its not semi automatic its fully automatic,the reason it will pick up if you open and close the throttle is because the carburettor has an accelerator pump on it and when you open and close the throttle it pumps fuel is there bypassing the main jet,so in my opinion i would say your carb is blocked and you need to take it apart and get the jets cleaned out propery with an ultrasonic cleaner or just hard work.i take it the fuel in it is fresh and there is no water in the fuel system ?
adam bike doctor(of milton keynes motorcycle centre), March 2011