Help! Bike Won't Start! Compression?

[Killer2600]

Just to throw it out there I just ran across something worth checking. The PO of the 78 750 I just bought went through the same thing. He had no start so he replaced points condensers battery and coils but could not get it to spark. After I bought it I started going through the system with a DM and found no power after the ignition switch. I shot some contact cleaner into it and worked it back and forth a few times and it fired right up. PO said it had only sat 3 months without running and had been stored under a tarp but apparently enough condensation had worked its way into the switch to corrode it. If you don't have one get a DM or a test light and trace your power and see where you have it and don't have it. That will give you the place to fix.

I second this advice but to effectively use a DMM or test light you need to know basic electrical. I suppose one can get help with testing using these tools over the internet but I think it's better if one gets assistance in-person if they know very little about electrical.

Also it's been addressed, but I HATE when people say an engine makes the usual sounds (cranks) but won't turn over - It goes against the definition of "turn"

[Guest]

If it seems like you don't have compression see if gas leaked into your crankcase from the petcock.
No spark? See if you have voltage at the points with the ignition on.

[1948man]

Is the kick-starter drastically easier to kick than it was before? Did you say you did take the trip after the tune-up and it ran okay then?