cant keep my bike running

Hey guys, i think i have a carb issue. i am new to bikes, i actually just bought my first bike!! i recently bought a 1977 kz1000 LTD. when i got it, the bike was in pretty good running condition. i have recently run into a problem. the bike starts fine and then quites on me. i cant keep it running. i have to keep it reved up pretty high and as soon as i let off the throttle it dies. i think this is a carb issue. has anyone had this issue or have a good idea from the description? like i said i am new to bikes and am not much of a mechanic. is this something that i might be able to tune on my own or should i just take it in to a shop?

bike is on the carb pilot circuit until 3/4 throttle.sounds like u need to clean carbs real well.do u have a good fuel filter inline?is tank ok and free from rust?did u tune bike up when u got it (new plugs,etc)?bj

bike is on the carb pilot circuit until 3/4 throttle.sounds like u need to clean carbs real well.do u have a good fuel filter inline?is tank ok and free from rust?did u tune bike up when u got it (new plugs,etc)?bj

He is right, it COULD definetly be that...But before we get too technical i would like to mention the Idle screw. Is the idle up high enough??? the screw should be between the middle carbs on the top. tightning it will raise the idle. loosening it lowers it...Try that then get back to us.

First thing to do, if you already havent, is get a manual. Trying to diagnose your problem blind, I would guess that you have a fuel restriction somewhere. Most likely would be crud in the pilot (idle) jet, which is inside the carburetor float bowl. Not to be confused with the idle mixture needle, which is outside the carb as you know. The hole inside this jet is SUPER TINY! and becomes very easily plugged by any debris inside the tank, I have even seen particles go through a fuel filter and plug the pilot jets immediately after cleaning. I would start by getting some carb kits, at least new "O" rings, and clean the carbs. If you dont the slightest clue how to do this, i would recommend doing some reading up, or take it to a reputable machanic. The post-cleaning process takes some special tools to properly tune the carbs. So if you are not ready to shell out a couple of hundred of $, take it to someone.

couple of things come to mind....could need a good tune up...could need a valve adjustment.......the factory fuel filter is a cup underneath the petcock.....check it out..if its full of crap, some might have entered the carbs.....i would clean them out just to rule that out...carb boots could be old and cracked also....if you can keep it running, spray some wd on the boots that connect the carbs to the motor......i dont think thats it, but worth a try....does the bike have the stock filter and pipes?....
worse comes to worse, you pay for parts and shipping and i will clean them out for you.......