Motorcycle Repair: inconsistent starts, cmx 450, volt ohm meter

Question
I've got a cmx 450 honda rebel from 1986.  I bought a new battery for it but I end up roll starting it half the time.  The battery isn't weak, it just won't fire up half the time, especially in the morning when it's cooler.  Spark seems to be good and acid level in battery is fine.  What else could be the trouble?

Answer
Dustin, if you put a volt ohm meter on the battery and check the voltage when you are trying to start the engine. If it drops below 8.5 volts, the starter may be dragging and may need to be replaced.  If the starter is okay, you may just need to clean the carbs.  If the carbs are richening up the mixture properly when the choke is on, the engine will be hard to start and you will tend to crank it much longer trying to get it started.

Regards
Rich