doesn't really apply to an '86, the white spacer mod we do is to correct the factory lean condition of the '95 and later bikes

hard to start - all the time or just when the engine isn't warmed up?
 

try turning the petcock to PRI from ON for about 30 secs to fill the bowl backup switch it back to ON - choke on the first click see if it starts should pop right away if the plug is good and battery >12.5v

by the way is the brass plug on yours or is the idle mixture screw uncovered?

couple of thoughts, when left fuel can evaporate out of the carb vent pipes so as mentioned by reelthing putting petcock to prime may help, also as it's an oldie has the fuel tank been cleaned. The strainer on the top of petcock (inside tank), can gunk up over the years and retrict fuel flow. If the bike is left not being used for long periods like during winter it is a good idea to leave petcock in normal position and loosen screw to drain float chamber as when unleaded evaporates it leaves a varnish like residue that can gunk up jet orifices.

Is the decompressor working ok so engine can wizz over good for the cold start?