I have a '96 that I have owned for the past 7+ years. The bike has 20,000 miles and has been garaged the entire time. I have had problems with the bike starting and maintaining an electrical charge. I've replaced the battery twice in this timeframe. Due to work/family the bike has basically been "stored" and not rode. I am at a point in my life that I want to get the bike functioning properly to sell. It's a great bike And the next owner will appreciate it. Today, I pulled the plugs, replaced and regapped them. I pulled the tank and drained the gas out (the bike was not "winterized"). I charge the battery. I noticed that the throttle was very difficult to turn but traced no visible binding in the system. When I began the start the bike, it's almost as it there is no gas. I checked for spark and yes I ave spark and yes thecfuel shutoff was open and not closed. Lookingbf or a few clues to getvit started after the bike has been "stored" for the past 2 years and the bike battery wont hold a charge when it was running. Thanks for support!
I would think there is something gummed up in the fuel system. Old gasoline changes into mush. Clean the carbs.
I second the carb cleaning....also your charging problem MIGHT be attributed to a faulty RR... good luck