Okay, an update - seems to be heading downhill. Couldnt get the bike to start - checked, cleaned and sanded the plugs (mixture is a little rich), kicked her over again, still nothing.
Figured i may as well check the other stuff, so i acted on your advice. double checked the battery - 12.6 V, fine.
TuckerBag - did exactly as you said - i couldnt see anything (even with the torch) that looked out of place - moreover, while getting a mate to crank the kickstarter while i took a look the movements were smooth, so i think thats a good thing.
i have no idea what the powervalve motor pulley is - will give that a try once ive done my research.
the bike really needs to be fully stripped and cleaned, but ive just moved houses and dont have access to a truck or trailer. i really need to get her a) started and b) running for 15 mins so i can actually start taking it apart properly. im fairly orderly and confident in my ability to reassemble properly, even without a service manual (im a uni student, 90 dollars is way too much for me).
Any ideas and solutions as to the starting problem as well?
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There is no 'have to', only consequences. Accept them and be free.