Motorcycle Repair: Coughing and Sneezing, charging system, chix

Question
I have a Q-Link Legend 250. 2008, less than a 1,000 miles.  Her name is Betty.  I think she has a cold.  Every I shift to 2nd gear, she stalls out, and coughs. If I shift real quick to 1st its like a sneeze.   I have added carb.  cleaner (chix soup) and not sure what to do for her now.  
Thanks for your help!
Jen


Answer
Check your spark plug for color. If its sooty or wet you are either running rich or may have issues with the battery or charging system. If its white or looks burned you are running lean and may have plugged jets in the carbs. I like to start with the plug color.