Most 4 stroke carbs that don't have an accelerator pump will not tolerate it if you wick the throttle wide open from idle. Everything I own wont take it either, but a few do such as XR200R's and Z50's due to there tiny size. The 400EX has an accelerator pump that solves this problem. Your recon and most other Hondas normally suffer from the "cough and die" syndrome if the throttle is wicked open fast. Lowering the needle would make it worse, do you mean the clip?

 

JRM,
There are 5 positions to install the clip on the needle.Mine was set in the middle from the factory.I am now set at the 4th position from the bottom of the needle,or one slot from the top of the needle,Sounds like I went the wrong way?
Bill

 

Yep, lowering the needle (raiseing the clip) will make it lean as the needle wont lift as far as you open the throttle. try putting the clip one below the middle (stock) possition. Idle and full throttle will be the same, but everything in between should have more responce (expessuly when cold)