Motorcycle Repair: backfiring (honda vt1100 shadow- 1985), honda vt1100 shadow, fuel flow

Question
i'm having a problem with my bike, it won't idle without the choke open; even after it has warmed up.  Also, it is backfiring after it has warmed up.              Thanks, Kermit Hicks

Answer
Hi Kermit.
 There are a few things that you should check.

1)  Carb synchronization.

2)  Valve and ignition timing.

3)  Fuel flow (are the carbs clean?).

4)  Air filter (is it clean or dirty).

5)  Are the spark plugs fouling out?

6)  Did the bike sit over the winter with fuel in the system?  If it did, then clean the carbs properly.

Start with those and let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON