I adjusted the valves by replacing the shims. Now it will start right up, but just putters at 800 r.p.m. . If I give it any throttle, or push in the choke/enricher, it stalls out. Double checked cam timing marks, and air gap. No change. Re-installed old shims, no change.
Check everything you touched, this sort of issue is quite common, I would go back and check step by step for a possible missed connection or pipe incorrectly fitted ( not pushed fully home ) if you disconnected the battery you may need to let the bike warm through fully ( 12 mins ) without touching the throttle I beleive to relearn its parameters.
If it was ok before and as you say, you replaced the old shims to check, it is probably something you have done. I would re check every connection and all pipes as oldyam says. Dont overcomplicate things.
Is adjusting the valve clearances all you have done, was the engine running fine before doing this? the fact that it will only run OK with the choke on and wont take any throttle says to me there is an air leak in the intake...perhaps a vacuum pipe?
If you're timing is off by a tooth, it won't idle well and won't run well. I'd open her back up and triple check timing. It will run if it's off, but won't run well. It's easy to be off by a tooth. Next time you do this, find tdc and then disassemble. Knowing how things line up is a fine difference when put'n them back together.
