thanks for all the advice! I think I might have it....just a few more questions...
How long to run new plugs before reading them?

How long should the enrichment **** stay out before it pulls in? I think mine is moving too quick. maybe one plus minutes. this is causing the motor to die.

 

I usually check mine after a long ride ~ 100 miles for a spot check, depending on what I am looking for. There are other more specific checks outlined in one of the articles someone linked here.

The enrichment **** should not be moving until you move it...might need to tighten the collar down just a bit to snug it up so it stays put.

 

great!
Whats the typical length of time it should be out? I start the bike choke out, and get moving in one minute. At the corner the engine is still needing choke. this is probably another minute.. Is two to three minutes with slight choke okay? typical?

 

rpms seem set right, now the choke must stay on lots longer. bike died twice while coming to a stoplight with clutch in down shifting. choke was off.
Should I look at the bigger pilot jet? its a 46

 

A 46 jet should be plenty. Try opening the mixture a little more in 1/8 turn increments. 3 turns is not too much if it is idling right.

I usually warm up around 5 minutes, more or less, but definitely more than 2 minutes before riding off. I pull the enricher, twist a squirt down the throat, and fire that puppy up. It warms up while I put on my helmet and gloves and goggles, put in the earbuds and crank up the music, scratch my ***, get on and get situated, and get going. It still idles somewhat rough for 15-20 minutes, shorter on hot days and longer on cold days, and may quit at a traffic stop if I don't pay attention. After that, it idles pretty smooth. i am still not all that satisfied with the idle when it is cold and how long it takes to idle smooth. Probably should leave it alone but you know how it is...

I see you are running drag pipes. I assume these are unrestricted (no baffles). If so, you may need some more back pressure. I have used torque cones to help with this with some success. You can get decent quality cheap cones just to try.

 

okay, I think the bike was running way better than I really thought. opened the mixture an 1/8th more. might need a putty hair more, but no stall.
One last question. today was sunny, 65deg. Bike started perfect, but with choke out it was rpm at 1300. is then as I ran an pushed in the choke (few minutes) rpms dropped to 1000.
sound right?
Great News. ThunderHeader 2 into 1, is on its way. Yep. Had to take the advice of Yankee and now skinman about the drags. Thanks again!! I keep everyone posted. gonna get some pics when the pipes are on.

 

Choke full out= 1300 rpm

choke full in (when warm) =1000rpm +/- 50 rpm

Sounds about right.

Mine idles at about 850rpm and has for 21 years....

 

idle with enricher is around 1300, but my 88 lopes too much and wants to quit if the idle is adjusted less than around 950

 

I think Im on point....waiting for my ThunderHeader so I can do it over again. lol
this time I have some knowledge.

 

We can call this closed! I installed my Thunderheader and the jetting became a breeze!!
I had no idea how poor the bike was running and how it was almost impossible to jet right.
Im running new plugs to verify Im spot on, but this thing is purring!
Thunderheader gave it a nice growl, and the jetting sets it for lift off.
Many, many thanks to you guys!