As was mentioned, it's not hard for an ol' 45 to get air leaks. Once you get it running set the idle screw up until it stays running and squirt a little WD-40 on the manifold fittings and the butterfly shaft bushings on the carburetor and listen for an RPM change. If the RPM changes then you're sucking air.Second, if you have no air leaks then try backing the low-speed needle out another half turn and make sure your high-speed needle is turned out at least 1½ turns. The high speed is an altitude trimmer, which means it always gets turned in to adjust, never out, unless you're coming back down from altitude.
Third, check your filter screen at the bottom of the fuel bowl. The manual suggests cleaning that screen at least every 2000 miles.
Fourth, just to be sure, try pulling the gas shut-off valve all the way up into reserve to make sure it's not a gas problem.
And last, almost any kick-start bike will start with a very low battery. If your bike has a low battery charge and isn't charging it will start...but as soon as you try and twist the wick...it'll die!
By: 47Knuckle-Dragger on: 3-19-2009