Motorcycle Repair: 1984 650 Nighthawk, fuel valve, bottem

Question
I rode my Nighthawk first time in over a month last week and, for the first time in 16 years I owned, had to switch the fuel valve to reserve.  I then fueled up and continued my ride but forgot to switch the valve back.  I went to start it tonight and had no problem, but when I gave it a little throttle, it sputtered and die.  It re-started easily and would idle with ~1/2 choke but continue to die ever time I turned the throttle the slightest bit.  Could running the bike on reserve allow some of the sediment at the bottem of the fuel tank mess up the needle and seat in the carb(s) and be causing my problem?  What do you think and is there a short term fix so I can at least ride it to a repair shop?

Thanks,
Jon

Answer
Sorry Jon, we've lost our Internet access when the tower was struck by lightning during the storm in central IL last week. Sounds like you got a carburetor full of water or dirt that is messing up the fuel delivery.  You can try draining the float bowls.  Catch the fuel in a container of some kind and it may give you an indication what's going on.  You may be able to drain the junk out or you may have to clean the tank and carbs to get it all cleaned out.

Good Luck
Rich