Carb sync for a beginner

[CatatonicBug]

The only negative is that I'm getting some backfiring I believe out of the left pipe. So there's something going on in 1 and 2. Any thoughts?

Backfires/popping (especially on decelleration) are often caused by the mixture screws needing adjustment. Fix that exhaust leak too.

[motoman]

So this past saturday, I synched the carbs just fine. I used the 4 gauge tool. The little plastic valves tamped down the needle flutter just fine. I will admit, however, that I did NOT calibrate the gauges before using them. Also, I got them pretty close to eachother during the synching process, but not exact.

I spent the next day riding all day. The bike ran with good power across all rpms.

The only negative is that I'm getting some backfiring I believe out of the left pipe. So there's something going on in 1 and 2. Any thoughts? Do I just need to sync better? Or could it be a timing issue. I have a small exhaust leak, but that's on the right side, sort of under the oil pan where there's a clamp.

Re-calibrate vacuum gauges off one and the same port and re-sync. If still backfires a bit, back out idle mix screws eight turn and test ride. Makes sure pipes are tight everywhere tapping every joint connection with a rubber mallot making sure its not sucking air anywhere causing it to backfire.

[natemoen]

Re-calibrate vacuum gauges off one and the same port and re-sync. If still backfires a bit, back out idle mix screws eight turn and test ride. Makes sure pipes are tight everywhere tapping every joint connection with a rubber mallot making sure its not sucking air anywhere causing it to backfire.

+1! That is where to start.