Motorcycle Repair: CX500 wont start, engine cranks, honda cx500

Question
I have a 979 Honda CX500 that was given to me and I don't know how long it sat but it can be measured in years rather than months.  The stator has been replaced, all fluids drained and replaced, new spark plugs installed, and a new starter put on as it was missing from the bike completely.  The engine cranks and once in a while will sputter like its trying to turn over, and sometimes it backfires.  Carbs have been cleaned and fuel flows to them.  Could it not be firing due to problems with ignition coils or rectifier?

Answer
Rob, you need to have compression of 140 psi or higher, the right fuel to air mixture, and the ignition timing set correctly. You can quickly see if it has spark by pulling the plugs and lay them on the head as you crank the engine.  You should see a crisp blue spark.  You can also check the plugs to see if they are black or wet with fuel.

I'm afraid you will have to check those one at a time to make sure each of them are set correctly.

Regards
Rich