1972 CB750 gas leak

[callbr549]

I think I might have a gas leak around float bowls on my 1972 CB750. I get this residue that around the bottom that smells like gas. Occasionally I see a small drop of gas on that rectangular chrome plate under the carbs, I think maybe it is a starter motor cover?

So how likely is it that the carb is leaking, or does the group's experience say I should look elsewhere? If it is leaking, do I have to take it apart and replace seals? I have avoided doing anything with carbs because they seem mysterious and easy to screw up.  If I take it off and replace seals, do I have to sync the carbs (I don't have the gauge for that now)

[Re-run]

If it is just the float bowls, you should just be able to turn off the fuel and drain the bowl. From there you can unclip the bowl and replace the gasket and put things back. Pretty simple.
Even if you DO take off the carbs, you will not need to sync them unless you mess around with the slides.
For replacing a bowl gasket, you shouldn't need to do that for any reason.

[seestheday]

Are you sure you aren't leaking a bit through the nipples on the bottom.  If you have never cleaned your carbs, there is a decent chance that they're dirty.  Dirty carbs can cause the float needle to stick resulting in fuel overflowing.