The first time I tried to refit the carbs I had the same problem, Still unsure how I managed it.
I did however buy new link rubbers and jubilee clips.
I mounted the rubbers first and made sure they were not too tight so the could be twisted to line up when the carbs are presented.
Lightly greased rubber inners and "Forecd" the carbs in in one go, not one at a time.
I did have someone to hold the bike as this was done, because it fell of the stand last time :mad: