Motorcycle Repair: R1 running poorly at low rpm, yamaha yzf r1 2001, fuel additives

Question
Chris,

I was wonder if you have ever had experience with a Yamaha YZF-R1 (2001 model) or another similar bike running poorly at low rpms.  More specifically, I'm just starting out & shifting into first gear and  if I don't give it a bit more gas than I used to have to give it, the bike will kinda lurch & shake.  Once I  get going it runs fine.  I can also get this to happen at low rpms in higher gears.  

The bike sat too long one winter & I think the carbs may be dirty, but I wanted to run the thought by someone before I ventured into trying to fix this problem.  Are there any additives to the gas that may help do the cleaning?  If I need to work on the carbs, how difficult would it be for someone who can do minor auto repairs & can follow instructions well, but doesn't really have any experience working on bikes?  I have a copy of the service manual, and this work doesn't look trivial.  Thanks for any thought you may have on this.  

Answer
Hi Rob.
 The first thing that I learned about engines is "an engine is and engine".

 There are always going to be some basic differences, but the same things that make a car engine run (or not run) are the same things that make a bike engine run (or not run).  All of the principles are the same; only the configuration changes.

 Based on what you are telling me, the carbs do need to be properly cleaned.  You may also check the synch on the carbs as well.

 Cleaning the carbs, while seeming difficult is not difficult at all.  You must keep track of every small part and if you have never done this before, DO NOT remove the jets.  Soak them in good quality carb cleaner to get the jets.  It will not be perfect, but it will break down the varnish.

 As far as additives, just use any of the regular fuel additives that are made from (or with) jet fuel.

Let me know how it goes.
Good luck.
FALCON