Motorcycle Repair: 73 CB500, cb500 four, exhaust leaks

Question
Hello.. I bought a 73' CB500 four and after an oil change I was able to get it started but it ran as if it wasn't getting enough gas( power lacking and high idle)It would run great with the choke on. I figured it was because the stock air cleaner was not on so I put a 115 main jet in all the carbs and cleaned them and put after market air filters on. But it still runs the same. Two of its cylinders exhaust leak pretty bad. looks like the pipes were creased and then were bent back and split. I don't know enough to know if this would make that big of a difference. Any help would be awesome. THANKS,
Joe

Answer
The exhaust leaks won't cause your symptoms.  I'm betting the low speed circuit is still plugged in the carburetors.  The fact that it runs well with the choke on is an indicator.  Another cause could be a float level being set too low.  The engine is just not getting enough fuel for the air it's taking in.   


Good luck
Rich