Just checking - is the float needle located on the top of the carbs (shiny side) or the bottom - as it sits on the bike?

(apologies for the ignorance, i'm only just finding my way around the carbs)

When i took the carbs out i basically just unscrewed the bottom (where the floats are) and...well if i'm honest poked them a bit then sprayed them with carb cleaner - i couldn't quite see a technique to pull them off. Are you saying once i get them off i can access the float needle cavity/needle from there?

(the needle acts like a sort of trap door to fuel right? so if stuff is stuck up there it's basically an 'open door'?)

i'll check out the airbox drain also.

cheers again all