2003 honda shadow spirit 750 carb issues

Hey ladies and gents

I have an 03 shadow i purchased 3 years ago.  The first year i rode the bike as often as i could and it ran great!!! It ran great the second year as well,  but i didnt get to much riding in that year.  Last year the bike sat all year.  I did fire it up a few times,  but only took it out a couple times for very short runs.  This year i am having problems getting the bike running well.  It fires up like a champ with little effort.  Just pull the choke and hit the starter and she fires rite up no problem.  When i close the choke the bike will idle,  but it idles to slow.  The bike will idle forever as long as i dont hit the throttle.  As soon as i touch the throttle the bike just dies.
I have removed the breather box and if i cover the air intake with my hand it idles fine without the choke,  but shortly after i take my hand away  it drops back down to a low idle speed.
I am guessing that i need the carbs cleaned,   but i am really wanting to sell the bike and do not feel like droping another $300 bucks into the thing.
anyone have any ideas or suggestions?  
If its not dirty carbs could it have a vacume leak somewhere?  I have checked all the hoses,  but i have never been into a carb.  I was thinking about checking the diaphrams,  but i am not real sure what i would be getting myself into.
any help would be great
thanks

-mike
--EDIT--.....Was also wondering if anyone has had luck with any carb cleaning     additives?  I have never put much faith into the fix it in a bottle approach,  but right now i am looking for a cheap fix  

I honestly can't belive that after 24 hours not one person has replied to this post!!
This forum is very poorly run.  I would at the very least expect a mod to welcome new users.
I posted on 6 difrent forums and the other five all have over 10 replys.

Would a mod here please delete my account, i see no need to keep this account active