1987 1100 sporty evo with 4500 miles, added a s&s carb, runs like a dream-when it runs!!! intermittently just wont start...no $ to go for shop diagnosis- need game plan to determin starter, alternator, ignition- any idea from the new girl on the block

check the starter solenoid or relay before you do anything more expensive.

Try the old spray bottle trick. Get Fantastik bottle and fill with straight gas. Pull off breather cover and shoot a couple of shots straight in before startup. If it fires right away you know that your carb is set too lean.