Couple of questions

[Poverty]

Hi guys . picked up a 74/5 xs the other day (been 5ish years since my last xs650 lol) and im having some issues. The carbs flood and pour gas everywhere ..the floats are not stuck . Mikuni round slides . no biggie i figure they just need cleaned . and im getting enough gas to the cylinders it sgould attempt to fire. Its kick only so checking for actual spark is a pain in the ass .But i have a buddy on the way over to help ..the electrical has a combination of switches ..and seems to be sound but it has one of those four cell balistic batterys and it is absolutely dead as hell . could this be a issue ? I figure the kick would overcome a dead battery but day two with no progress . before i juat take it to a shop .Anyone have any ideas or procedures i can go thru .

 

[Jim]

If it's the stock charging system.... no, it won't start without a good battery.

 

[5twins]

If the bike still has a factory ignition and charging system then yes, you will need some battery power to make the ignition function. Just kicking it won't generate enough power to do so.

 

[Poverty]

Thats what i was figuring. Thanks guys ..ill post back after i get a battery

 

[Brassneck]

Checking for spark is super easy, just pop the left alternator cover, rotate the motor with a wrench and no need to kick it anymore. (granted, you still need a battery)....while you're there, you can check your timing too--Bonus!