I'm new at this. These plugs look like my bike is running a touch rich, but I can't be sure. And the thing still backfires. What do you guys think?

 

Possibly a little rich or burning some oil. The electrode should be light brown/tan. Those threads look really gunked up too, kinda looks like some gasses or oil is getting by. I'd replace them and make sure you torque them properly.

 

The photo need to be where you can down into the plug. Also get a new set and the make a 30 to 50 mile ride. Then read the plugs.

 

put fresh plugs in, after chasign the threads on the plug holes. torque em down properly, then run it good for about 30-45 minutes pull em and look down on them.

see attached pic.

the area circled in red will tell you if your rich or lean and should be a slight carmel almost burnt toffee color. the area in yellow will denote heat range of plug and should show a change in color from heat about half way up from the base. this plug was fouled during a carb icing incident in december

 

Change the plugs when the engine is cold and use anti-seize.

 

How long you been running the same plug? Judging by the gasket it looks like its been in there awhile. The carbon wouldn't bother me as much as all the **** on the threads. Put in some new plugs and recheck as stated above.

 

Yesterday I ordered some new plugs from NGK both standard & iridium. I bought the bike used with 19,000 miles on it and have put 4,000 miles on it since. Had a 20k service 3 months ago, but those plugs look way older than 3 months/3,000 miles . Thanks for the suggestions I will post up the results