Motorcycle Repair: Strong gas odor, crank case, gas cap

Question
I have a 1988 1500 Goldwing Trike. When I come back from a ride I can smell gas and it very strong. There is not gas leaking on to the floor of my garage or anywhere on the bike. I pulled the top off and removed the air filter. I can see the carb throats, there is a small amount of oil in the air filter pan. Should I remove the three screws around each throat to remove this pan to see if gas is present?

Answer
Hi Larry,

If a bike is running rich, it will smell like gas from un-burnt exhaust. Have you made any mods to the air filter/box or exhaust? Any jetting changes? Is the air filter dirty?
Also, riding in the hot sun will cause gas to expand in your tank and the fumes will vent out the gas cap. This is most noticeable after allot of riding and then you stop, but not noticeable with the bike is cold or been siting in your garage over night.
I would keep an eye out for leaks and if you still don't find any, then you should be ok.
Is there gas getting in the oil? If so, this can indicate that you might have a stuck float in the carb and gas is backing up into the air box and/or crank case.

p.s. it is normal for the air filter and air box to smell a bit like gas. But it shouldn't be strong smelling and it should not be pooled up in the bottom of the air box.