TOPIC:

If you're experiencing erratic idle, hard start/flooding conditions it may be due to the fast-idle/choke adjustment being incorrect. The lack of any dialogue regarding this adjustment suggests that it may very well be overlooked or ignored and in general, misunderstood.

The photos are taken directly out of my manual to help those, understand the concern. The required adjustment is to ensure a correct relationship between the application (lifting of the) the choke plungers in relationship to the throttle-plates. If not set accordingly several undesirable conditions will arise.
On one end of a mis-adjustment, the Fast-idle roller will ride on the fast-idle cam when the throttle is at "idle". This will become evident when too fast of an idle RPM is experienced and the Idle adjustment ( between the Left and Center float-bowls) will not decrease the RPM.
There MUST be a small gap between the roller and cam when "at idle". Additionally: you will know if this is the case despite an apparent good static idle RPM, when riding at speed and changing gears. The idle will not drop quickly if at all but a quick "blip" of the throttle has the effect of getting the RPM to drop. Observing some "slack" in the throttle cable is of no relevance !
The other concern is regarding starting; particularly if there are other unknown issues with the carbs such as blocked jets.
The required adjustment as outlined in the Manual is to ensure a correct relationship when the Choke-lever is being applied and how it effects the "cracking" of the throttle plates in relation to when the choke plungers start to lift and supply unmetered fuel for starting.
If you are experiencing difficult starting and inconsistent idle RPM it would be advisable to check this adjustment. This may not correct your problems but it WILL bring you one step closer to evaluating and diagnosing them which should take you to other areas of related concern.