1973 CR400 Starting Problem

Hi, project bike been working on and off last 3 years. Ran before refresh. Just finished the tank last weekend, so only then have I attempted to start. I blasted the frame, Nason automotive paint for frame, silver bits. Last weekend I went back and removed front engine mounts to improve ground and removed paint on the coil mount as well. Tried to start then and today....no luck. Between both days had 1 pop when kicking, otherwise dead. I did not split the cases, only hone and rings on top. I think 9es plug, .024 gap. I took carb apart, cleaned thoroughly. Not sure proper adjustments though?? Non-ethanol 91 gas.
Hated to, but yes tickled the carb...no start. Removed plug...seems dry.
Any thoughts/ideas appreciated in advance. Thanks!

Push tickler until gas runs out of overflow, the get behind back of bike lift up as high as possible for a few seconds, then kick it.
Later George

like george said above need to charge the crank with fuel....tickle it till is running out good..put it in 4 gear open the throttle and it roll forward it to charge the crank with fuel...my 250 likes to be started that way

Thanks guys, tried all with no luck. When I check for spark i don't consistent get spark when I kick it. In all the kicking, bumping I've only gotten 1 pop. I even tried some gas down the plug hole, starting fluid at carb.
Any other ideas? Thanks

Have you tried crash starting it ?

Well, still no luck. I'm moving cross country in a couple weeks and the bike is not coming with me. Any idea value of bike non-running verses running? Thanks

Hi, I removed the ignition side cover and found the flywheel nut not tight. Could I have messed the timing up just by kicking, though it never started, with a loose nut? Or is there a woodruff key? Lost, used to mikuni and old Suzuki's.

yes and yes...had the same problem..PO did not tighten flywheel nut and it sheered the key...check your timing...if way off the key is sheered...pull the flywheel and replace the key...
Where are you located?