1980 GSX400E Starting issues

[xxenzor]

Last year, my 1980 Suzuki GSX400E ran perfectly after being fixed up by my buddy. I started it once over winter and then it sat for six months over the winter, and of course now it will barely run.

I've cleaned the carbs thoroughly multiple times and the diaphrams and everything are all good. The bike only starts with the choke on, and even then, only about half the time. When it does start, it won't rev past 5,000 RPM and dies as soon as I turn the choke off.

Both cylinders have a spark, and I checked for air leaks with starter fluid but found none. I also bypassed the gas tank to rule out a faulty petcock, but the issue remains.

Any suggestions on what could be causing this problem?

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[Nessism]

Sounds like the pilot jets, or pilot screw passages, are plugged. Did you remove the jets and hold them up to a light to make sure the orifice is open?

[xxenzor]

Yes, I cleaned the pilot jets and main jets and blew air through everything. I could see light through both. Put the carb back on. Still didn’t run good. Took the carb off and cleaned them again 2 more times. Same issue

[tom203]

”The bike only starts with the choke on, and even then, only about half the time.“

I’d drop each fuel bowl and make sure the “choke” pickup tube is not partially clogged from 6 months idleness.