Bike was not running for about 2 month's, went out to start it. After about 30 turns of the key it finally went. For the first little bit it almost seemed like it was smothered then it smoothed out, once it is going and warmed up it works good, but it smells like it is burning rich. when I am driving it you can turn it off and start it up no problem. but when you try to start it when it is cold you are turning the key 20 or 30 times again.I never had to use the choke even in - weather. I drained the gas tank put new gas in the bike and put new plugs plugs in it. anyone got any suggestions.

 

Could be a carb problem,but if you google Sportsman 700 problems you'll find that the most problems the early ones (2002-early 2004) had was because of the Ducati ignition. Hard starting,no start,backfiring,runs good,then erratic are just some of the problems they had. Some would kill their machines that were running good only to go back later and they wouldn't start start at all. Update kits from Kokusan solved this problem. Kits' included new flywheels,stators,cdi,regulator,jumper wires needed.Not cheap,a little over 500 bucks,but I'd recommend it over the cheaper RM kits that came out that used the Ducati stator lighting coil as an ignition source. I've updated quite a few of these 700s with the Kokusan kits and several members on this forum have also. Here's the best video I've seen on what's involved. You can try cleaning the carb,but if the problem continues I wouldn't fight it,just get the kit. #2202602

 

Just wanted to say Thanks OPT. Had the bike checked out, need the kit, the kit is going to cost 800, the bike is in mint condition and only has 1,900 miles on it so it's worth it. Thanks again for your help.

 

The kit shouldn't be that much unless that's with installation labor. It's not that hard,just takes a little time to install one.