Don't really know !! carbs (i think)

I thought my bike was ony running on #2 and #3 cylinders

SO i tried changing the coils round
(just the two wires that connect onto each coil) (that's right ain't it ???)

Wouldn't start, got some REALLY BIG backfires though !!
so i put them back how they were.

I then took plug #1 out to check spark (fine)
same with #4 (spark fine)
i then took #2 plug out, spark fine
Left #2 out and also took #3 out and started it up ......... with # 1 and 4 in
The bike started but wouldn't idle very well, so i put all plugs back in and left the wires off plugs #2,3 Same result, the bike starts up but doesn't tick over well and only revs to about 3000rpm

So this means cylinders 1 and 4 must be firing (doesn't it ????)
which makes me think this is a carb/fuel problem

any thoughts ? PLEASE !!!!!!
apart from the obvious.....I HAVE TOO MANY CYLINDERS ON MY BIKE !!!!

I would bet carbs.
Or gas related. How old is the gas? Has the bike bin sitting?
Are the intake boots good? No cracks and tight.
If you have spark on 1+4-2+3 most likely carbs/gas

the gas is new
the bike has been sat for a short time .. 20 YEARS !!!
but i've cleaned the carbs twice, fuel lines, put inline filters on, oil change new filter etc.

the boots/manifold are good i've done the wd40 squirt test and no change in rpm

i'm thinking the carbs may need a another real good clean
i'm just after some more ideas other than carbs

thanks

what is the condition of the fuel tank? Rust can get into the fuel system and plug up jets and cause the bike to run rough. A suggestion would be to find out who in your area can seal the fuel tank for you.

Did you replace the jets when you cleaned the carbs? Did you make sure the jet passages were clear? (spray carb cleaner into the jet opening and it should shoot out of the little hole in the front of the carb) If you're SURE it's not spark related (which I'd look at again since the 2/3 cylinders aren't firing and happen to share a coil) my best guess would be plugged jets or jet passages.