No spark (SOLVED)

[Bloodshot]

After a very long hiatus, I charged up the battery and tried to start my bike. It cranked and and didn't start. I tried for a while and only got one pop. I figured I had flooded it and pulled the plugs. After I cleaned them I decided to see how strong the spark was. I didn't see one spark.
Everything is on and the bike turns over. I'm stumped.
I can't think that I fouled the plugs so bad that I don't get one spark or that the electrics went bad just sitting.
Tomorrow I'll buy new plugs and go from there. Untill then, anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks.

[1986 XV700]

Not sure what year and size bike your working on. You need to put this info in your signature in your profile and turn it on.

To offer a generic solution check your fuses, there should be one that's labeled ignition. If its blown then you don't get a spark.

I hate to ask this question but, did you ground the electrode of the plug to the engine?

[Tin Tin]

Crazy!! I just had the same problem with my bike as well tonight. one plug is dead and the other has lots of spark. I'll be hittin the store for new plugs as well. what is the best type of plugfor a 1984 XV 750?

[48vintage]

Many Viragofolk like the Autolite Platinum AP63 plugs.

[totallyredvirago]

no spark can be a bad coil, pick-up, plug wire, side stand switch, relay, poor connections..
start off by checking the side stand switch. if you feel it is the problem you can unplug it and jump it at the harness side.
if that dont get you spark. check the red/white wire at the TCI and coils for power. (key on). if you have power then ohms test the coils (key off) primary and secondary.. if the coils check good then check the pick-up wires from the left side cover to the TCI....dan

note- this is after you replace the spark plugs..

[grazingazer]

@ Bloodshot: if you do the resistance [ohms] test make sure the ignition switch is off when you do...how did you clean your spark plugs?

[Bloodshot]

@ Bloodshot: how did you clean your spark plugs?

I wiped them off with a rag then used some sand paper. I then sprayed them with brake cleaner.
Off to buy some plugs now.

[Bloodshot]

Turns out it was the plugs. I popped the new ones in after gapping them and the ol' warhorse fired right up. Thanks to everyone for their input.

[Tin Tin]

new plugs here as well and I'm back on the road!!