Motorcycle Repair: 2003 honda rebel 250, honda rebel 250, 2003 honda rebel 250

Question
I have just purchased a 2003 Honda Rebel which hasn't been run for a couple years.  I cleaned the carburetor (Which was dirty) and reinstalled it. Now it runs with the choke on but when I close the choke it stalls unless I open the throttle. Also I have fuel leaking from the over flow.... consistently leaking. What else can I do?

Answer
John, my experience is on older Hondas but it sounds like your carb is still plugged up.  THe low speed jets are plugged not letting any fuel in at idle.  When the choke is on, the fuel flows through a different circuit so the engine runs.  You may have to take a thin wire and open up the idle jets.  I've not had a lot of success just soaking the carbs to totally unplug a dirty carb.

Regards
Rich