Motorcycle Repair: 85 Virago 700, sputters at light throttle, fork seals, fork oil

Question
Thanks for the help. Another question.  Last time we corresponded the front cylinder wasn't working at all.  I found the problem being the same thing you just suggested.  The needle valve had slipped out so I pushed it back in.  The question is:  Do you think I need to replace something so this doesn't keep happening? or, is there a better fix than just pushing it back in?
Thanks,
Dave
P.S.  Something I thought would be an easy fix but I might as well ask you while I have your attention.  It seems there is fork oil leaking from the right fork (if you're sitting on the bike).  I'm assuming that a seal is bad, maybe an "O" ring.  Any cautions before I get myself into something "funky"?
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Followup To
Question -
Chris,
You helped me before last year so I'd like to enlist your assistance again.

When I give it just a little throttle the bike sputters and jerks.  The more throttle I give it the smoother it runs.  The front spark plug was black so I replaced it.  It didn't help.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Dave
Answer -
Hi Dave.
 Changing the plugs will not make a difference, as you have already discovered.

Check the offending carb.  I'll bet that the needle valve has slipped out.  This happened to me once on my XV700 and it had happened to both carbs at one time.

You may want to insure that the valve on the other one is secure as well.

Let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON

Answer
Hi Dave.
 Actually, it's a wierd thing, but once it's been reinstalled, it seems, for some reason, to wnat to stay there like it should.

As far as the fork oil leak, just follow the directions in the repair manual and you will be just fine. it is a seal that has gone bad, so you'll need to redo the fork seals.  Make sure that you have the removal tool for the bolt down deep in the fork.  That tool is listed in the repair manual.

Good luck.
FALCON