Black plug, black smoke

[Jere]

My bike is intermittently running rough and not starting (starter cranks.) I'm pretty sure it's flooding itself and seems to get worse after riding for awhile.

I purchased a new air cleaner but haven't installed it yet (i doubt it'll make much of a difference.)

Anyway, I installed a new plug (regular temp) and everything worked great! Then, after two separate rides of about 15 km each, it died on me again. I took the plug out and it's black, but dry. I've probably worn down the battery and flooded it by trying to start it.

Where should I look first? Clean the carb? Choke sticking? Bad battery? (my Dodge Dakota book indicates that "weak ignition" could be a cause of black spark plug.)

Thanks. Let me know if you need any other info.