What does the s-bend on the back of the airbox do?

[Kratzer]

Mine fell off while I was putting it back in, and I started the bike without it. It would run ok at idle, but won't rev past 4,500 rpm. My gut tells me, yes, thats my problem, but the fact that its on the other side of the filter is kind of counter intuitive to my hunch.

Is this the source of my troubles? I am going to give the airbox a good seal job, but in the meantime I am starting to assess other problems.

[Jon Burke]

Would be helpful to know what bike you're working on.

[Kratzer]

Apologies

1981 GS850.

It was running perfectly, but I did a stator replacement, and removed the airbox for some wiggle room. I had the tank sloshed and tipped. Could I have gotten some garbage from the tank into the carbs?

[Steve]

It is a somewhat calibrated opening for the airbox that provides the right amount of restriction so the carbs will work properly and it also tends to smooth out the airflow coming in to the airbox. Turbulent air does not flow well, as you have noticed.

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[Kratzer]

It is a somewhat calibrated opening for the airbox that provides the right amount of restriction so the carbs will work properly and it also tends to smooth out the airflow coming in to the airbox. Turbulent air does not flow well, as you have noticed.

.

If you were a betting man, than you would let it ride on the restrictor bend thingy not being on right now?

[Jon Burke]

Easy enough to put back on and try. What do you have to lose?

[bwringer]

Without the snorkel, a GS850 will run exactly as described.

Put the snorkel back, and you'll be happy.