Valkyrie has a pop in the exhaust at idle..on #1

Just a hunch. Clearly there is a fuel issue on one of the cylinders. Although you cleaned the carb, please confirm that the intake valve is clean and/or reed valves are working properly. It is possible that the 2nd cylinder is only firing occasionally even at the higher RPM but it's less noticeable because of the engine's inertia at that speed makes it "seem" to be running smoother. The clue lies in the fact that the engine runs smoothly at idle when the choke is applied and starts to miss when choke is open ... this is indicative of fuel starvation. And yes, on a 2 cycle, a lack of fuel means a lack of lubrication.

Out of curiosity, take both spark plugs out and crank the engine. Do this outside away from an open flame. Compare the amount of misted fuel that comes out of each cylinder head with the choke closed and then again with the choke open. If it isn't even then the cylinder that is blowing less fuel is being starved. This should identify the problem cylinder and help to narrow down the elements left to troubleshoot and replace/repair/clean. Good luck and hope this helps

Sounds to me, if there is nothing mechanically wrong with the carbs (carbon build up, broken choke spring), that they need to be synchronized. You'll need a vaccuum gauge and some aquarium tubing and a lot of patience. I'd check the spark plug condition to verify what cylinder it is. If it is indeed cylinder 3 (factory set carb), it will be either choke spring is broken or jets are clogged up with bad gas or dirt. For instructions on synchronizing carbs go here: http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/carlsync.htm
I've been there, done that.

You've got an air leak somewhere. Running better with the choke closed is the clue. Air is entering somewhere else and by closing the choke you are basically adjusting the air/fuel ratio to be more correct.
With a combustible carb spray and red nozzle pipe, you can lightly spray around the carb as the engine runs and see where the running changes and that's your leak point. Keep the spray away from the carb inlet so you don't get misled.
The carb could also have gunked up gas deposits. Clean the carb also.
Re-check it.

That is a sure sign that the carbs need cleaning. The low speed idle jets are plugged up and the choke cuts back the air and allows more fuel in the mix. There are 6 carbs on the Valkyrie so have someone who knows what they are doing clean and sync them.

hi had a similar problem with 1 of these i think you will find it is carbs, bit of a tough job to do but not impossible if you are mechanicaly minded, i would however say to save confusion, do 1 carb at a time completely finish and put together each carb before you do the next 1, tip, i found the floats were sticking and required removal for valve cleaning, just work on the cylinders that arnt working leaving the others alone.

Hi,
Have you tried adjusting the carb? There should be two screws on the carb (hi & Low) turn the hi screw completely until it stops and then start the unit. Let it warm up and then begin to back the screw out until it starts to run smoothly but strong. Once you have it running then put it in full run position (choke) and you should be good.
Good luck!

better ajust choke or turn down idle screw before u burn engine-must have air passin by cylinders--may also be an internal problem with carbs like dirt etc-buy a manual for troubleshootin

I would change the plugs and the air filter. Also I would put a full can of Techron or Seafoam in the gas tank and ride it to see if it clears up. If these bikes sit very long the slow jets in the carbs can partially or fully clog resulting in rough running. If the bike sits for long periods over 2 months I would also use a fuel stabilizer such as Seafoam or Stabil. Make sure when adding a fuel stabilizer that the bike runs long enough to get the additive in the carbs.

I just went through this over the last 2 months with my 97' Standard. I tore down the carbs, cleaned, replaced all O-rings, Vac tubes and rejetted with new Factory Pro jets. Did not solve the problem. I finally determined it was the gas. I must have gotten a bad tank of the stuff. As soon as I swithed over to a name brand, Cheveron, Texaco, Exxon, etc. the problem was solved. Give that a shot before you start tearing things apart like I did.