Motorcycle Repair: clogged carb, yamaha v star 650, yamaha v star

Question
Hello, thank yiou for your time.  I have a Yamaha V-Star 650.  Just bought this year.  Only 70 miles! I obviously dont ride a lot.  My problem is I beleive the carb is gummed up. Everytime I push in the choke it dies! Is there anything I can do to unclog it, the dealership wants 300 to clean it out!! Any ideas???
Thamnk you,
Misty

Answer
Hi Misty, I can be fairly sure your pilot jets are clogged. The fuel that sits in the carburator eventually will harden or "gum up". The pilot jets have very very small inlets which let a very small amount of fuel into the carb at idle to 1/4 throttle. 9.9 times out of 10 this is the case.
Unfortunately, the only real cure is to remove the carbs, remove the pilot jets (usually inside of a very small tube once the carb is turned upside down, easily seen with a flashlight) And to run compressed air or a very small wire. One strand from a small parts brush works very well otherwise if you intend on doing this often, a set of jet drills can be picked up for around $40.00.

Hope this helps, good luck!

~Mark D. Panka