quadrunner 250 2x4 not running right

[rider303]

I have a 1993 or 1994 suzuki quadrunner 250 2x4 It starts up and runs but you cant get into the throttle much before it starts to die. When you go it seems flat because you cant give it much throttle. when it was running right I had it out one night and it got hot and the header pipe was glowing red I'm thinking maybe the muffler or header pipe might be clog of the carb needs cleaned any suggestions?

[DirtDemon]

I think both of things could legitimately be your problem, however, it could be a million other things as well. If the machine has been sitting for a while, I would drain the gas and clean the carb, and by clean, I mean take it COMPLETELY apart and clean EVERYTHING. If the problem has been kind of progressive, I would start by checkin the vavle lash and doing a compression test. You can check the exhuast easy enough, so you might as well do that too if there are things that lead you to believe that it may be plugged. I would also try checking for air leaks, and make sure your filter is clean. A new spark plug is also a good idea. BTW, what does your old plug look like, the condition of your plug is often a good indicator.