Motorcycle Repair: EX-500 Running Issues, kawasaki ex500, cv carb

Question
I have a '97 Kawasaki EX500 (California Edition, twin inline cylinder cv carb w/ choke start) that I use as a daily commuter. I got off the freeway one day and at the first stop light my bike was barely running at idle. This happened rather suddenly, rode it everyday and haven't had a problem. Now, it fires up, however, it has a rough idle and stalls when given some gas. The carb is tuned to idle at 1700 but now it idles at 1100.

I checked the plugs, and they both got sooty carbon all over, however, the right plug (from riding position perspective) has a lot of wet gas buildup as well, whereas the left is only dry soot. When I took apart the carbs, it seems that diaphram, floats, jets and seats seem good and clean, but I've only rebuilt a carburetor once. Also, I cleaned the air filter and it all seemed fine too. I had a carb sync three months ago, the air filter is only 3 months old too, but I haven't had a valve adjustment since at least 6,000 mi. (it has 12k on it now)

Thanks for reading, I'll appreciate any insight you have to offer.


Answer
Luke,

I suggest checking if both cylinders are getting
a good spark. If it looks okay, check
the carb enricheners or choke for problems.

-Your carbs are 34mm but this site describes
a similar model:
http://members.aol.com/roundr1/CVK40.html

-Set valve clearance at .20mm cold.

-You may want to check the compression to
see if both cylinders are equal.
Should have 130-180 PSI

-make sure the air box intake is not blocked
by anything. Try a new plug in the "wet" cylinder.

-Check the plug cap.

-Sooty plugs indicate either too much fuel or
not enough air to the engine.

-possible plugged exhaust pipe.