Couple of problems with a GS 650 GZ Katana

[craik]

Hi there. A couple of queries.

1. The carbs on my GS 650 GZ Katana seem to have a small petrol leak (shown in the pic marked by the red arrows). This does not seem to affect the running of the bike yet, and they are still in balance and idle ok.
I don't know the first thing about bike mechanics. What needs to be replaced to fix this? Is there a gasket or something that needs replacing?
Is it a major job? Do the carbs have to be removed from the bike to do this?



2. The Helmet lock is broken. It's not now possible to clip the lock shut, the hooks just flick open again. Is there a way of fixing this or will I have to purchase a new lock and hence have to carry an extra key all the time?



Thanks in advance for any advice/info.

[Pop-Kat]

You can get carb repair kits which i think have the new gasket you need, Fossie knows more about these kits (and i'm sure will be along with an answer)
You need to remove the carbs to do it, they can be a real pain to get back on as the airbox to carb rubbers go hard with age. Maybe someone on here with the skills who's near you can help you out, put your location in your profile.
With the lock i'd first try spraying some wd40 or similar in there, sounds like the catch has seized up.

[johnr]

budget version says take carbs off , remove the float bowls, and then, using a stanley knife blade gently pare the gasket away from the carb. if its intact, pop it in a pan of boiling water for 5 minutes, then give it a smear of wellseal on both gasket faces, and re assemble.

[fossie]

Carbs covered by Johnr as for locks arnica is correct . If you take the lock off with the 2 allen bolts in picture you will see the lock is open at the back. squirt liberally in there and keep opening and closing the lock.

[craik]

Thanks all. I may take it to a bike shop for the carbs. How many hours labour would you estimate that as?