Motorcycle Repair: Starting problems, sportster 883 custom, maintenance expertise

Question
Mike,
I've got a 2004 Sportster 883 custom (stock w/ no modifications) that I'm trying to get running after a prolonged storage period.  I've pulled and charged the battery (which was completely dead) and pulled/cleaned/gapped the plugs.  The air filter is also good.  The bike starts, but then revs extremely high for 15-20 seconds before dying completely and suddenly.  Throttling has a negative effect.  I fear that I'm approaching the end of my (limited) maintenance expertise, but have the feeling that it may be dirty fuel lines or carb...  Is taking apart and cleaning the carburetor anything that I should attempt with no experience (or diagram)?  I at least need to be able to drive it to the dealer...
Any ideas as to how I could get her running right?

Thanks,

Ken Elser  

Answer
the jets in the carb are probably plugged with dirt or the float is sticking. You need to pull the carb, take it apart and clean it to get the bike running. If you have never worked on  a carb before you should leave it to a shop to do the work
Good luck and happy riding
Mike