Motorcycle Repair: Starting of KAW EX500, vacuum leak, partsfish

Question
Own a 1989 KAW EX500 (ninja predecessor).  Wouldn't start on first attempt, thought just flodded engine.  Started next day and ran for30 minutes.  Shut it down and now it hasn't started since.  It is turning over, but seems as if no fuel is making it to engine.  Reading previous responses, it appears that the petcock may be gummed from varnish.  Am I on the right track, or is there something more obvious?

Answer
Not my specialty, but the vacuum petcocks on most bikes of that era are prone to failure, which makes both a vacuum leak and shuts off the fuel flow. If it has a PRIME position, it should let fuel flow unless the internal screen is plugged up.

Crank it for about 15 seconds at a time, then pull a spark plug to see if is getting fuel or not. If the bike has been sitting for a long time, the whole fuel system may need attention.

Log into:
http://www.powersportspro.com/partsfish/
and check the microfiche illustrations for what to expect when you open up the petcock. Many m/c shops carry K&L brand replacement parts, which are WAY cheaper than OEM items from Kawasaki. Probably find them on Ebay, too.

Bill Silver