Motorcycle Repair: dirty carbs, carbs, fuel system

Question
We recently bought a 1982 GLl100 out of a garage where it was stored with fuel in the carbs. We know all but the fuel system works well. Is there alternative to carb removal for cleaning or if we have to remove them to clean, is there anything we have to know before we do this?

Answer
If the carbs are plugged, I don't know of any other way to clean them except taking them out and cleaning the bowls and jets.  Those aren't too difficult to get out for cleaning.  I'd recommend you not take them completely apart when you clean them.  You'll see there are a lot of springs and linkages that can be tricky to get back together right.  Just take the bowls off and take the jets out, soak them in carb cleaner and make sure they are clean before putting back together.  Some times I have to take a very small wire and poke it through the idle jet to get them clean.  Don't put any rubber parts in the carb cleaner or they will swell up 3 or 4 times their normal size and you won't be happy.

Good luck
Rich