Motorcycle Repair: RC-51 not starting all of a sudden, 2001 honda rc51, fuel leak


Question
Mr. Walker,
    Ive got a 2001 Honda RC51/RVT1000 with about 7600 miles on it. Its never given me a problem until today, somebody came to look at it to buy it and he turned it on sat on it and listened to it, and he loved it. He already shook my hand and pulled out cash, but I told him to ride it first. When he came back from the ride, he said it didnt feel like he expected it too, he said it should of had a little more "POP" He said he didnt really feel the torque. I figured maybe the bike just wasnt what he expected, because for me the bike comes up in first gear very easy. Anyhow, I went to get on it earlier, and it started but then quickly shut off. So i restarted it and let it run for a few minutes, with the throttle out, when I closed the throttle the bike hesitated then quickly shut off again. I shook the bike to make sure there was gas, and I heard a little bit of gas, not too much, but enough to get it running, because it has a fuel leak so im always checking it. I have felt it with alot less gas and still gave me no problems and got me to the corner gas station just fine. Every time I started it up, if i sat on it, and leveled it, it would shut off. So i went to get some gas and got Premium unleaded to make sure it wasnt watered down. I put the gas in it, and nothing changed, it stays on, and sounds very weak, until i get on it and try to take off then shuts off. I tried to give it gas and go down the street and it was bogging out then turned off, and now it wont turn on at all. Spark plugs are pretty knew and so is the oil. Sorry for the long story, but I felt details were important. What do u think?

Answer
Sam, sounds to me like 1 or 2 of the plugs may be fouled out. ( this may be why it has no "POP") Try changing the plugs first. DO NOT CLEAN THEM!! Change them out. Even if a plug looks good and sparks outside of the bike it can be faulty under compression. Try this first and get back with me..