Motorcycle Repair: 83 cb550sc nighthawk, wire strands, fine copper

Question
I recently bought a this 83 cb550sc nighthawk. It had been sitting for awhile 2-3 years, dead battery, stuck caliper, easy stuff. I immediately upon getting it home took the gas tank off and drained the carbs. An hour later I had it running and it sounds alright idling, but when I try to open it up it will only bog down. I've replaced spark plugs, and I'm running seafoam through it. What do you think is the reason for it bogging down? Corroded jets?

Answer
You need to go through the carbs and carefully clean the jets and passages. The procedure I like to use is to disassemble each carb at a time, remove the bowl, float, jets, slider, idle screw, etc. Take careful note of where each part goes so you can reassemble. Then I will shoot carb cleaner into the passages (use gloves/goggles and do this outdoors). Carb cleaner will dissolve varnish buildup. The tiny holes in the jets can also be cleaned out with some fine copper wire strands and carb cleaner. You should also inspect/replace any rubber o-rings using OEM parts or parts from a rebuild kit.

When installing the carbs back onto the bike, be extra careful not to leave any air leaks in the airbox or intake boots. You will need to adjust the idle mixture once the carbs are back on.