Yesterday afternoon, the urge to ride was no match for the 32 degree temperatures.  I took a short ride and the bike performed admirably.  However, when I approached a stop sign, the RPMs dropped lower than usual for a warmed up bike and engine almost stalled.  With a twist of the throttle (with only a little hesitation), the acceleration was fine.  When I got home, the exhaust was very rich smelling like the fuel wasn't getting burned efficiently.  Is the remedy something as simple as adjusting the mixture screw under the carbs?
Thanks,
Mike

Some simple things:

How old is your gas?  More than 3 months...that is your problem.
When was the carb last cleaned/adjusted?  If your old gas has run through it, will need cleaned.
Air cooled engines are cranky when cold. Takes a long time to warm up.

Valve clearance out of spec causes stalls when stopping at a stop light. When was the last time you checked it?  If more than 4000 miles ago, check it.

Easiest thing to do is make sure you have fresh gas and run some seafoam through it.

Thanks.  The gas isn't that old (maybe a couple weeks), but valve clearance hasn't been checked in a while, so I'll do that.  This and last winter, I chose not to winterize and ride every chance I get.

You are braver than I my friend.  I think my limit is around 40 degrees.

Quote from: mimikeni on February 04, 2013, 12:03:30 PM
Yesterday afternoon, the urge to ride was no match for the 32 degree temperatures.  I took a short ride and the bike performed admirably.  However, when I approached a stop sign, the RPMs dropped lower than usual for a warmed up bike and engine almost stalled.  With a twist of the throttle (with only a little hesitation), the acceleration was fine.  When I got home, the exhaust was very rich smelling like the fuel wasn't getting burned efficiently.  Is the remedy something as simple as adjusting the mixture screw under the carbs?
Thanks,
Mike

it's COLD. don't adjust anything.

Try adjusting your idle speed seasonally, I had to do so every fall and spring on my 97 GS for 5 years and 80k miles and then on my 02 GS for 8 years and 97k miles riding year around here in NE Ohio in temps down to 20F.  I never rejetted either bike or adjusted the idle mixture on either.  You can just reach under the carbs when you come to a stop while sitting on the bike to adjust the idle speed, big black knob is easily located.

Best to keep you valve clearances about right but doubt that's your cold weather problem.  Valve clearances increase with engine temp and a tight valve at start-up will have clearance before you can ride away. 

It sounds to me like a bit of crap has got under the carburettor needle valve or the float was stuck open slightly .because your needle valve  is slightly worn ,you can normaly see a fine groove on the needle where it comes in contact with the seat if it is worn and sticking..

a few weeks ago i rode to my gf's in 40 degree weather, a few days later i rode home in 20 degree temps. i was bundled up real good except my hands, only had on my one pair of gloves. on the straight stretches i threw the choke on in 5th or 6th gear tucked down and grabbed the cylinders till hands were warm again. lol