1980 KZ550 wont run off choke

First off i uploaded a video:


I bought this not running as a fixer-uper/first bike. Took apart the carbs and they were gummed up, tank rusted etc... Cleaned it all up and it started up nicely, but wouldnt rev high or run off choke.

I took apart the carbs again and found cyl #2 bowl had NO fuel, the float valve was stuck.
Cleaned it out better this time, and tried it again... pipe gets hot now, but i still dont think it's optimal (compared to the other carbs it does provide as much "spring" for the float) and the bike still doesnt run off choke.

In the video i had the bike running for about 10-15mins before i took it so it was quite hot already. (Keep in mind when watching the video the right side muffler rusted off )

I dont want to sink a tonne of money into this, although i feel im VERY close to having it running right... What am i missing!?

Thanks,
Jeff

Having an open muffler will require rejetting. Having no air filter will require rejetting. The combination of the two will require major rejetting.

However, it should still idle and rev ok as long as there is no load on it, and you mess with the air screws.

Before tinkering with carbs, you need to check the ignition and compression. Since you can get it running, it should not be difficult to do both. You want to start at the beginning, because no amount of carb tinkering will fix an ignition or bad motor.

There is a manual in my signature, and there are many posts describing how to check compression.

i know i have ignition because every cylinder will run if i spray carb cleaner in them... I bought a compression tester but it the smallest spark plug hole is fits is 14mm... i didnt know these were 12mm

You can go to Autozone and borrow a compression gauge. They put a temporary authorization on your credit card, and you can borrow it for a week. Once you take it back they take the authorization off your card. Theirs comes with the 14 to 12mm adapter. So you could use their gauge or yours, depending which you think is better quality.

Joe

You are trying to tune the bike with no air cleaner attached - this is no good. Hook the air cleaner up - THEN see if tuning adjustments are needed. Running one of these engine with no air filtration will create a lean condition because of a lack of intake airflow resistance - so naturally your bike is now running lean. And if somehow you make carb changes to compensate for the lean condition - when you DO hook up the air cleaner the engine will run rich. So - step 1 - hook everything up as if you are going to ride the bike; step 2 - make any necessary tuning adjustments. Ed