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Entrance Examination
Before you start modifying the intake system of your ride, there are a few things you need to ask yourself. These are not bolt-on kits, where you order them from the dealer or vendor, unpack them, then follow the directions to install them. Nor can you take the instructions to your dealer and have him do it for you. The entire reason for the existence of these processes is to save major dollars by doing it yourself instead of having the dealer install an aftermarket kit. So, ask yourself the following questions first:
What are you more interested in, looks or performance? If it's looks, then you might be more interested in some of the more exotic aftermarket kits available. If it's performance, then carry on; 'cause what you'll find on here are 2 looks, and only 2. It's kinda like Henry Ford said, back in the day; "They can have any color they want, as long as it's black"...
What kind of mechanical background do you have? Have you worked on bikes before, or at least done a good amount of work on cars/trucks? Remember, we're going to be getting into the carb here, and doing a goodly amount of plastic surgery on the existing airbox; you can't be scared off by that. It's not a highly technical process, like opening up an engine, but it's not for someone who still takes the bike to the dealer for an oil change...
Do you have, or have access to, a good array of metric tools, to include a 3mm Allen wrench? That last is fairly uncommon in most toolboxes; and you'll need it for a couple of things.
Most importantly, can you follow instructions? 'Cause unless you know a lot more about modifying bikes than I do (which wouldn't be that hard, but...), if you don't follow them step-by-step, you're going to get yourself in trouble.
If your answers to these questions give you enough confidence to pull parts off your bike and pitch some of them over your shoulder, never to be seen or used again, then take a drill and a Sawzall to others, then you've passed the exam! If not, well... there's still the aftermarket kits and the dealer... Go on back to the Good Stuff page.
If you're still with me, congratulations! That means you have the tools, knowledge, and balls to go beyond bolt-ons! Let's move on, shall we?
 
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