Won't idle without choke

[phony54]

I'm trying to get my dads 87 aspencade up and running. It's been sitting for about 2 years. Bought a new battery and spark plugs. It will start, and with choke on it will idle above 1600 or so just fine. Between 1400 and 1600 it starts to sputter but will stay on. At 1300 it starts missing pretty bad and then finally does around 900-1000 rpm. I know exactly squat about motorcycles in general and goldwings in particular. Any ideas on what I should address next?

[Frank]

I'm sure that your carbs are gunked up if it has been sitting for that long. Need to check the air box to make sure some critters haven't made a home there. You might try some Seafoam in the fuel but it's not a quick fix and you really need to be able to ride it for it to work the best. If you do idle it for awhile be sure and use a big fan on the motor

[phony54]

My dad is actually driving it now, just has to keep on the throttle. He said once it gets up and moving it runs ok, just wants to die below 1000 rpm. I'll go out and pick up some seafoam and run through it and see if it helps. Is there a certain procedure for doing that on these bikes? I do it on my truck occasionally, but never a bike.

[Frank]

Just follow the recommended mixing instructions. It's not uncommon for them to run worse before they run better since as it works the junk out of the carbs it will foul the plugs