Bike won't start...ignition problem follow-up

[jcbdc]

The bike is giving a spark, it's getting its fuel.  I had it running for a couple of seconds and it had no power (no rpm change with the throttle) then it BACKFIRED and it refuses to start.  Also, the bike won't change gears.  I depress the clutch and can't get her out of neutral.  Does any body have an idea what's going on?

Could it be the clutch sensor/wires?  I hear the clutch cable move...but no click of the transmission now...is my clutch gone?

Your help would be appreciated.

[GRU]

ok, about the clutch....you have to move your bike while holding the clutch and trying to change gears/ put it in neutral.....

engine....i'm sure your jets are pluged or there is another problem with fuel...yes, the fuel is getting to the carbs but not through the intake manifold and engine.....have you rejetted the carbs? if not, i suggest you do.......also check the float hight, see if you need to synch the carbs and make sure you put in a inline filter to prevent crap go to the carbs and engine

[jcbdc]

Thanks for the info.  The thing that got me was it ran yesterday and a couple of hours later I was going to go for a ride and it didn't start.  The bike was not giving spark, but I checked all the connections and it sparks now.  I checked the fuel (drain) on the bottom of the carbs and fuel comes out.  Do you really think it's the carbs?  

Would the carbs cause it to backfire?  I'm no mechanic (but I try)

By the way, nice to see another southwestern ontarian on the forum.

Thanks.

[jcbdc]

Thanks for the info.  The thing that got me was it ran yesterday and a couple of hours later I was going to go for a ride and it didn't start.  The bike was not giving spark, but I checked all the connections and it sparks now.  I checked the fuel (drain) on the bottom of the carbs and fuel comes out.  Do you really think it's the carbs?  

Would the carbs cause it to backfire?  I'm no mechanic (but I try)

By the way, nice to see another southwestern ontarian on the forum.

Thanks.

[Rema1000]

If you can see the spark, then I think that the clutch/neutral/Stop/ignition switches must all be OK.  The way they shut-off the engine is by removing spark.

I'd start with the "usual suspects"...  

-gas on PRI
-drain the float bowls for a minute each, and make sure there is a steady stream of gas.
-look for obvious vacuum leaks (wiggle the carb and air cleaner box; disconnected vacuum hose to the petcock?)
-new sparkplugs (hey, you never know)
-try jump-starting from a car battery (when car is off) to get a nice fat spark

also
-give the throttle a quick 1/4 turn twist, a few seconds before you try to start (hey, it seems to help me...)
-try squirting a LITTLE ether ("starting fluid") into the air filter before starting (danger!)

You know, the usual stuff you read about here on GSTwin (makes you wonder that we ever get any riding in ).