yz 490 starting issues

[fastducky]

I recently purchased a 1982 YZ490 to race in Hairscrambles. I cant get her to start. The spark is good, airfilter clean, I cleaned the carb. I noticed gas in the exhaust pipe. I drained it and at least a cup of gas came out. Any thoughts on what I am missing?
Spark plug is NGK br8EG. I drained the tank and put fresh gas in. Thanks, Rob

 

[dirt bike dave]

Wornout reeds can make a two stroke impossible to kick start.

Low compression from a worn top end can make it harder to start.

Make sure you drain the old gas out of the float bowl in addition to just the gas tank.

If I remember correctly, the 490's are known to be difficult to start cold. Make sure you are using good technique. For finicky bikes, what I do is turn the gas on. Lay the bike on its side for 5 or 10 seconds to get the gas through all the circuits of the carb. Turn the choke on and slowly kick the motor over two times to prime the cylinder (no throttle).

Find top dead center by slowly moving the kickstarter - you will feel the compression build, then all of a sudden get easier - that's TDC. Then KICK as hard as you can without giving any throttle (put your right hand off the grip so you don't accidently twist it).

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Replace the float valve and seat. Not the kind of bike you want to kick all day, eh? Vintage Bob