Bike wont start cold without throttle

Hi guys, hope you are all doing well.

My bike has developed a tick thats worrying me. The bike wont start without me pulling the throttle as I hit the ignition. Instead, it will just spin and spin while I hit the ignition. Also smells a bit like gas now. Fuel pump maybe? Thoughts?

Much appreciated, as always

 

sounds like an issue with the pilot jets. how many miles and when was the last time the carbs were cleaned?

 

Cleaned? Probably 3500 miles? Perhaps less?
About 1000 miles ago I got factory float needles put in to replace the aftermarket ones that I had in before (the bike was smoking black prior).

 

what to do the plugs look like when you idle it cold for a few minutes?
what about when it is fully warmed up?

 

Seems to be getting worse. Cold morning this morning and the bike would not start without being choked and given throttle.

I pulled the plugs and they are the same charcoal black (dry) that I had when the bike was running too rich from faulty needles.

I cleaned the plugs and I am going to monitor it the next few days. Getting a bit worried as the price tag on the last "running too rich" problem was $700 or so.

Cheers,

 

700 for needles?

 

700 for factory needles, installation and recoating of my gas tank. Yes, I payed too much.