My '83 Nighthawk 650 won't start.

[Rpthefp]

I have a 1983 Nighthawk 650 that will not start. As I press the ignition it just will not turnover and fire up. I get backfire from time to time as well. It will start running for a few seconds and then die. I got it to start once but had to hold the throttle halfway or it would die and if I gave it throttle it would bog down and die.

Any ideas what is happening?

[mattrowe19]

Are you using the choke while trying to start it cold? It definitely sounds like at the very least a carb cleaning is in order. It's also possible the idle is set too low. Was it running prior to this or is this a new bike to you? Any additional you can provide would be helpful in troubleshooting.

[Rpthefp]

I just had the carbs cleaned. It is a new bike to me but I am pretty sure the guy that had it had trouble with it as well. I do use the choke. It did barely run before o had the carbs cleaned. Is it possible the mechanic made some adjustments that he shouldn't have?

[meatface]

Do yourself and learn how to do the carbs yourself. That way you know what has been or not been done.

http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,4472.0.html

There is a great article on diagnosing a bike that won't start here:

http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,7298.0.html

Another great thing to try is using the search feature 

On top of that, always give as much info as possible. Even the little things that you think mean nothing may be a tremendous lead for some of the gear heads on here that you are looking for help from.

Good luck

[Rpthefp]

I planned on doing the carbs myself but got lazy.

I guess my search skills aren't that great.  I tried somethings but not everything I guess.

Thank you.

[SirSeanSean]

Try wiggling the choke cable a few times then put it on full choke. My bike does the same thing.