Carb problems

[RicCA]

I bought a 2001 standard that sat for a few years, they had a H D mechanic change fluids and get it running, unfortunately he didn't pull the carbs and clean so now I are going to have to have it done...... Ran carb/injector cleaner through it a few times but hasn't helped. I was told by the honda service manager that it wouldn't hurt riding the bike until I get the money together to get the carb work done. Do any of you have an opinion on this info.  I don't' want to screw anything else up but wanted to for a few more rides before the rain comes.  It seems to run fine but doesn't' idle well at all and seems to be running pretty rich...... at least it smells like it and seems to be getting pretty bad gas mileage.... I have ran mid grade gas as it calls for but thinking about putting higher grade. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.  I have had to monkey around with the idle adjustment screw a bit just to get it to stay running while at idle.
Thanks for all the advice and experiences.....
Ric

[gregc]

   Sea foam, I get it from Napa store.  Run a little higher concentration first couple of tanks.

[Gavin_Sons]

My 01 interstate sat for alomst 4 years, wouldnt run at all. Had a mechanic buddy of mine pull the carbs and ultrasonic clean everything. Said it could use new seats floats and needles. Never did any of that and mostly resolved its self with seafoam in the first 5 tanks. It still wants to pop on the decel so im going to do the desmog when the weather gets better.

[RoadKill]

High "grade" fuel does NOTHING for the problems you are having.  E-10 would actually help clean things out. I agree with the seafoam recommendations above and let it idle as much as it will tolerate if Idle is where you are having issues.

[Gavin_Sons]

I put half a can in mine on each fill up. And as roadkill said, let it idle as much as you can to help clean the slow jets. I actually rode mne in high gear as slow as i could on county roads. That seemed to help alot.

[Fritz The Cat]

Mine wouldn't idle at all when I got it. I ran several cans of Seafoam, Techron and some other stuff that's meant to be used in a carb cleaning machine. eventually it worked and now she idles just fine. But it did take a couple of months and about 2000 miles to get there.