Carbs: If it ain't broken don't fix it?

[Thorby]

I told my cousin, who has been riding for decades, that I was ready to finally have my carburators cleaned.  His wisdom was: "If it ain't broken, don't fix it" meaning that if I don't have a serious issue with my carburators (such as detonations, bike not wiling to idle) if I take them to get service I may create a new issue when before there was none.  And I do know how most mechanics are real good at creating more work for themselves.

So I'm not getting detonations and my idle is holding fairly well.  The only thing I would like to improve is my current city commuting mileage of 38 mpg.  What do you guys think?  If it the carbs ain't failin' don't fix them?

[LukeM]

I would agree with this assessment: if it's working OK, then fall back to a maintenance level.  I'd make a reference point of where the mixture screws are, so you can go back to this point in case you adjust something and it gets out of whack.  

If you feel like fiddling with it, you can check the mixture settings on the carbs, and make sure they are properly synchronized.  Check the clutch and make sure it's not slipping.

38mpg is not bad for these bikes, especially for in-town use (commuting, as you mentioned). You can expect about 40-45mpg with easy riding and freeway speeds.

Tire pressure up to recomended settings?  Heavy rider?
It might help to run a bit of SeaFoam through the fuel system (1 ounce per gallon of gas, then run it as close to empty as you can. That will clean out gunk in the fuel system (won't cure everything, but good to do maybe once/season).

I hope this helps.
Luke M

[Lucky 1]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

It is better to do preventative checks and adjustments before
you have a major failure.

Detonation is not about carbs.
Look up detonation online and read about it.

That is what I would do.

[TOOLS1]

I think 38mpg is pretty good for a SOHC CB 750. Your cousin is right. If it's not broke, don't fix it! The only routine maintenance the carbs need is an occasional dose of "Sea Foam", and synced.
TOOLS  

[Re-run]

Yup no reason to dig if things are working fine. After all, you don't do house repairs until something needs to be repaired. At least I sure don't, seems wasteful to me.