Ever try kick starting it ??never even thought of it - my leg is a lot stronger than my arm
Troubleshooting those steps now. Also checking the throttle cable as well. Might even replace the plug with a brand name one. By the way, what is the minimum fuel requirement for an engine start ? I've got half a quart in the tank now.If your engine is hard to start then a pull starter won't make it better, or easier. You'll just end up with a tired arm instead of tired legs.
Get everything right, carburetor tune, plug gap, good spark plug boot and a few miles on the engine and it shouldn't take much to start it. My bikes start within the length of my driveway, about thirty feet.
Tom