First thing I'd do is pull and compare plugs. Then see if both leads are firing. Then maybe do a compression test?

 

checked it out and no brown goo

 

Both plugs were black and smelled like gas.

I put in a different set of plugs and it started + idled a lot better than before but still a little rough. The backfiring when i hit the throttle improved also but it was still there. I did a compression test and it looked good; about 177 @ front and rear with no pressure loss.

I checked the plugs and saw rear cylinder had soot and front was clean so figured the wire was shot. Swapped wires out and idle was right on, it was sounding good again, and there was no more backfiring when i blipped the throttle.

I attempted to go for a test ride but it died at the end of my driveway (about 40 feet) when i pulled the clutch in. I tried to restart it but no luck. the starter just clicked a couple times then nada. after about 3 times the starter didn't do anything when i hit the button. after about 15-20 minutes i tried to start it again and almost got it but it died. I hit the starter button again and it clicks 2-3 times then dies. I press starter again and it's not doing anything.

What do you think, maybe the s&s hi-4n ignition is done?

 

You have more than one problem going on...

The ignition system has nothing to do with the starter circuit.

Easy cheap stuff first:

Remove the carb, pull the float bowl and clean the carb out with some carb cleaner spray.

 

Time to check the battery & charging system.

 

It was only until post 13 that there was any mention of the starter, only that the bike was running rough or wouldn't start. It's a good thing you pointed out that the ignition has nothing to do with the starter circuit, or the rest of us might have contributed something stupid.

 

Hmm..... already took care of carb

 

had battery tested @ store and it was good. I guess I'll grab my meter this wknd.

 

I mentioned starter in the OP. I got stuck b/c after the bike died i couldn't get it started back up; after a couple times the starter did nothing when the button was pushed.

Regarding the starter it seems like the trend is when when the bike dies the starter will click a cple times then stop functioning. It will usually do that for 2 or 3 times when the button is pressed but then it won't do anything when the button is pressed. It seems like if I let it sit for a few hrs the starter starts wrkng again.

 

I have not read all of the post but will ask anyway, have you checked all grounds and your main leads to make sure they are good? Bad grounds can cause a multitude of sins.