Motorcycle Repair: 79 XS 1100 carb question, xs 1100, component timing

Question
Dear Chris,

I have an XS 1100 (1979) and the idle doesn't come back down real quick after you let go of the accelerator.  It is  not the cable.  I removed the airbox and I notice that the number 1 and number 4 (easy to see, may happen on 2 and 3 as well but hard to see) carbs spit a fog out at lower rpm's when the motor has a hickup.  

Is this a carb problem? or is this a timing problem?  If it is a carb problem is it related to a vacum leak  between the carbs and the head or do the carbs need cleaned.

Thank you for any help.

Answer
Hi Casey.

When was the last time that you synchronized the carbs?  This could be any number of issues, of which the carb synch is only one component.

Timing definitely needs to be done, but the valves may need to be dealt with as well.

Let me know what you find.

Good luck.
FALCON