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So I took the air filter out of my bike (87 Virago XV535) to check it just now when I smelled gasoline.

I shoved my nose in the hole (which is under the faux gas tank cover.. the actual gas tank is under the seat) and it smelled strongly of gas.

The bike hasn't even been run all week.

it could have been gas that was evaporating from your carbs from the bike sitting. clean the stuff out and then ride it for a bit that should take care of most of it. You are going to get a gas smell no matter what you do though because the bike is carborated and the air filter is in close proximity to the carbs.

That hole your sniffing goes straight through the carbs(full of gas) and into the cylinder. Smelling gas is nothing to worry about.

Cool. Thanks guys

I'm used to working on fuel-injected cars. Never even seen a carburetor before.