Rubber inlet tube

I inspected the air filter yesterday and I think it should be entered in the Guinnes Book of World Records for the highest amount of screws . I noticed that the rubber induction tube inside the airbox is easily removable, are there any benefits (performance wise) in doing so? The reason is that it's a common mod done to my other bike and it is supposed to increase airflow to the engine if used with performance filters such as K&N.

I'm surprised nobody answered this post as I thought it would be a common mod. I'm sure I've seen a video or pic of the airbox with holes drilled on the side, and most certainly with the tube removed.

I've done both the airbox drilling and inlet tube removal because I have a K & N air filter installed and I also have modified my exhaust for less restriction. If there is a performance increase I think only a dynamometer test would show it.

Yes, I have seen photos where people have drilled holes in the air box too. I'm not sure if there is any benefit but some have also added new 'free flowing' exhausts

Is there any reason for the cover at all, isn't the filter held in place by two screws... As a short term test maybe the air box cover could be left off and see if there is any difference before drilling holes in it. That should give maximum airflow, I believe the ECU will adjust the fuel mixture according to the exhaust sensor.

But I'm no expert, just throwing an idea out there for comments

RArch wrote:

Is there any reason for the cover at all, isn't the filter held in place by two screws...

Water protection and intake sound control

rollsroyce250 wrote:

RArch wrote:

Is there any reason for the cover at all, isn't the filter held in place by two screws...

Water protection and intake sound control

Shouldn't cause a problem for a controlled short term test that I had in mind...

But are valid reasons for not over doing the hole drilling, OK some people may like the extra intake sound.

What did you have in mind on the water protection, as in what is the cause? Is it rain/wet road splashes... Wouldn't the side cover keep that out?

The filter itself is held by 2 screws but the cover is held by much more. I wouldn't go as far as totally removing the cover as it also seals and holds the filter more securely. I would have to agree that only having the scooter on a Dyno would tell if there are any improvements on performance, depending on where the restrictions are. The removal of the tube would probably benefit more with other mods such as a K&N type air filter and a free flowing exhaust. Some mods only seem to increase performance for the simple reason they increase decibels when in fact they may be reducing it at certain ranges in the RPMs. I thought that some owners may have already dynoed their scooter before and after certain mods giving that the Silver Wing has been around for quite a while.