Motorcycle Repair: fouled plugs?, plug gap, excess fuel

Question
Mark,

Thanks for doing this.

I have a 1981 Honda XR500R that I can't get started.  It ran well
about 3 weeks ago in Colorado.  I brought it home and can't get
it to kick over- takes a heck of a kick with thing anyway.  Bought
a new plug and the old one was really oily and smelled of gas, I
thought- maybe that was just the engine block, I don't know.  
With the new plug it still won't start.  Anything I should try?

Eddie
emgmathews@sbcglobal.net

Thanks again!

Answer
Hi Eddie & Maggie,

Remove the spark plug and kick it over several times to purge cylinder of excess fuel. Excess fuel may be fouling the plug.

Check the air filter and air box for excess fuel. Drian or clean if present.

Place spark plug in plug cap and ground plug against engine to check for arc at plug gap.

If arc is seen, re-install spark plug and try starting engine again.

Advise me of what happens. Use my email: mshively1@woh.rr.com

Respectfully,
Mark Shively