I had the same turning off thing happen to me when i first got my bike. On the left side by the shifter is a black **** that says fuel. Make sure it is open all the way. Mine was parctially closed.

 

I turn the **** to "on", but maybe i'm not turning it all the way.
Regarding the smell of gas at the lights, all I smell are exhaust fumes from the other cars. I dont know if that is over powering the smell of gas. Maybe there is a gas leak...becuase I droped the bike this morning and gas started to go all over the place (dont know if that's normal or not cuz I'm a newbie to motorcycles). Could that be a possible cause??

 

I was just asking if you smell gas at a light to see if maybe your mixture was rich, not to see if there's a gas leak or anything.

And yes, if the bike tips over, gas will come out. Don't tip the bike over. [:-]

If you're having trouble starting the bike when it's HOT out, then the choke is not the thing to try. The choke is what you need to use if it's cold out.

My suggestion is that you just make sure to remember to turn the gas OFF when you get off the bike during the day, and keep the tank pretty full if you can. The more full the tank is, the colder the gas will stay on a hot day; the less gas will evaporate in the whole fuel system.

 

lol as you can tell i dont knowa thingabout motorcycles.
thanks for the replies.

 

Hey, Welcome!

I had the same problem on my 1989 Cane when I first purchased it. It wouldn't turn on. I would actually have to jump start it (hard to do, dont try it unless you been riding a while).

But now, it turns on just fine. I think a few things:

1. only use 91 Octane
2. Do a full tune-up. Spark plugs, wires, oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter.

At first mine wouldn't turn on A LOT, now its great. I think since I've kept using good (91) gas that the carbs aren't backed up or anything.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the pointers!!