Motorcycle Repair: evo, intake leak, electrican

Question
QUESTION: hi mike ive just come across your web site and id like to ask you a question please,my 96 evo has been acting up,when its cold it runs like a bomb after a few miles maybe 6-7 if i slow down it starst backfireing on the front pot,ive changed the HT leads and the plugs swopped them over but it makes no differance,would a faulty coil effect just one pot,is there anything i can do to narrow done the fault?i know its a big question to answer but i would be grateful for any advice,with regards markus..
ANSWER: What color were the plugs when you took them out?
Mike

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QUESTION: hi mike,thank you for getting back to me so quickly,the front plug is very black very sooty,the back one is normal,ive tried putting in a new plug nwhen the bike is still hot and it still backfires,regarsd markus..
ANSWER: First thing I would do is do a OHMs test on the coil and plug wires, to see if they are bad. If you need to know how to dot he test let me know.
Also check to see if you have an intake leak at the manifold. You can do this by starting the bike and letting it warm up. Spray a little carb cleaner around the intake. If the RPMs go up then you have a leak.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

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QUESTION: hi mike thanks again for responding so quickly,my front exhaust actually came loose the other day so i just tighten it up,is there some sought of seal that should be replaced on the manifold ?i took my coil over to the local electric shop he testd it and seems to think its ok,if the front pipe is sucking in air that is probabley the answer..with regards markus..

Answer
Yes, there are seals in the manifold. One on each side going to the head. You might have solved the problem with fixing the exhaust. On testingthe coil, there are certain OHMs that it should put out. I am not sure if the electrican would even know what that is, since you said he seemed to think it was ok.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike