I had figured as much, it starts on first kick but pops, bangs, pretty much everything but smooth. Just wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong? It might not be fuel has been sitting awhile. I will try replacing the plug. Would there be a way to check (what i believe) the timing advance to see if it is sticking when i cable operate it?? (can that happen??) Also what is the lever on the handle bar, it is under the left grip - up & down movement? compression release? <--- cable goes to exhaust rocker area assuming it is a compression release.