Motorcycle Repair: Motorcycle storage problem, honda cbr 600, motorcycle storage

Question
I have a 2000 Honda CBR 600. I left the States to serve in Korea for a year. My wife started the bike monthly to let it run, but after about 8 months it started running really rough. It now won't idle without the choke on and backfires quite frequently. There is also a considerable power loss. I just had the $600 tune-up prior to leaving for Korea and don't want to have to spend another $600. Could it just need a carb cleaning?

Answer
I usually only answer questions on harleys, but I think I can help.
First, if you are going to store your bike for an extened period, fill the tank with gas. This helps keep moisture out of it. Add some stablelizer to it. Start the bike, turn the petcock off and let it run until its out of gas. This keeps the carb from varishing up. Put a battery tender on the battery and let it sit after changing the fluids. Starting the bike once a month and letting it idle is hard on the motor and in the winter the motor doesnt get warm enough to drive out the moisture.
Now to your problem. Start buy checking the plugs. They may be fouled. If not then your carb or carbs (not sure how many you have) might be plugged up with dirt. If that is the case, they will have ot be removed and cleaned.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike