Motorcycle Repair: overheating ironhead, leak gas, spark plug

Question
QUESTION: I am looking at a79, every time I take it for a test drive
It has a hard time warming up -needs choke
runs good a short time-5 miles
gets super hot and will die and not restart.
Bike has sat 6 months. has a 20 over from times past and will leak gas and is running rich
carb? ignition? stock carb, can it be rebuilt or should I buy a carb
thanks Ed

ANSWER: Pull a spark plug and let me know what color it is
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: normal, a small amount of carbon (black)

Answer
First thing you need to do is determine why its shutting off. When it shuts off pull a spark plug and hold the plug to the head and turn the bike over. Are you getting spark? Where is the carb leaking from, the overflow? that will cause the bike to shut off.
Mike