I'm trying to do this without removing the carbs because if I take them out they'll be sitting around for a while which may make the rubbers too hard to get back in next week, when I will be able to get working on the bike again.

Just managed to get the cam cover off the front cylinders, but measuring the gaps is bloody difficult and I guess changing shims will be even worse.

Any tips?

Please don't say "take the carbs off"

Ta

Changing the shims is not too bad , the rockers just slide across and you can fish them out with a telescopic magnet. I really would take off the carbs, it's not a big deal, I had mine off for over 2 weeks, I just sprayed some silicone in the rubbers and they slipped straight on no problems.

honestly, get the carbs off, you will spend so much time fecking about with the carbs in the way it will take you till xmas to do it. i use a little smear of rubber grease to get the carbs back on or 2 stroke oil if you have some laying about.

mine were off for 3 weeks, a quick smear of rubber grease on the carb rubbers and a hefty push and on they popped.

yeah dont worry too much about the carb rubber boots, you can always put a bit of grease or washing up liquid to aid the carbs to slip back on, or worst case is to warm them up quickly with a heat gun or throw them in a bucket of boiling water from the kettle to help the rubber expand.

fair enough folks, off they come first thing in the morning then, thanks

Miles easier with carbs off, small hands and some beer afterwards