Motorcycle Repair: Vt500C - Bogging issue, air ports, bill silver

Question
HI Bill , I took out the plugs and all 4 are black sooty , replaced them and in 4 minutes in a ride  around the area , they turned black again. I am working on the idea it could be choke related ..  starting with the cheapest...
I thinking the choke plungers are not returning all the way to seat position.  I am trying to fine the measurements for the choke end of the cable for open and closed on the lever , full down on lever leave 10mm according to book  between plunger and end of cable . any idea what the measurement on lever all the way up so that the plungers can seat correctly .   Also how does this type of choke work . When i first changed the pluges I had power for a little bit but then sooty fouled again.  What is a good way to clean the plunger areas of the carb

Answer
Paul, well that is a good clue. The choke cable just pulls the small plungers out to uncover small fuel/air ports that both increase the idle speed and add extra fuel to help with warm-up.

I don't have any specs on measurements, but the plungers need to be fully seated when choke is OFF. Check the handlebar end of the cable to see if it is frayed and hanging up.  When choke is OFF pull on each carb end of the cable to see/feel if there is some play in each cable end. If so, then they are closing all the way. If not, then varnish is keeping them open and carbs need cleaning.

Make sure that your air filter is in good shape and nothing is blocking the intake tract during operation.

Bill Silver