I have been out beating around on my bike. and I've noticed that with the choke in (not activated?) it'll scream up to about 5000 rpm's and then kinda dog out. but I'll flip the choke lever half way and it'll haul a$$ like I've never seen before.... what is causing this?

you have got some rubbish in the system, either the carbs, tank or filters, or all of the above.

well that sucks.

Also that means the bike is not running rich, its running Dangerously lean. The choke on these bikes is not a choke at all. It is an enrichener which draws additional fuel. I wouldnt ride the bike until you get the carbs fixed as you run the risk of turning the exhaust pipes blue and burning holes in your pistons.

Yup lean not rich from the sound of it. Now fill us in on what bike you have, stock airbox or pods, stock exhaust or aftermarket. Either way you need to clean up the carbs. It isn't that bad take a Sat afternoon(or whenever you have the time. Read through the great tutorials on here with pics in the faq section. ANd if you have any questions just ask. It isn't nearly as bad as it seems to pull them apart. Just don't cut any corners and when you are done bench sync and then final tuning you will not believe the difference it will make. The bike will be fast and in a safe place in regards to jetting making both of you happier.

Its an 82 xj750 maxim. stock airbox, stock 4-2 exhaust. But it smells rich like when it runs and blows a white-ish color smoke every now and then which made me think it was running rich so I leaned it up a bit... do i just have to richen it out a little more and deal with the smell?

Is there anyone that is near northern indiana that would like to accept cash payment for letting me come to your place and you personally teach me how to do these carbs? I've never done anything like this before... and I'd like to learn how to do it correctly.

are you just smelling gas fumes or the exhaust smells rich. Excess fuel usually is black sooty smoke. I have a hint of gas smell as well but I believe I had tracked it to my tank lid the gasket is all hard and dried out, check yours out if you smell fuel.

It's the exhaust that smells rich....

Anyone? I'll buy your meals for the day to?!? Who can turn down free food?