Im safe there, its above the vin. The previous owner said it was hard on plugs. I also found one of the plugs not very tight and one out of gap but it still seems kinda rough in running. Im going to install a jet kit (Dale Walkers Hole Shot) and hopefully this will help. And also adjust the TPS as described in forum. But still puzzled about carbon. It should be a lean machine and im afraid a jet would worsen the problem. I heard operating choke improperly can do this but ive been riding 14 years and I believe I can operate the choke if nothing else.