alright guys i need some help. I just got a 500 classic that has spark gets fuel but doesnt run. But once you do get it to run i idles good, it doesnt rev up real fast but im think that im used to the newer sleds. and also it dies when you rev it up and let off of it. the main problem right now is to figure out why its so hard to start. any help would be awsome. thanks.

Maybe just start by checking compression in top end(rings) and then moving to carb clean/rebuild, if the compression is reading ok.

As always, it could be alot of things, but, there are 2 things I would look at first. A, remove the carb float bowls, take out the pilot jets, clean so that you can see light thru the tiny little hole. B, pull the choke plungers, make sure the choke cable is still moving them, clean if necessary, spray with WD-40 and reinstall. Most starting problems can be linked to old gas clogging up the pilot jets. Use StaBil or SeaFoam in the spring ( make sure it gets to the carbs by running the engine long enough to get the treated gas in the carbs), or drain them completely before summer storage. Your battery or rope pulling arm will thank you next winter. :rolleyes2: