Motorcycle Repair: xr500 problems, cam timing, delivery problem

Question
I got a 1983 xr500r and i put new carbs on it because the person i got it off of said it needed it so i did and it still wont start i got it to back fire a few time but thats about it so i asked my friend and he said it sounds like the timing..

When i try to kick it over it has compression and sounds like it wants to start but it just wont

Answer
Justin, it either fuel, ignition or compression.  I can't tell from where I'm sitting which one is the most likely cause.  I'm assuming when you kick the bike over, it feels like normal compression.  If that's the case, it's either fuel delivery or timing.  Pull the plugs and see if they are wet with fuel.  Then lay the plug against the head and kick the engine over to see if it has spark.  If it sparks, you're probably looking at a fuel delivery problem.  Could be old gas, or gummed up carbs.

Last but not least, the cam timing could have jumped time if the engine hase been making a lot of noise lately.

Regards
Rich