CB500 Fuel Leak, Won't Start

[Motorhate]

Starting up the CB500 the bike wouldn't turn over, like the battery was completely flat. There was a bit of a smell of petrol when I came home yesterday, but nothing major so I ignored. Petrol smell was worse this morning. I also noticed there was a puddle of fuel underneath as well, so there's a leak somewhere. I managed to hook up a jump-starter and the bike turned over but there was no spark and the petrol continued to leak. Bike still won't start. Any ideas what this could be. I'm thinking maybe a float could be stuck in the carbs. Is it true giving the carbs a whack or bouncing the bike a bit will release the floats if they're stuck? Also, not sure where the leak is coming from, its not coming from any hoses as far as I can tell.
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Current - Harley Davidson FXDB Street Bob | Harley Davidson FLTR Road Glide | Harley Davidson Road King
GONE - Honda CB500 Ratbike | Yamaha FZ750 | Yamaha XVS1100 | Kawasaki VN2000 | Kawasaki ER-6 F | Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster

[Rogerborg]

Yes, give 'em a whack. Seems a bit crude, but carbs are a bit crude.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Motorhate]

OK, clumped the carb, reseated both HT leads, rocked it backwards and forwards in gear too. The neutral light isn't coming on but now it starts, although it won't idle at all. Not sure where to go from here. It was fine yesterday. Any ideas?
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Current - Harley Davidson FXDB Street Bob | Harley Davidson FLTR Road Glide | Harley Davidson Road King
GONE - Honda CB500 Ratbike | Yamaha FZ750 | Yamaha XVS1100 | Kawasaki VN2000 | Kawasaki ER-6 F | Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster

[RodYork]

take the carbs off(after ordering new seals...and confirming they are the right ones)

Confirm battery holds charge or order a new one( charge the Mo Fo!)

buy a new spark plug...(£3.00)...what the hell...!

get on your knees and thank your God you have a Honda.
p.s neutral light missing may be down to low charge battttterray!

These are the basics...if you can reveal more about the stead...Id be happy to help

p.s please don't tell me you like West Ham!
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Bike trip through Europe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2yTtFPM7Xc

[stinkwheel]

Check your sump oil isn't full of fuel.

Do it before you run the bike again.

Also check your airbox isn't full of fuel.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Taught2BCauti...]

Sometimes, especially if the bike has been standing for a long time, the needle valve in the float chamber can get gummed-up and stuck in it's seat, which stops fuel getting to where it needs to be. Tapping the outside with the handle of a screwdriver can often fix it,.

If the float is damaged or punctured, it can stop the needle valve from closing properly, causing the carburettor to flood and overflow.

Either way, if the leak is coming from the carbs, you might need to strip them to do a proper job.
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Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
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