Motorcycle Repair: Yamaha Vstar 650, yamaha vstar 650, float bowls

Question
I hadnt started my bike in over 3 months,I finally got it started but only will run with the choke on,If i hold the gas and turn the choke off i can get it to stay on,but it wont idle,what can i do? Im pretty sure its bad gas as well.

Answer
Hi Teresa,

You'll have to remove the carbs and either clean them, or have them cleaned. Whats happened is the Pilot jets have become clogged or where gas has jelled up causing no fuel to pass through at idle. This is very common in bikes that sit for any amount of time. Once the float bowls have been removed, youll see small round jets made of brass. Using a flat screw driver, remove the very small one located inside of a small pipe along side the larger one thats out in the open. Once you've cleaned them, You can rest assured your bike will run great again!

Hope this helps!

~Mark