As I struggled to find any useful information on this, even in the Haynes manual which seems to use the CBR1000 for examples, here's some stuff folk might find useful.

There's also a bunch of *very* misleading videos about this online, saying "Oooo, horrible job" etc. It's not. Ignore them.

1. If you're troubleshooting and only want to check the carb balance, you only need to remove the side fairing panels, not the tank or airbox.

2. The vacuum gauge takeoff points are on the underside of the manifolds at about a 45° angle and are small hex headed screws.

3. You will need a set of screw in vacuum gauge adapters. (see pic)

4. Once screwed into place, the adapters exit the side of the bike at a downwards angle on each side. (see pics)

5. Connect the gauges run the engine, check the balance.

6. If you find you need to make adjustments, you then need to remove the tank and airbox to access the balance screws which are "in front" of the carbs. Ours are painted yellow for easy ID from above. (See pics)
I recommend using a torch to locate them as they're a way down. They are a cross head screw. They should be very easy to turn. Test this. If they're not, then you'll need to loosen them up first because any pressure on them actions the throttle and renders the whole exercise useless.

6. All the rest you know, balance each outer pair against each other using the outer screws then balance the balanced pairs using the center screw, finally reset the tickover to around 1000rpm.

Hope someone finds this useful and saves them some time.

[NB,[b] the bike is still for sale, now with a brand new pair of tyres, (and of course, perfectly balanced carbs and perfect tickover!) 33,000 miles, V5, MOT, careful lady owner 20 years, dealer serviced blah, blah, blah. Not immaculate but OK. Four figure offers welcome. See pics and elsewhere.

 

Awesome guide for amazing bike!!! Thank you!