diagnosis for someone new to motorcycles?

Hey guys, i'm new to this site, and just wanted some opinions on how to proceed on the 1982 xs-400 i bought cheap, (and in cheap condition) from a friend. I'm only 17, and i know little to nothing about motorcycles, but bear with me. the first issue i was faced with was that when the petcock was switched to prime or reserve, fuel would flood into the carburetor and leak out both the carburetor, and the air filters. I removed the carbs and cleaned them thoroughly with simple green to take out all of the shit old gas had left in there. however, that didn't fix the problem.

also, are batteries required for kickstart? or just for the electric start? we tried to kick but the engine would never turn over. the kickstart peg moved freely though, so i guess thats one plus.

apologies for my inexperience, and sorry for the length, but i'd really appreciate some insight from more those more experienced w/ the xs-400, and motorcycles in general

thanks! -emmet

Welcome to the site!

As far as the fuel leaking all over it sounds like you need to set your floats or mabye even the needle valve is sticking even if the floats are free. Someone else should be able to give you some more advice on this.

Yes batteries are required for a kickstart, also with the xs400 you have to have a fairly full charge in order to make the kick start work as well

Good luck!

The battery is required for the actual ignition. The charge goes from coils to battery and then from battery to sparkplugs. So install a good working one

EDIT:
bullocks vfost beat me to it

sometime to get a float unstuck u can tap the bottom of the carb bowl with the plastic end of the screwdriver and get them unstuck

Any pics of the bike? We like pics

welcome to the forum , download the manual and have a read of it to familliarise yourself with the bike