Non or poor running engine...

If your engine does not run, it is usually not a big issue, but it can be time consuming to solve the problem. Sometimes there are several factors causing your problem and you have to deal with them in the correct order. If you picked up a bike from a garage or barn, not used for years or decades, you will probably spend some time with it and learn a lot about your bike. Don't worry, you most likely will sort it out by yourself. The problems can be devided into these two categories:

1. Fuel system problem
2. Electrical system problem

Read about "Fuel issue" and Electrical issue" and see if there is something to work on.

When I get a project bike, not been running for a looong time, this is what I always do:

1. New battery
2. Change oil and oilfilter
3. New airfilter
4. Adjust valve setting - cold engine
5. Adjust point gap
6. Adjust ignition timing
7. New spark plugs
8. Inspect tank - rusty or clean? A little rusty is no problem
9. Inspect petcock - disconnect fuel lines and open the petcock valve to "open" and "reserve". OK?
10. Clean petcock bowl and filter. Replace parts like o-ring, gasket and filter if necessary.
11. Pull of the carbs and disassemble them. Housing is soaked in 10-30% phosforic acid.
      I use same fluid as to clean your bathroom shower wall tiles. Few minutes and rinse
      with water.
12. Buy a new set of carb gaskets. The brass units are usually OK, some of them might need a new
      o-ring.
13. Clean all parts well, adjust the float hight according to you manual and visually.
14. Install your air screw according to you manual.
15. Assemble it all and install them back on your engine.
16. Now, try to start your engine. If it will not start, hook up your carb synch tool.
17. Try to restart and read your metering. Turn all your synch screws all the way in, and give
      them one or two turns out. Try to restart. Repeat if it does not start. Eventually it should start,
      warm it up and try to make it idle 1000-1200 rpm. Continue to synch the carbs. Most important,
      tune both cylinders or all four of them into the same level and use your ears as well. You can hear it,
      when the engine smooths out. The reading in the carb tool does not have to be exactly like your 
      manual says, but not too far away from it.