Now that it's starting, it only runs with choke

[eran_k]

I'm glad to report that it's much better now!
I turned the idle speed knob few turns in and now the engine holds steady RPM without the choke. pilot screws are open 2 turns.
still need to balance the carbs and set the mixture correctly (and probably rejet the mains) i have a buddy with a carb balancer and a color tune so he will help me set it up.
thanks for all the good advise i got here, couldn't have done it without you guys.

p.s charging seems to be good too, i get 13.85 V at idle.

[Steve]

i have a buddy with a carb balancer and a color tune so he will help me set it up.

Good luck with the Colortune.

Seriously, no sarcasm intended.

The results of using one on a CV-type carb are rather mixed around here. I used one on a set of VM carbs and was VERY impressed. Almost impressed to get one for myself. Borrowed the Colortune, took it home, tried it on my wife's bike. Instead of seeing a nice, progressive color change as I turned the screw, I eventually saw the flame color start stuttering (but never change color), then finally stopping completely as I turned the screws in. Turning the screws out, the flames started popping in again, finally going steady, but again, never changing color.

Please use it and let us know how it works on your bike.

.

[Spiff]

Hi, I thought I'd post in this thread as opposed to start my own as I have a similar problem and I think it's because it's running lean.
It's a 83 GSX1100ES. It won't idle without a little bit of choke, if I turn of the choke it will idle for a couple of seconds then slowly die. Doesn't matter how far in I turn the idle screw, I set it to idle at 2500rpms but still it just died...
So I think something is wrong in the idle department.
It also stutters and jerks violently when trying to apply slight throttle from idle and up to about 3000rpms, beyond that it's silky smooth power delivery.
Again a reason why I'm suspecting something in the idle department...

Should I try adjusting the air screw?
EDIT: MIXTURE screw was probably what I meant.....

[JTGS850GL]

Start a new thread as this can cause confusion on who people are responding to. I'd say it's time for a carb rebuild in your case.