Motorcycle Repair: ER5 engine problems, oil filler cap, petrol fumes

Question
Hi Chris,
I wonder if you could help.
I have just acquired an S reg Kawasaki ER5. It has 24K miles on the clock and has been out of use for a fair while.
I managed to get it started but it was running rather roughly and smoking. On closer inspection there appears to be petrol in the engine compartment as there is a strong smell of petrol fumes when I opened the oil filler cap. Obviously a bit worrying and dangerous so decided it probably wasn't a good idea to start again until it's sorted!
The problem is,  my technical knowledge is fairly limited. I was going to do a compression test but I haven't got the right adapter to fit the engine. So I'm a bit stuck for ideas. Can you tell, from the info I've given, what could possibly be wrong?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

regards,
Dave


Answer
Hi Dave.
 Well, the compression check is a good idea.  The fact that it was running indicates that the rings are not gone, but the fuel in the oil means that they could be.

Check the valve gap and timing as well as the specs on the valve seats.  make sure that everything inspectable is correct according to the manual.  Also, the fact that the bike has sat means that the carbs will probably need a proper cleaning.  Do so.

Start with all of that and let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON