Motorcycle Repair: Startup problems, yamaha fz1, startup problems

Question
If a motorcycle cranks over but doesn't fire up (there is fuel and the headlights are strong), I assume the problem is either spark or fuel delivery.  If the problem is fuel delivery on a carbureted bike, what can I do to try and get it working.  I'm new to motorcycles and my 2004 Yamaha FZ1 is less than 1 year old.  Any help is appreciated.

Answer
Hi Paul.
 Clearly you have power, so that isn't the problem.

1)  Check the fuses and fuse connections.

2)  Check the ignition wiring for shorts and bad or dirty connections.

3)  Make sure that the coils are good.  They, quite likely are good, but better to be certain.  The repair manual has the test specs and proceedures.

4)  If the bike has spent time in seasonal (more than 3 weeks) storage at any time, then pull and clean the carbs.  The problem with storing bikes long-term like that, is that the fuel that is left in the system turns to a goo that we call varnish.  It gums up the works and interferes with fuel flow in the carbs (and injectors on fuel injected engines) and needs to be cleaned out of the system.  If the carbs are gummed up, then reseal the tank as well.

Start with all of that.
Good luck.
FALCON