Motorcycle Repair: Problem with 1994 750cc Virago starting..., vacuum lines, wd 40

Question
I own a 1994 Virago (~ 10K miles). Took it out of cold storage. I replaced oil, filter and plugs and have a good charge on the battery. Also I had stabilizer  in the gas. Sooooooo here's the problem I start it and it idles at 1000rpm on the tach at full choke. I unable to take it out of choke when warm and I am also unable to apply throttle without stalling it.  Do the carbs need to be pulled out and cleaned or is it something else that I am missing? All the vacuum lines appear to be okay and the carbs are definately getting gas.
I tried shooting some carb cleaner and a squirt of WD-40 through bottom drain plug hole...no luck. Any help on this would be appreciated...


Answer
Hi Doug.

Every year I get posts from folks with problems exactly like yours.

Too many folks have bought into that whole "fuel stabilizer" hype.  99% of the time, they do not work.  Your best bet is always to completely drain the fuel from the system and run the bike til the carbs are dry.  Then use fresh fuel when you ressurect the bike again.

But that is for next year.  For right now, you need to get the bike running right.  that means cleaning the carbs and resealing the tank to seal out any varnish left in the tank.

You can try to put a bottle of fuel treatment in the tank and (with fresh fuel in the tank) running the bike to see if the bike starts to run right again.  If it doesn't, then the carbs will still have to be cleaned.

Start there and see what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON