Motorcycle Repair: Nighthawk Carbs, honda nighthawk 650, car mechanic

Question
Hi Mark,

Here is my concern, i have an 82 Honda Nighthawk 650.  I got it about 3 years ago and I am assuming the carbs were never cleaned, it has been a good runner but this year I have noticed something.  Ever since I took it out of storage there are some problems, carb related I think.

1.  Every time I start it, while it is warming up I have blue smoke shooting out of both pipes

2.  When I first got it, I could get about 125 miles on a tank of gas, now so far this year I have gotten 85 miles at most.

I am hoping that the needles aren't out of whack, is it just a problem of the floats being stuck?  I am a good car mechanic, but don't know where to start on a bike, do you have any suggestions as to what I can try or even where to start?

Answer
Hi Troy,

Send me an email and I'll return numerous carburetor related files. Includes tuning, cleaning, and synchronizing.

If you're a certified car tech, MC's will be no problem. Basics are basics across the board. These files will bridge the gap. I came from heavy equipment background. Can you imagine the transition in tools? : )

I don't have to tell what blue smoke means.

Worn needle jets most commonly cause excessive fuel consumption with MC's.

My email address is: mshively1@woh.rr.com

Respectfully,
Mark Shively