84 GPz750 bogs and dies once hot

I agree that some variation is normal as the lobes pass over the tips (on a multi cylinder motor I wouldn’t expect it to be very pronounced because as one lobe goes over centre another is loading up) however the OP’s description of “very tight” does not seem normal with the plugs removed (and the tightening seems to relate to two valves only)

Maybe my description was a bit dramatic. This is the first time I’ve ever turned an engine over by hand and I guess I was just comparing the tight to loose difference while turning the crank. 

Seems my valve clearances are within spec and the cam chain and crank turning is not alarming. I’m still stumped on the poor running. 

Here is a picture of the brand new spark plugs I put in right before idling for 5 minutes, a few throttle whacks, and attempting to ride down the street before it stumbled and died. 1 —> 4 from L to R.
 
#2 cylinder has consistently been an issue but none of the times that I’ve opened up the carbs have I seen an issue. Think I’ll be renting a compression tool to check that again. 

Did you back the tensioner off before you re-fitted the cover ?

I have yet to refit the cover, awaiting a new gasket. Covered it up with a trash bag until it comes in early next week.

The pic of the plugs and how it was running were prior to checking the valve clearance and the reason I went ahead and checked them.