engine noise and throttle performance

I bought this bike a few months ago (96 kz 100o police 54k) and my stress level has risen steadily ever since. The guy who owned it before me hardly rode it, knew little about bikes, but told me it needed new carbs. Since then, I figured out (and I am no mechanic) the air swirch was missing and fore some reason the valve cover port (?) where one of the air switch tubes was supposed to be connected has been filled with something like furnace cement. Long story short, I ordered a used air switch, but I am not sure the install will help rectify the backfiring, rough idle, nasty rev at start-up. The throttle also seems to get stuck causing the bike to rev at cruising speed when I am at a light (danger) fanning the clutch drops the rpm, but I look like a tool until the bike settles down.
Please help me keep this bike I thought I loved it a few months ago. Any ideas?

Simple answer is to use one piece of hose and connect the two inlets on top of the cam together and block off the vacuum port(s) on the carbs that go to the switch. You can get rubber plugs at an auto parts store to cover the empty vacuum port(s) on the carbs.
That might fix your idle and sticking revs problems also.

And throw away that switch.

Thanks,

The parts suppliers never tell the truth (almost anyways)

One more thing,

The engine has a distinct ticking sound which increases as I rev. While seated on the bike the sound seems to be coming from the lower left side. Any ideas?

We need a difinitive guide to 'waking up' old project bikes... I know I'm learing the hard way.

eg:

1) Check compression
2) Determine if low compression is rings or valves (if low)
3) Check valve clearances & shim
4) Check recommended jet sizes and completely clean carbs
5) New intake manifold boots, air filter
6) new tires... Better check the chain and *both* sprockets
7) Check the brakes. You gotta stop the thing.
All old fuel and anything contacting sitting fuel must be completely cleaned
9) Measure the voltage at the points, resistance of the coils & plug caps
10) get new plugs
11) Check the clutch and transmission - open clutch case if necessary and replace plates
12) Change the OIL!!!
13) Cables freed?

I'm sure there's more...