it looks like its either a vacuum leak or the vavles for that cylinder ate a little out of spec. That is whats causing your RPM to fluctuate like it is.
Overall it looks good. It's just up to you as to being satisfied. It's certainly rideable.

 

Ok. And what would be a checklist of things to start doing to track down the issue?

I'd like to tackle it, probably at the end of riding season.

 

The easiest things to check would be the boot on carb 1 and if that's not it, maybe the slider diaphragm. After that, a valve check would be in order.

 

I took another crack at syncing. While idling, I sprayed starter fluid around the boot of the #1 carb and has a rise in the RPMs. Seems as though I may need new boots.

 

That'll do it. I think you are heading in the right direction.

 

Found them for about $25. Seem like a no brainer. Do you add anything to your boots? Any additional sealer?

 

Nope. If they are installed correctly and are in good shape they seal great on their own. I would advise against adding anything at all. The only trick to replacing them is having the correct ones on the correct carb and right side up. I find its easier to install them on the carbs 1st then set them down onto the intake.

 

Well this is frustrating. I feel like I just took a step backwards. So I started it up, first time since I re-synced the carbs. When I hit the throttle there is a lag, almost like it wants to die. What the heck?? Still seems to idle fine.

 

I wouldn't worry about it until you get the new boots installed. Get that squared away 1st. You will be chasing your tail otherwise.

 

Can you answer this question... I bought 4 new boots, they came in yesterday and aren't exactly correct. On either end of the original where the bands go on, there is a "***" to keep the bands in position. The boots I got only have the **** on the engine side and not the carb side. Doesn't seem to make sense. They weren't listed as OEM from the place I got them tho. I called a Honda parts dealer that is OEM and asked if the "****" are on both sides and they can't confirm because they don't have the boots on hand. Is it possible they don't make them with the "****" any more or was the first set I got that way because they weren't OEM you think?