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I think this is a basic problem, but anyway...

I have had my bike laid up for a while. I got it out again and ran it for a few hours for 2 days. Went out on day 3 and nothing. The starter motor is turning, but not firing.

Now it will fire on the first attempt to start and then run for 5 seconds. But it won't stay running. Then if i try to restart it it won't fire at all after that.

Ideas please...

Your going to have to do some troubleshooting to try to find the problem.

First, check that the bike has spark at the plugs. It sounds like it does at least part of the time, but the next time it fires for a few seconds then dies, remove the spark plugs and make sure they are still sparking when the engine turns over. It is easy to check so do it first.

I would guess it is a fuel problem though. After sitting, then running for a day or 2, it is possible some gunk or varnish got sucked into the jets. When the plugs are out and your turning it over on the starter, see if you can smell gasoline coming out of the sparkplug holes. To clean the jets, you have to remove and open up the carbs, then clean the small passages in the jets with a non-metallic poking device, then blow it out with air or carb cleaner.

Check the air filter is clean.

Try that and see what you find.