Adding Leading agent to unleaded petrol

Got my old 79 ST70K3 running after much faffing but it does not sound too happy. Fitted a new carb washer and seal kit and all the jets cleared out and float bowl but is only happy on half choke to keep an idle going. Tried some lead additive and made it a bit better and much easier to start.

What do people do about running on regular grade unleaded to avoid pinking etc?

Thanks

Completely unnecessary to add some lead additive.
Our engines were designed to run on unleaded fuel. No problem, the additive won't do any harm.

The advantage of running on leaded fuel:
- less spontaneaus ignition by compression (don't know the correct English word, could be the pinking you're talking about)
- easier to read of the fuel mixture setting by the spark plugs color

But... all additives come with several disadvantages as well, so better to avoid them.

Do you have the original carb? No smoke, no air leaks?
Current setting of the idle screw / air/fuel mix? Fuel in good condition? No dirt in tank? Fuel filter fitted?
Is the air filter clean? Good spark plug, coil and timing / ignition settings?
...

It is a original carb and just fitted all new seals, air filter and springs. It is a a low milage original , 2500 miles so should not be too worn out. Just not happy with the choke off, splutters to a halt and thats it, runs OK with half open so I'm confused now, got a pattern spare so might fit that instead and see how that works.

Having to buy a new exhaust as I did not realise mine had corrosion holes along the bottom seam,,,urggggg looked quite clean but started blowing out when I rode it. New original one is £140 with all the covers or less for an eastern copy which is probably all I want to spend on it.

The expense starts building when you try to get these old machines back on the road.....

Hi
Unforetunately these bikes are a hobby, the word hobby translates into moneypit but the smile on your face when you ride out for the first time is priceless. I still get a buzz every time I go out and the big bike riders still wave their approval.
So dont give up the weather down south this year has proven to be a bikers dream.
Tufty