Motorcycle Repair: 04 CRF 50 starting question, float bowl, fuel flow

Question
MY kids crf 50 won't start this week. I live in GA, temp doesn't get below freezing, and bike was running fine last week. Kids ran it out of gas and now it won't start. I htink they may have left the gas valve and perhaps the key on for a few days.

What I have checked:
- spark plug is clean and well seated
- gas tank is full
- oil level is fine

Bike won't fire with or without choke on. I have tried both. Tried again the same thing the next few days. Any suggestions?

THanks. Bill

Answer
Hi Bill.

Do you know if the fuel/oil mix for the bike is right?  That is one possibility.

Have you checked the fuel flow to the carb?  Is there fuel coming from the float bowl when you try to drain it?

To test the system, spray some automotive starting fluid into the intake and immediately try to start the bike.

If there is a fuel flow issue, then the bike should fire and die.  If it does nothing, then the issue is something else.

Start with that and let me know what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON