1983 1100 Spectre carb questions-I aquired a Spectre with 7000 miles that hasn't been started or ridden in 8 years. It is in very nice shape with a few minor nicks and scratches and dirty carbs. I cleaned the carbs on my garage bench and it fired up right away but will not accelerate without the choke on 1/2 or better. Any ideas out there Thanks

 

Did you clean every jet, making sure no jet holes were clogged? How about the idle air screws? Clean them too? Eight years of no usage will surely allow for gas to varnish up inside the carbs. If everything including the passages were cleaned properly, you shouldn't have idle issues.

Unless...

Make sure the carb boots are all tightened correctly, and check your vacuum lines. Any exterior air leaks will make it hard for the engine to idle by itself.

 

Thanks for the response- I didn't mention earlier but it idles fairly well but as soon as I twist the throttle at all it dies unless I pull the choke out all the way. I was running it without the boots on the carbs. Am I getting to much air?

 

It's a good possibility. You're getting too much air somewhere since you have to choke it to stay running. I would reattach the boots and tighten them up.

 

I agree with mark on this one let us know how she runs after you put the boots back on.

 

I put the air cleaner boots and air cleaner back on and made sure all were tight but still won't accelerate without the choke on full. It idles fine but that is it

 

Spray starting fluid (aka: ether) around the boots and vacuum lines. If you experience a change in idle, you will know there is an exterior air leak. Those old boots are prone to cracking and tearing, so make sure to spray all the way around them.