Motorcycle Repair: is my bike worth fixing- 2003 vt 750 shadow spirit, air chambers, vt 750 shadow


Question
QUESTION: bike runs poorly and seems to get worse with time. despite tune up, carbs cleaned, new battery, new fuel cap, now it starts with difficulty, runs rough and dies like it is  being starved of fuel. i noticed it will run a bit better on reserve than on position. am never to bikes and contemplating giving it up over this bike. worse it starts and runs fine near home but misbehaves on the road. am at a loss and frustrated, please help!
many thanks
damon

ANSWER: Damon,
 Before you give up, drain your fuel tank, remove your petcock and clean it thoroughly, reinstall it and check to see that fuel runs through it freely.  Then run your bike and see if that helps

Hope it helps
D

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi deron,
i drain the fuel tank, removed the petcock and cleaned it. while i was at it i noticed that my air cleaner housing was loose and upon further inspection after pulling it apart, i noticed that one of the rubber chambers on the housing has quite a large rip and there is noticeable odour of fuel on the housing, symptoms of fuel leaking in to the air clean too. might i have found an air or fuel leak in the diaphragm.... if so how do i resolve this. as yet i have not run the bike.
many thanks
damon

ANSWER: Damon
 You have an issue with your needle valves not sealing properly against the seats within the float bowl, or a bad float in one or more of the carbs...this lets excess fuel into the carbs where it will run out into the air box...re-clean the carbs and pay special attention to the needle/seat area...check your floats and replace anything that looks suspect...

Deron

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hello Deron,
i just cleaned the carbs on my bike 2003 vt 750 shadow spirit,  now it will not start. i changed the plugs cleaned the air chambers, followed all instruction as per my service manual and still no desired result. it will crank but will not fire up. i am at a total loss, just frustrated! do you have any ideas i may try one last time. you have been very helpful, i appreciate your assistance.
many thanks
damon

Answer
I am afraid that we have reached a point that makes it difficult for me to speculate...my advise would be to take it to a repair shop and let them fix it.  It sounds as if you still have a fuel related issue, but without being able to see the bike or put my hands on it, it is difficult...If you have fuel to the carbs and no intake leaks then you should have a bike that would at least attempt to start...if you pull your plugs and they are dry, then you must still have a fuel issue....I am sorry that I cannot be of further assistance..