Yamaha V-Star 1100 backfires and will not run without choke on

Here are two solutions for you:
A - Take the carberator off and soak it in some good quality carb cleaner for about 1/2 an hour.  That should take care of any residue in the carbs.
B - Alternatively (and for the less technical minded) there is a great product called Sea Foam.  Try to find it at your local CSK auto/NAPA/Wal-Mart.  Pour a small amount (maybe 1/4 ounce) into each cylinder chamber (take out the spark plugs), try to pour a small amount into the carbs (a turkey baster works great for this), and pour the rest into the gas tank.  Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then start it up.  *NOTE - the bike will start VERY hard at first until it burns through what's in the cylinders.  ALSO the fumes will be EXTREMELY strong and suffocating - make sure you do this OUTDOORS preferably, or at least in a VERY well ventilated area.
Good luck - I know how frustrating these things can be! :)
P.S. - I am a proud owner of a V-Star 1300 - great bikes! :)

You should do a carb clean. The carb should be removed from the bike and completely disassembled and dipped in carb cleaner. What I think works best for cleaning carb is Yamaha's Carb Dip I mix it 50/50 with warm water. All the rubber parts must be removed as they will be swell and be damaged by the dip. After you dip the carb it will need the all passages verified with spray carb clean to make sure the fluid will make it through the intended passage. Or run it on the ckoke to the repair shop