Suddenly running hot and having trouble idling.

Hey everybody, I have a 1979 KZ1000 C2 running a MKII engine with pods. I put about 2500 miles on it since I got it with absolutely no issues whatsoever, but within the last couple of weeks it's been having a tough time idling and seems to be running hot. In fact, the other morning I got sidetracked for a few minutes while letting it warm up on full choke and came out to the #1 cylinder header glowing red hot. BURNING UP! I shut it off and let it cool down and haven't had that issue since. I've checked for vacuum leaks, I've looked at the plugs, and the ignition seems to be working just fine. This is my only vehicle and my daily ride, so I'm pretty stressed about it.Any ideas?

How do the spark plugs look? Are you running lean? That could be causing the issue. If you are running at highway speed and turn on the chioke and it runs better or starts running cooler then it is running lean.

Check your valve clearances. Make sure they are not to tight.

Hot could be caused by fuel starvation. Make sure the fuel is flowing effectively. If you have any rust inside the fuel tank, it's possible (likely) it will accumulate around the petcock filter.

If you pull the fuel hose off the carbs and place in a can or bottle, open the petcock and watch the fuel flow.

Additionally, make sure the fuel cap vent is clear. If this is plugged, fuel will start to flow, then slow way down.

What they said and if this just started take a look at your intake manifolds for vacume leaks, that will cause a lean condition and make your idle all weird.
Also FYI DO NOT start an air cooled bike and let it idle for long, it relies on air passing over the engien to cool it. Sitting in a garage or driveway idling is not good for them at all.

If the valve clearances have worn too small, that will make it idle worse and worse as it warms up. But will run fine when cold.