I was out for a ride on my bike one day when it spluttered and died as if it had ran out of petrol except it hadn't, I ended up having to push the bike home and it locked up for a little while meaning I couldn't move it then suddenly it got passed the locked up stage and I got it home. I change the spark plugs and air filter and it started again and ran for a short while then it wouldn't start again, I took out the spark plugs to check for sparks and they exist however, the plug on the left side while sitting on the bike looked like it was oiled up although just black not wet and the plug on the other side was just like new as if it had never been used. Before now the bike has started first time everytime and with my limited motor bike knowledge I am at a loss as to what the problem is.... Can some knowledgeable people help me out please?

Thanks

Check your oil.  Did you run it dry?

spark plug turning black on one side? hmm... running rich...maybe the carburetor is clogged on that side.

Quote from: romulux on August 11, 2010, 12:59:31 PM
Check your oil.  Did you run it dry?

There is plenty of oil in the bike check it regularly

Quote from: reload on August 11, 2010, 01:18:47 PM
spark plug turning black on one side? hmm... running rich...maybe the carburetor is clogged on that side.

Hmmm that did cross my mind today, thought it might be the other way round though so that the clean plug side is clogged at the carbs

did you try switching the plugs to see if the problem follows?

Quote from: Claire on August 13, 2010, 03:27:05 PM

Hmmm that did cross my mind today, thought it might be the other way round though so that the clean plug side is clogged at the carbs

oh i was under the impression that the clean plug side was firing correctly, thus my reasoning led me to believe there is a malfunction with the fouled side.  maybe "clogged" was the wrong word. lol

I do not know which side is functioning correctly, both have a spark.
I got the bike running for a short while the other day, started first time but it died again and wouldn't start after that
It back fired as well a couple of times and just doesn't sound happy. I think that the carbs are a very good possibility but where as I have knowledge of some things I don't know enough to take them apart.

its easy to take the carb apart.

1. get the diagram only from a oem parts supplier like bikebandit or kneedraggers. dont be scared cause it looks more complicated on paper.

2. open 'er up and see if you're missing any parts. open one compartment at a time. i used a piece of copper wire to clean the small passages. just be gentle, take your time, and carefully compare to the diagrams.

my bike ran horribly like urs when i got it. when i finally took apart the carb i realized it was missing some o-rings. after i stopped cursing i ordered the carb rebuild kit + cleaned out the rust, and all was right with the world again.

Quote from: reload on August 17, 2010, 12:55:26 PM
its easy to take the carb apart.

1. get the diagram only from a oem parts supplier like bikebandit or kneedraggers. dont be scared cause it looks more complicated on paper.

2. open 'er up and see if you're missing any parts. open one compartment at a time. i used a piece of copper wire to clean the small passages. just be gentle, take your time, and carefully compare to the diagrams.

my bike ran horribly like urs when i got it. when i finally took apart the carb i realized it was missing some o-rings. after i stopped cursing i ordered the carb rebuild kit + cleaned out the rust, and all was right with the world again.

Thanks for the advice, I'm guessing that I'll need gaskets to do that and put it back on the bike again... I felt air from the carbs when the bike last ran so there might be a crack in the rubber hoses or something I guess it wouldn't hurt to take the carbs off to take a look.

Quote from: reload on August 11, 2010, 01:18:47 PM
spark plug turning black on one side? hmm... running rich...maybe the carburetor is clogged on that side.

Or no ignition on that side.  Check the plug wire for corrosion on the end and go from there.  If you don't beat this bike it lasts a long, long time.  Some beat it and still have trouble killing it.  I suspect an electrical problem.  Best of luck, Claire.

By the way, I wish your trouble descriptions were a little more detailed and specific.

Quote from: bill14224 on August 21, 2010, 04:35:59 PM

Quote from: reload on August 11, 2010, 01:18:47 PM
spark plug turning black on one side? hmm... running rich...maybe the carburetor is clogged on that side.

Or no ignition on that side.  Check the plug wire for corrosion on the end and go from there.  If you don't beat this bike it lasts a long, long time.  Some beat it and still have trouble killing it.  I suspect an electrical problem.  Best of luck, Claire.

By the way, I wish your trouble descriptions were a little more detailed and specific.

Not being very technically minded what would you like to know, both plugs have sparks so it's not that, last time I started the bike it started first time and then cut out and wouldn't start after that. It backfired a couple of times before it died and round the right carb I could feel what seemed like a back draught of warm air which if heard in a person would be described as a cough, the head gasket is fine so that and some ideas posted here drew me towards the carbs. It could be that one of the rubber connections (if it is rubber) is damaged or maybe the carbs need balancing but don't know if they would go unbalanced just like that. I'm doing some minor work on the engine to fix another problem at the moment so can't run the bike but when I have completed this I'll start the bike up again and see what I can work out.

Remove fouled plug,wire brush it to clean or replace for new a  pair if poss`If using old plugs swap sides this will tell u its just the plug if the fouling switch`s sides.
Switch fuel to prime,take a good sized screwdriver and tap the carb bowls.then remove the drain screws (carefull not to strip the heads) fuel should drain from overflow after 20 or so seconds, retighten drain screws.try starting and switch fuel back to on.
This is the easiest step i can give you to help solve situation,if plug still fouls on same side i suspect you have a blocked jet in the carb,dud coil,HT lead,wire fell off coil.