Blaster

Hey everyone I have been riding since I was about 9 and just now got my first bike. '86 FZ 600. I was wondering if it would be a good starter bike, also it currently does not start. It tries too, I hear the motor trying to turn and ocassionaly it will backfire. I have the Clymer manual for it but I thought I would also get a couple of people's ideas as well to find out where to start looking. Thank you gor your help.