Kawasaki drifter 1500 engine does not stay idleing. You have to keep the choke out for it to stay running and then it will only stay running after its warmed up.

You don't mention which intake you have but you probably DO know that this motorcycle is Fuel Injected.
If you're using the stock intake, make sure the air filter is clean.
I'd also -highly- recommend that you clean the throttle bodies near where the butterflies are located. These are known to carbon up and the little ring of carbon around them impedes airflow.
Next (again if it's a stock intake setup) get yourself a can of Sea Foam and introfuce it into each throttle body per the instructions on the can.
I use a syringe and fire 10cc's directly into each TB, shut it off and let it sit for a ferw minutes.
Seafoam in the tank will help clean your injectors as well.
I always use it in higher concentrations then called for and the bikes always resond well to this treatment. Fact is, the bike would run just fine with only the seafoam in the tank,
Are you running an aftermarket FI controller?
These can be adjusted as well.
I own a 2005 Drifter 1500 and an 06 1500 Classic with 24000 and 51000 miles on them respectively. FINE MOTORCYCLES.
Rok.

Hello
most likely what has happened is the pilot jets have become built up or plugged. this is very very common. especially after any kind of storage period or bad fuel. the pilot jets have very tiny orifices and when they plug up the bike will not idle and can cause popping on deceleration. this is verified by the bike idle performing a little better with the choke pulled out. for this will provide the fuel that the pilot jet is lacking. the best remedy for this is to have the carbs taken off and cleaned. paying special attention to the pilot jet. im sure you will find the problem lies there.