Motorcycle Repair: I have a Kowasaki Vulcan 1989..., kowasaki, maintenance book

Question
I have a Kowasaki Vulcan 1989 750cc. I am a novice at repairs, and am trying to fix my bike. My bike has benn sitting up for almost a year now, because of this problem. I recently got her out and cleaned her and replaced the fuel in the tank as well as the spark plugs.(all of which were properly gapped and all sparked.) I cranked her up and to no suprised she was being a real bitch. That is understandable seeing as the long length of time she was up. Anyway, I finally got er started and she ran fine long enough for me to go get some gas. Backing up a bit. she did smoke a bit when First cranked. So I put her back up for the day. Well, 2 days later I went to get her to take her to my house. She didn't want to start again, and when I did get er started she wouldn't Idle. So, i prob shouldn't have done this but I rode er to my house anyway. Every time I came to a stop I had to keep er at bout 3k rpm just to stay cranked. I'm also gettin a bad fuel smell too. I have the  Clymer repair and maintenance book and am trying to single out the problem. But, like I said, I am bottom of the pile when it comes to repair. any help you can give would be oh so greatly appreciated.  p.s. where the hell is the pilot screw?

Answer
Gavin,
 Sounds like you may be suffering from carburator problems.  I would reccomend that you remove the carbs and clean and adjust them properly.
Here are some basics guidlines on setting up and cleaning them:
Make sure air/fuel adjustments are not the culpret, you'll need to experiment with these, trial and error, usually 1 and 1/2 turns out from seated. Be absoulutly sure all orrifaces and jets are clean and not damaged. Use ONLY compressed air and solvents to clean these, using a pick or wire could have damaged the precise venturi action that takes place. Carburators can get pretty complex and require tuning from time to time. In addition there are different systems and effects that come into play at different throttle positions. Performance can be fine at one throttle position and terrible at another. All you can do is look closely for damage and carefully adjust all tolorances according to a good service manual. Do not overlook the float level and condition of the needle valve, be very sure you are not starving for fuel. In relation make sure fuel flow is unobstructed and use a good in-line fuel filter from the tank to the carb. Even tiny particles in the fuel can get logged in critical areas and cause havoc.

Hope this helps,
Mike