Topic: CB500F Airbox........whats the path of least resistance?

[RebelYell1974]

Hey guys. Don't know if the post is in the right forum since its not a "twin", but I purchased a cb550f and hope you guys can offer some advice and assistance.

It came without the carbs, which I have secured. However, noticed that the airbox/aircleaner is also missing items. I am missing # 19, #20, #21 as shown in the photo that are named (in order) Element cover, element cover seal, and element.

My question is can I install the stock filter without these items......and if I did, would it even work. What function do these missing items serve? These seem very hard to find. Would I be better off going with pods? And if so, would anyone have a recomendation on the jets, size and number I should run with the stock 4 into 1 exhaust if pods is the path of least resistance?

Thanks,

Joel

[Scott S]

 If you have the stock air box, use it.

 The parts you are missing are an oil separator.  It takes fumes and crankcase pressure from the engine, routed from the hose coming from the valve cover and going to the bottom of the air box ( into #24) and separates the oil to keep from fouling the bottom of the air filter. The fumes are then burned again.

 Finding those parts will be WAY easier than tuning for pods.

 FYI, #20 is just a piece of foam. You can use nearly anything cut to shape to filter the oil out. UNI foam, lawn mower filter, sponge, etc.

[flatlander]

scott is right, the "path of least resistance" is to use the stock airbox.
there are lots of people who for cafe racers remove the airbox and replace it with pods, for aesthetic reasons. so sooner or later you'll come across the missing bits. might be an idea to post it in the "wanted" section.
don't bother finding a used filter #20, just use a bit of airfilter foam.

[RebelYell1974]

Thanks guys.  I really appreciate the advice on it.  Found the needed parts in the parts for sale section.  Hopefully those good folks can make a deal with me for it.