Thank you, I will replace the hose.

When cranking the engine, the vacuum port on the cylinder seemed to blow air and not suck, is this correct?

 

No, a venturi should always lower the pressure, not raise it.

I have had a diesel blowing back through the inlet port when the mechanic had forgotten to lock off the tappet adjuster but that should not be applicable.

 

I pulled the vacuum hose off from the engine side and created vacuum. Fuel flowed freely into the carb.

Re-checked oil level and drained around 250ml from overfilled engine.

Bike started first try by choke and idled fine.

Starting to understand why they are referred to as females, hehe

 

True, can be “needy” and they demand lots of TLC but given them what they want and they’ll purr for you :-)