XS650 not running right =(

[650Skull]

Really need to read the Carb Guide from the Garage to fully get these carbs right

http://www.amckayltd.com/carbguide.pdf

 

[Travis]

I like lists today so watch out!

Here's what I'm getting from your post

• one of the cylinders wasn't firing for some reason > action: replaced plugs
• spark plugs were being fouled after about 30 or so minutes of driving time
• stalled and wouldn't start again until it had time to cool off > action: got it started when hot but wouldn't idle and died right away
• boggy at full throttle and 4k rpm
• received bad advise from random guys at gas station
• died again, kickstart didn't work
• parked it for the winter

So all you've done was replace spark plugs a couple of times? Or have you done anything else?

Sounds like you have four problems

1. fouling plugs,
2. dies when hot
3. boggy at full throttle
4. kickstart not working

They could all be related to one issue, or four separate issues, or anything in-between.

Like others have said, you need to do some basic stuff so you're starting with a decent baseline.

• Get a manual
• Change the oil
• Check compression
• Pull the carbs and look them over (and check what you have for jetting or just replace the mains since someone might have drilled them out)
• Replace the plugs again
• Get a new battery.

See where you're at after that and see if you need to chase down some electrical problems or look further at possible engine or carb problems.

The kick start might be the bendix spring losing tension just like the starter bendix's tend to do. Is it always floppy or just sometimes? You aren't pulling the clutch lever when you try to kick it over are you?