Can I get rid of all this tubing? Makes no sense.
Bike only runs with choke on, and then just barely.
cbr 600 87

 

is there a way to either plug these vacuum lines or leave them open to get these carbs to work right?
I don't even know if I've got them hooked up right.

 

It sounds like your bike is a California model because I've only worked on a hurricane engine once and there weren't any vacuum hoses on the carbs. I know the F3 very well and this how it's done. I know folks have plugged up the emission lines on Cali F3s. Here is a service manual for 87-90 600 Hurricane. You will need to make sure the airbox is sealed, lines on carbs are caped, and exhaust lines plugged.
If you haven't already, you may need to service your carbs. A common sign of a cleaning needed is when the bike can only run with the choke on. I recommend that you disassemble them completely and soak them in a carb cleaning solution. You can get it at Autozone in a paint can. Let each individual carb soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with hot water and blow dry with compressed air. Be sure to blow the air through all the passages. Reassemble with new o-rings. When done with that, you'll need to sync them. Here is a link to a service manual.
https://cbrforum.com/forum/cbr-600f-...-128286/page2/

 

If the bike is barely running it's most likely that the carburetors are dirty and in need of cleaning. The bike will run just fine with the hoses attached, however they do need to be attached properly. Downloading the manual and looking in there will help you ensure they're attached properly.