Motorcycle Repair: bringing my panhead back to life, panhead, tolerence

Question
I have a 91in STD Panhead that was put together in 1993.It sat for 14 years while I was in prison & I am now bringing it back to life. Ive rebuilt the S&S Super E carb,replaced the plugs,points,condenser,coil,& battery......The bike idles,runs,accelerates,& rides like a charm,but is a nightmare to get STARTED.......Once it DOES start, everything is great,but Im kicking my leg off to make it happen..........The plugs look wet,the tops of the pistons look black & wet, & I think Im getting some gas in my oil.......What do you think could be going on? HELP.....

Answer
Your first problem is the sitting for the 14 years. You probably got a rust ring in the cylinders that is letting fuel and oil pass back and forth. Also, it sounds like when you are trying to start it you are flooding it. If you are running points make sure they are not burned and that your plugs are gapped correctly and that your timing is not to far advanced.
I would pull the cylinders and check them to make sure they are clean and within tolerence. When you try to start it, give it a couple of shots of gas with the throttle, open the choke and kick it over a couple of times with the ignition off. Shut the choke off about half, turn the ignition on and kick it.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike