Motorcycle Repair: Carbs?, kawasaki zr7s, gasoline smell

Question
Chris,
I have an 02, Kawasaki ZR7S.  When its cold bike starts and runs fine.  When warm, its harder to start and runs sluggish.  Also, I noticed a strong gasoline smell, and traced it to gas flowing back out of the carbs into the air breather box.  What could be causing this?

Answer
Hi Don.

Well, the gas flowing into the breather is indicative of a probable leak in the float seals or a failure of the floats themselves.

Since the floats are pretty basic, I suspect that they are not the problem, but the seals may be.

There is also the possibility that something else in the carb jetting (NOT MIXTURE) is causing a change in the fuel flow.

If the bike is put away for seasonal storage every year, then the carbs could need a thorough cleaning as well.

Start with those and see what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON