Hey boonman On my stock carbs the plastic splash sheild IS held on by the main jet...???(2000 banshee)
You don't have to removing anything, not even your plastics to cange the Jets.
You don't have to remove the Carbs Tops (not even with the TORS) to change the Jets (just needle settigns)
Removing the Lid allows more unrestricted air flow and leans the bike out, I prefer to run it this way.
The way I do my jets is like this.
1) Remove all 6 clamps compleatly.
2) remove fuel tubing from carbs. (including the black line from the fuel tank)
3) Remove Carbs or boots (whichever is easier first) and choke tube
4) Undo the 4 screws that hold the bottem of the carb on.
5) replace jets (main jet holds the plastic splash sheild the notch the plastic inserts in is where the pilot jet is)
6) put it back together and stick carb into the reed hose thing, making sure its aligned with the notch
7) work boot back over carb and airbox (check to make sure its seated perfectly)
8) re-install hose clamps (make sure the notch is aligned with the notch on the reed hose things (not sure what they are called )
9) re-attach choke cable
10) re-attach all fuel lines
*note: It will be easier to istall the boots if the air box is removed but takign off plastics just for this is a Pain also. The TORS cable should be long enough to allow you to work on the carb without removing the top. Be careful not to lose the washer that is on the other side of the splash sheild, same goes for the Jesus clip on the needle if your moving the needle.
Also take your time and be patient, the room for working on it is tight, but it is possible to do it this way.