85 Vf500 idle/choke issues?

You do not "turn" the main jet nor the slow jet, the only adjustment controls the idle mixture (pilot screw). If you are having troubles it's best to make sure everything is stock and start adjusting from there as needed.

 

pilot screw

What I said probably didn't make much sense, because I'm not familiar with a lot of motorcycle terminology. I'm brand new to motorcycle repair, just finished the msf course and got an old vf500c. Pictures would be very helpful for me.

First off, I don't know what a pilot screw is. When I take off the float bowl I see three things. A big screw with a screw screwed into it, and a smaller screw. When I take the screws out they have tiny holes along them. I'm assuming those are the jets? I was wondering if you are supposed to fully seat the jets (both sizes) into the carbs when you screw them back in or not. A lot of people are saying that you have to back them off two-and-a-half turns or something after they're fully seated. Maybe that's something else entirely? I'm confused. Please help!

 

If I can make a recommendation.

If you are interested in developing your tech skills - here is a great book, on V4 carburetors, to have on the library shelf: Cleaning the V4 Carburetor by Mike Nixon.

Here is a link to Mike's website:

Welcome to The Motorcycle Project

This book covers a complete rebuild of a V-Four carburetor along with basic carburetor theory.

I would also recommend purchasing an original Factory Repair Manual. This is really a must have, on the library shelf, when working on these vintage bikes.

Copies of these often show up on eBay for very reasonable prices.