Starting and running funky. Need help.

[dan s]

Riders,
I've had my '78 xs400e for around two years now and I've been running into some issues.

She won't start when cold. I have to use the starter for around 5 minutes. There is a little popping during this it runs then dies. After it gets going the throttle takes off. Like when I nudge the throttle it goes to around 3 or 4k. It will do this the whole time I'm riding. I think it could be the floats. Please let me know what you think. You will gain my appreciation and keep another bike on the road.

 

[xschris]

Clean and sync the carbs. If you have not done it in a while give the bike a tune up. How is the compression in the motor?