How do you know when you need to sync the carbs? What signs are there?

 

Well, I don't know what signs you might notice...such as the type of rough idling and power issues....

But I'm fairly sure the owners manual will give a recommendation. You also should sync them if you separate the carbs from one another (but might be a good idea to do this whenever you pull the carbs off the bike.

 

from experience, if you experience sluggish throttle response, poor idle, an inability to reach a certain rpm or higher, and similar issues, it would be time to synch your carbs. Personally, i think this should be done every riding season or 5000 miles, whichever comes first.

 

I just put the carbs back on the give them a good cleaing, did not take the carbs apart. Is it a good idea to sync them? Is there any harm if you sync them too often?

 

nope, no harm in synching them frequently. I wouldnt think you'd need to do it more than every 5000 miles or so unless you've got a REALLY REALLY crappy bike.

 

Actually most manuals only suggest syncing every 5000 or so miles. I synced mine and they required hardly any adjustment. I guess its like valves, if you check and they need adjusted you adjust them, if they don't then you leave them alone. It really isn't like carbs get so whacked out of sync it makes the bike run like crap every 5000 miles.