Motorcycle Repair: suzuki gs450 1981, suzuki gs450, carburetor jets

Question
I started it but after 4 min. it just died, tried again and it wont start, just backfire... waited an hour, got it started...same thing..any ideas

Answer
Jeff,

some of the early models still had
contact point ignitions which
require maintenance occasionally.

The point gaps are set about .014"
and the points timed to break open
when the flywheel rotor marks align.

Other problems could be from
a lack of fuel due to bad
gas tank petcock or fuel valve.
Also plugged fuel filter or varnished
gas clogging carburetor jets and/or
passageways.

Even a bad spark plug is trouble.

Check for loose battery cables or
a poor battery as well.

Check for spark, and try some wd40 or
carb cleaner in the carb mouth
to determine if it is lacking fuel.