bike running like poopoo after sitting for a while

[mattress]

ok ... i did it again ... i let the bike sit for a substantial period of time without doing any preventive work..

i have a 99 gs500e

it seems to only be running on one cylinder.

i first dropped the float bowls and cleaned up everything good with carb cleaner.
no change.

i got a new battery (i needed a new one anyway, got the walmart sealed one), and new spark plugs (non iridium) old ones were black.

still ran like crap

pulled the tank off, drained it, opened up the top and bottom of the carbs, blew everything out with carb cleaner.

seems like it might be running better, but not nearly 100%
it spits and sputters and backfires, bucks almost like its about to run out of gas.

my next idea is coils .. dealer wants a lil over $100 for a pair.. i dont have that money right now. the spark seems really weak.

can you guys give me some advice? i ttied searching but i guess im not any good at finding relevent info..

thabk you guys so much..

[The Cable Guy]

Gunked jets? Worn jets? Leak in the intake manifold?

[Big Rich]

How long exactly was it sitting?

Most likely it's not your coils - unless a mouse ate the wire. You wanna look at the big 3 - compression, spark, and fuel. Pull the plug on the non-firing side and put the plug boot on it. Hit the starter button for a second and make sure it sparks (dont zap yourself and dont let the bike run).

Compression should be ok unless there is rust in the cylinders. Possibly the valves are out, but that shouldnt stop it from running.

Last is fuel - make sure the bowl is getting gas, vent line isnt clogged, and actually pull the idle jet out and make sure it's clean. I mean CLEANER than clean.

[JAY W]

If you think its a weak spark try cleaning the coil pick ups in the right engine casing (small round one).

[mattress]

bucks almost like its about to run out of gas.

i need to be slapped... i only put 1.5 gal of gas in there, i guess it was just enough to get passed reserve ... i had to switch to reserve and hit a gas station ... lol ...

i think im good now, it seems to be slow coming down to idle after letting go of the throttle, i think i need to play with the idle  screw