Motorcycle Repair: 1985 yamahaxj700xn removal of carbs, rubber boots, rubbing alcohol

Question
what is  the best  and or easiest way to  remove and  re-install  the  carbs?    I  am  sure I need  to clean them  ...20,000miles on  the  bike  dont  think  the  carbs have  ever been  cleaned

Answer
Unless the bike has been sitting a long while and isn't running correctly I would just clean the air-filter. You may be able to remove the carb bowls and inspect for water or trash without removing the carbs. If you have to remove them you need to get a service manual for the bike. Be sure to count the turns out the air bleed screws are. To do this you will screw in the air bleed screw until it stops gently; count how many turns it took to stop, this is where you need to set each one when you reassemble them. There will be an "O" ring, washer and spring in the carb body with the air bleed screw, be sure not to loose any of these and reinstall them in the same order. ("O" ring first, washer next, then spring) To reattach the carbs to the air-box boots wet them with rubbing alcohol, it will make the rubber boots slippery and much easier to get back on the carbs/airbox if you have to remove them.