Dead 125 - things to check?

[_matt]

Hello folks,

Just come to start up the old 125 and get her ready to sell on for something more dirt-bikey for the winter ice, and she's decided to die on me, now, ive had this bike for the last 3 years and know it inside and out but i'm at a loss with this.

Situation:
Chinese 125 Shadow clone (Jinlun Texan), lives outside under a cover, has many problems but up untill now was running fine. Hasnt been started in 2 weeks.

Problem:
Won't run without the choke on, dies instantly
Rideable with the choke on, however back-end is all over the place (swingarm has been on the way out for last 6 months, so this isnt relevant)

What i've tried:
Drained the oil
Drained the fuel
Put in new fuel/oil/air filters
Cleaned the carb out
Tested the CDI units and HT leads
Put in new spark plugs, good healthy sparks
Tested most of the electrics and can't find any faults

As I said, at a loss to why it won't run without the choke on and i'd rather not have to sell her as a none runner but i'm damned if im gonna throw more money at a Chinese bike just to get rid of it

anyway, any ideas welcome here. cheers