1980 GS 550E carb removal/installation

[Gateway]

What is the easiest most semi enjoyable way of taking the carbs off and putting them back on ? It seems to be torture to do this!!

[loud et]

Oh....but wait till you have to put them back in! Lol
Carb removal/ installation certainly has its challenges. One thing is to remover the typically 2 or 3 bolts/ screws that hold the airbox in place. This gives more wiggle room.
After that its all on you to " in a relaxed manner" ....lol, find out what works.
Remove the airbox side first and let the box push back that extra inch or so.....then carefully wiggle the carbs out of the engine side boots. Careful, if your boots are original, they may rip right off.
You dont want to hear this but if any of the 8 boots (engine or airbox) are hard, cracked or stiff.....it would be the best move to start right and get new ones right off tje bat.
It will prevent difficult reinstallation and prevent future installation, running, idling and tuning issues.

[Nessism]

When putting the carbs back on, I get the airbox side installed first, and the clamps tightened down, before shoving the carbs/airbox forward into the boots on the engine. This is particularly helpful if the airbox boots are hard and shrunken with age.