Hey guys I don't mean to steal credit for this. The tip was passed on to me by a fellow SOHC freak.
400 carbs are some times a pain to remove especially if you do not want to damage engine paint or air box bits.
The tip I got is all standard procedure except that we use a tie down strap to pull the air box back and give you a precious 1/2 inch clearance that makes ALL the difference in the world.
Loosen your intake clamps and push them up as close to the head as possible.
Loosen the air box clamps all the way.
LOOP the tie strap over the air box boots and back to the rear of the bike. pull the air box off the carbs and push it back. Now gently apply pressure with the strap and the box will stay put with a nice open gap.
Remove the air box clamps as you don't want to mangle them as you remove the carbs.
Remove all your vent hoses including the large breather hose.
Remove the throttle cables and pull the carbs out the right side of the bike.
Super slick and NO mangled bits or fingers!
Good luck.
