Is there a gas shutoff valve...and is it on?

the simplest things, sometimes...

 

There is a gas shutoff coming out of the tank but it is on and the line is full going into carb

 

take the air cleaner off and see with you get a shot of gas when you crank the throttle

 

Shovelheads aren't for everybody.....no offense.

 

Oh man. You just bought yourself a 37 year old project. Unless you are financially prepared to have a professional maintain and repair your bike, you must learn to do it yourself. Start by buying the proper parts and service manuals. Then put together a basic tool kit which includes a multi-meter; learn how to use it to troubleshoot your electrical system. Then pull and check the plugs. Check spark while kicking it through.

If you haven't done this kind of mechanical work before, get someone local to give you a hand, so you don't screw up your bike.

 

((I wasn't gonna say that.))

 

If you did not get any fire at all when towing it, charge the battery fully not just enough to light the lights. While doing that check the points and clean them with an emory board (finger nail file) and gap them to proper specs. Kick again and kick through to the bottom.

 

welcome to the world of owning an old bike. wish i had one to mess with.

 

This is where shovels get a bad rap . You need some general mechanical skills man or a buddy who has a clue or your gonna get in trouble here fast . They are not that complicated but sounds like she needs a decent tune up and good look over by a pro to get you started on the right track without headaches .

 

Dude, welcome to the forums; let's see if we can give you a little help.
There are only three things to test so the remote mechanics, that is the guys reading about your scoot, can assist you. 1) Get a voltmeter and check for no less than 11 vdc _AT THE BATTERY_ while your ignition, lights, brakes and anything else electrical are temporarily draining the battery. 2) Pull a spark plug out of the head, connect the plug wire to it and have the wife hold the threads tightly against the engine/ground while you kick the engine over; ignition on. Without plenty of blue spark it won't start. If you have good voltage and good spark, then put the plug(s) back in and 3) spray a small blast of starter fluid into the intake and kick it; ignition on.
It is almost impossible for all three of these conditions to be met and the engine still show no signs of life.
Jim@MilkyWay
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