Gertrude Gets a New Air Filter

[GrandpaDenny]

Stock air cleaner from Partzilla, I think aroud 25 bucks. Whilst cleaning up the air box, discovered one of the boots wasn't fully seated. It was nice and soft and pliable, so between fingers and very careful use of a screwdriver, I was able to get the lip of the boot resealed. Also found the hose for the intake silencer was disconnected, so shoved that back into place. There was also a small vacuum hose connected to the air cleaner housing lid that was disconnected from a black and white vacuum valve(?), that I don't see on the parts diagrams, so I don't know what it is.

Ah, thanks to another post in these forums, I now know what it is. It was the vacuum advance line to the igniter, and it was disconnected from a filter. I haven't gone far with her yet since fixing these issues; just up to the grocery store and back. We shall soon see how much of a difference these things made.

[Nails]

What "intake silencer"? Do you mean the reed valve?

[GrandpaDenny]

Aren't the reed valves on the top of the cylinder head? (Not looking at a parts diagram at the moment). The "intake silencer" is just to the right of the air box, has a 90 degree rubber hose just shoved through a grommet on the air box. Parts diagram and service manual call it 'intake silencer'. I'm not sure what it actually does or how it works. Looking at the diagram it's got a bunch of stuff attached to it. Maybe it silences possible pulses as the intake valves open and close?

[Nails]

The 1/2" or so rubber pipe goes to the reed valve, which is an anti-smog device to burn blow-by -- basically PCV. As far as I can tell, it's performance-neutral. It wasn't fitted to Canadian models.

[ghostler]

Stock air cleaner from Partzilla, I think aroud 25 bucks.

In the Tech Tips Section (not tech forum section) explains how to use a cheaper auto filter:

Tech Tips XII Set#2: Air Filter Alternative

Once your OEM filter needs replacement, by carefully gutting the media leaving the plastic frame, can mount the right auto filter using the frame as an adapter. Although tip says to use silicon seal, I've managed without. This is provided that the frame's gaskets seal well inside the filter box and the auto filter seals well inside the frame.

The auto filters are usually less than half the cost of the OEM filter.

[GrandpaDenny]

Yeah, I knew about that. Didn't feel like cobbling up a replacement, decided to just go with the stocker since they're still available. They're cleanable, don't have to be replaced until terminal. I used to use K&N filters in my Jeeps, but I noticed over time that the cotton media would open up tiny holes. Might've been from too high water pressure cleaning them in Phoenix. In any case, this is what I decided to go with. The one I bought could last for the rest of the life of the bike if I take care of it properly.