,  got gas in the tank? Petcock ON or RESERVE? Choke on? Ever checked the valve clearances?  .002" but they do need to have that much to run. Fouled spark plug? Always start with a fresh one, if you can.  Make sure that it has a decent battery installed. If it is dead or missing, the charging system goes full tilt and will blow out any light bulbs in the system.

Drain the carburetor and get some fresh fuel in the float bowl. If it has been sitting awhile, you will have to remove the idle jet and clean it out. They plug up easily with today's fuels and more than a couple of weeks of sitting...

Bill Silver