Sounds like you have no spark. If the machine is more than about 15 years old it will have contact breakers (points). These wll need cleaning (just about possible via the access hole in the flywheel), or better, replaceing with an electronic module. If it already has an electronic ignition system, they are notoriously weak, and the only option is to replace the coil - at about £55.
phil_saunders@bigfoot.com
Phil Saunders
August 2008