Well, I really don't know what to do now, so I just think I'll break down and take it to the shop. To recount what's wrong, my bike started and worked perfectly last week, and then the day after quit working. It would idle on choke for a while, and when I would try to turn it off the bike would just die. So I drained all the fuel from the bike, recharged the battery (eventually died from me trying to start it), and inspected all the fuel lines for leaks and to make sure they were hooked up correctly.

Now the motorcycle is backfiring (not just making popping noises, but actually throwing fire from the exhaust...nice spectacle, but not exactly the desired effect). It sounds like it wants to starts, but no go. I'm trying to start it correctly, so it's def. not that. Maybe something to do with the carbs? spark plugs? I have no clue...Thanks guys.

 

Sounds like its way way out of time to me. Maybe your chain tensioner took a crap on you and threw your timing off.

 

could be the ignition is firing at the wrong time for whatever reason. have you pulled the plugs and checked for adaquate spark at all? when grounded on the motor, the spark should be a BRIGHT blue. come to think of it, this might just be your problem.

 

I'm thinking you fouled a spark plug. Change them out, make sure all your connections are right and give her a go. A six of Corona says thats your problem.