I can get it to idle but if I give it some gas it dies. I have replace the CDI (used) voltage regulator (used) coil (used) and carbs (used) and the gas (new). Still hard to start, idles barley the dies when I throttle it up. Sometimes it back firels like a gun when I kick it.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks….
Al-

It doesn't sound like a firing issue, more like a fuel/air issue. What caused it to stop working right?

Hi,
It sat for the winter, outside. Then I took it for a ride. A few miles down n the road it died. I kicked it over and over, got a few back fires. Then it would run for a few miles and die. I replaced the carburetors. Same thing, I have another one so I started swapping parts, same problem. I’m lost.

I think you have an intermittent spark at the plug possibly caused by a bad earth to engine/ frame /battery. It's usual to get a backfire when there is a build up of mixture then a spark which is intermittent. If the spark is weak due to a bad earth it can idle but extra demand can blow the spark out.
It could be a loose earth lead which is making and breaking contact.
Cheers
Ian

Thanks, i'll give the electrical a good looking over. I'll keep you updated. thanks again

How did you end up making out? I have a 86 xt600 with the same issue. Was stalling once in a while then today it would just idle, as soon as I would try to give it any gas it would die right away.

I just ripped the carb(s) off and found a piece of gummy crud right on the main jet. works now

Don't forget to change the spark plug from time to time... although the spark plug might still be usable, a new one would be better..

I personally change my '90 XT600E every 2 or 3 months...

Vando