first bike, no experience, unknowledgable

[13martin31]

hi, i just picked up a bike on monday. it is a 1985 kawasaki klr 250 that had been sripped down for flat track racing by the previous owner. first off, i think there is something wrong with the petcock. it barely moves at all. ive noticed a little bit of gas dripping from it. second, i cant figure out which way is on or off on the choke. i cant start it without it pulled up, but when i push it down it instantly dies. last, it runs really boggy once i get it started. i dont know if its me or the bike. ive never been on a motorcycle before.

any help is greatly appreciated.

[hsartteacher]

Has the bike been sitting unused for a long time? The gas may have gone bad. You could try draining the tank and putting in a fresh tank to see if that helps; carbs may need cleaning as well.

On the choke, generally you have to leave them out until the bike warms up.

I know you probably need more specific help but that's all I know ... not at all familiar with that bike. Hopefully someone will happen along with more expertise, or you might tryhttp://www.bikez.com/msgboard/msg.php?id=21504&type=bike.. it looks like a message board or forumd evoted to KLR 250s.