Motorcycle Repair: doesnt run right, clymers manuals, yamaha 700

Question
I have a 1985 Yamaha 700 Maxim with 62k miles. I have an intermitent starting problem and when it does start it will run great for a while then while driving it will die and suddenly. I checked the spark and it is there, however it seems weak. I do have a kv tester but I do no know how much it should be putting out. It has NGK spark plugs # BR8ES, I am not sure if those are right either. It is getting fuel to the carbs, I didn't go into the carbs yet, but it does smell like fuel when you crank it, however when I pull a plug the plugs are black but not wet. It is driving nuts please help.
Thank you for your time
Chris  

Answer
Hi Chris.

1)  Get the repair manual.  It has all the testing specs as well as all details as to which plugs are the correct ones (chances are the plugs you have are acceptable) as well as wiring diagrams.  Try to get the factory manual, but inlieu of that, the Haynes or Clymers manuals are also good.

2)  You are getting good spark.  The fact that the plugs are black, but not wet says that.

3)  The bike is running rich, so fuel flow is also not a problem.  The plugs are black, not clean.

 Now how to fix it.

 Is the air filter due or overdue to replace?  If it's clogged then the engine will tend to run rich.

 If the bike spends time in seasonal storage, then the carbs could be in desperate need of a proper disassembly cleaning as well.

 Check the ignition wiring for shorts, bad connections, bad fuses and fuse connections.  Everywhere from power to the ignition switch, to the coils.  Test every component in accordance with the testing specs in the manual.

Let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON