Motorcycle Repair: Idle roughness and knocking, 1982 honda goldwing, clutch basket

Question
I recently came across a 1982 Honda Goldwing with a 1100GL.  I replaced all the fluids, spark plugs, oil, etc. before I started it.  It started right up but will not idle.  Above 1500 rpm it runs smooth. but is very rough below that and seems to knock at the low idles.  There is no smoke...

Answer
Dwayne,

-rough idle and knocking is usually caused
by plugged carb idle jets or passages which cause a misfire.

-Other causes are sticky carb slides, bad carb synch and
sticky/leaking exhaust valves. A compression check
may help to diagnose it, all cylinders should
be similar and preferably over 150 PSI.

-clean carbs, try some "seafoam" additive,
polish up the carb slides. Check the plug color
for running clues, black=rich, white=lean, brown=good.
The knocking is often just an out of tune engine,
may be the clutch basket or such bouncing back
and forth. When in tune it will knock less.