Motorcycle Repair: Carb float settings, correct measurement, float valves

Question
Wayne please tell me you know this one. I have a 1983 Honda Shadow VT500c. I've had constant carb problems. The main one is that it runs overly rich. I checked the float level by putting a clear hose on the drain tube of each carb and opened the drain screw. Both of them were reaching levels in the tube about an inch above the highest point of the carb base gasket. I believe this to be too high. Am I right? If I am I will take the carbs off and set them to the proper height. However I do not know the correct measurement. Do you know? Please help this old man get riding again. Thanks much. This is a GREAT website for us not-know it all riders. God bless.

Answer
Tom,

due to the shallow float bowls the
float level is only around 7mm-7.5mm
with the float tang just touching
the needle valve. Check the small cutoff
air valve diaphragm on the
side of the carb for pinholes,
also the rubber slide diaphragm.
Are the float valves leaking?
There is a small filter under them too
I believe.
If it's rich, check choke settings,
air filter and gas tank venting.