Well, after getting the bike home I added some SeaFoam to the tank and started it up. Idled fine but popped and sputtered and backfired like a cannon if I revved it up. Did the paper thing again using a dollar bill and it definitely doesn't try to suck it into the pipes. And again, the force of the exhaust ripped the bill. Sprayed some carb cleaner around the intake manifold and no sign of any leaks. I was able to tighten each of the head pipe mounting nuts though, so I was hoping that was my problem. NOT!! Tried to ride it around the neighborhood but the damn thing died again. After setting for about 5-10 minutes it started again and I was able to get it home and tear into it.

I can't say for sure, but I don't think this is SVS. Pulled the plugs and all look pretty good. Front ones looked real good and the back ones were just a little darker, but not sootie at all. I would think that if it were SVS the plugs would be fouled.... maybe??? I don't know. Pulled the carb apart and checked for a blocked pilot or main jet; nothing. Float isn't hanging up either. Pulled the needle, slide and diaphragm and all looked good. Didn't see any sign of a hole in the diaphragm. Drained the tank and put in fresh gas and tried to start it. Nothing!!! Just crank crank crank and finally a HUGE backfire..... bike!!!! By now the battery voltage was down to about 12.2 so I pulled it and put it on the charger and will try again tomorrow. bike!!!!

If it were a horse I'd shoot it!!! Any more ideas??????

Aaron