how do you remove the carbs?

 

Step 1: Get yourself a manual.

Remove your fuel tank and tail/lower fairings.

Using a phillips screwdriver loosen the band clamps on the rubber boots that hold the carburetors to the intake runners on the head.

If you can't access one of the clamps from the left side, try the right side.

Remove the choke and throttle cables from the carbs, it's up to you if you want to remove the cables before or after you pull the carbs from the rubber boots.

Rock the carbs up and down while pulling them firmly, it will take quite a tug to pop them off..

Good luck!

 

i lost you after step 1

 

If you can't figure it out on your own, your best bet is to take it to a mechanic.

 

I tugged on my carbs for a loooong time yesterday and the carb assembly finally broke free. What a workout--and it's tough to get a good grip on the whole thing. Shouldn't those carb insulators be somewhat pliable? They were rock hard. My question: Best to replace them?



Edit: I would add for anyone who is having trouble getting the carb assembly off, make sure you have all the clamps that you can get to loose (the ones on the carb side and the ones to the engine. It might also help to spray some penetrating oil on the rubber (you'll probably be replacing those insulators anyway)

 

They are a little stiff to begin with, but it doesn't hurt to replace them while you're in there. I think they are about $11 a piece.

 

Throttle cables feel gummy. I'm ordering a Motion Pro tool for lubing the cables? Will WD40 work with it or is there something else?

Not very good reviews on the Motion Pro tool. Any good DIY methods?

 

WD40 will dry out.

There is a million different lubes and oils out there for just about every purpose imaginable. Ask your local hardware store.
But, if you got no other regular motor oil will do the trick.

Poke a hole in a regular plastic bag and thread the cable through the hole. Tape it up around the cable and fill the bag with oil. Hang the bag up and let gravity do its work. Once the oil starts dripping out the other end, your done.

 

I use a light grease and compressed air to blow it through the cable housing.

If the grease is too heavy it will cause the cables to stick

 

i bought some crap called cable lube, actually works really well because it is long lasting (yeah baby) and keeps the area lubricated ( ugh!). I believe it is a silicone base and works during intercourse too

This stuff http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...able-Lube.aspx