Air box problem GS450ET

[surviverguy]

So what's missing from this airbox? I see some wire mesh is missing. Is the box ruined by some PO? The airbox was fitted with a homemade "airfilter" of a cut piece of foam. I'd like to keep it OEM. Can this airbox be repaired? Is it missing parts besides the wire screen mesh?

[tkent02]

So what's missing from this airbox?

The picture?

[surviverguy]

oh...yeah...here's the picture of the airbox

[surviverguy]

I have the top cover for the airbox..it's just removed to take this picture.

[tkent02]

Did you look at a parts diagram to see what else should be in there?

[surviverguy]

I have looked at the parts picture. The only parts it shows inside the airbox are the air filter and airfilter holder and "slider". It doesn't show the wire screen which has been cut out of the box. It is part of the airbox itself. Wire mesh can be seen on the edges towards the carbs. Should I try to repair this box or just buy another airbox?

[tkent02]

Not sure on your model, but on some models of dual sport bikes this screen is a flame barrier to prevent a backfire from ruining the air filter. One big backfire can burn a big hole right through the foam. Some guys pull them out for more airflow...

[surviverguy]

I'm not worried about a small fire. I thought maybe the wire mesh was used for the filter to push against- to hold it in place.

[tkent02]

I'm not worried about a small fire. I thought maybe the wire mesh was used for the filter to push against- to hold it in place.

Not a small fire, a backfire. You know, the big poof when you are trying to start the bike with not enough choke? That's the end of the foam filter without that screen.

[surviverguy]

can I rig a new screen in there? You think I should buy a another airbox?

[tkent02]

I have really never even seen a 450L's air box. You should at least look at one so you know what you are missing.

[surviverguy]

It makes sense that it's there to prevent filter fires. It looks like there is a lip after the screen towards the airfilter side so the screen doesn't hold the filter. I suppose I could buy some screening and glue it in there cheaper than replacing the box (used airboxes $50 ebay). I'm not sure where I could get a look at an airbox that hasn't been tampered with. All the airbox pics I've seen are of the exterior only.

[surviverguy]

Maybe I ought to just get some K and N filters and ditch the airbox?
Any problem with these filters? They seem to get good reviews from other GS450 users. Does not burning the blowby gases affect fuel econmy? Do these filters allow better airflow than a stock airbox? Any draw backs from using K and N filters and ditching the airbox?

[terrylee]

Yes having to rejet the carbs. There should be a mess screen in the bottom, stiff alum. screening should do. Could try gluing on with liquid nail or maybe a couple of metal strips and rivet it and screen to the box. Much cheaper and easier the pods and rejetting.

[surviverguy]

ditch'in the box- goin' K and N

Yes having to rejet the carbs. There should be a mess screen in the bottom, stiff alum. screening should do. Could try gluing on with liquid nail or maybe a couple of metal strips and rivet it and screen to the box. Much cheaper and easier the pods and rejetting.

Which is cheaper and easier? I found Amazon has the K and N air filters to fit at super low price like 2 filters with chrome on the ends for $65 or plastic on the ends for $55. I've just now bought the K and N's with the chrome. Hopefully I can get the jetting figured out. The bike should perform better in the end. I think maintenance would be easier without that box there- another added bonus. What fun would it be if I didn't have to do some tuning?