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De-Snorkel: What an improvement!

30K views 56 replies 30 participants last post by  saddlebag 
#1 ·
So I'd read a few posts on here about removing the snorkel and truly didn't really know what you guys were talking about... Today though I found myself cleaning the bike, i thought hey ill just pull that side cover off and have a look.

There's a bloody snorkel! So i got a flathead screwdriver (didn't have the right tool) and removed the screw, pulled on the snorkel and off it came. Put cover back on started bike and gave it a rev and thought hmmm not much there.

But then i went for a ride, it sounds great! So much more enjoyable to open her up now!
 
#4 ·
I can do, it's really simple though. Open left hand side cover, remove screw on right hand side of snorkel (its a funny star shaped one but i just used a flat head screw driver) and then PULL. Bang it is gone, now replace side cover and get the hell on your bike and accelerate hard, you WILL hear the difference.
 
#5 ·
Anyone put their bike on a dyno or monitor their A/F ratio after desnorkeling? I am curious how much leaner, if any, the engine is running.
 
#6 ·
Here is the picture of the air box. You touched what?
merci.

 
#10 ·
Has anyone else done this noticed a power improvement? It could be in my imagination or it's effecting my willingness to open up the throttle more but i've noticed quite a few more power wheelies in 2nd gear since doing this!
 
#11 ·
Yes, it definitely does give that impression, and it is indeed your imagination and willingness to crack it open more so you can hear it roar.
This is why peoples' claims that adding things like V&H slip-ons improves the throttle response/smoother running/more power are so meaningless. Changes like this makes absolutely no difference to the power, but the perception of more power is very real. When you hear the engine roar it sounds more powerful, simple as that.
Even the slip-on manufacturers claim 1-2hp improvements. I mean seriously? Over a series of runs on a dyno a bike will produce ±3bph variation anyway, so I say that's all marketing tosh, and the chances of you noticing any improvement are zero... but you will "feel" that it's faster!

And at the end of the day, it may be a placebo effect, but who cares? It sounds awesome to you and other people :)
 
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#52 ·
Yes, and no (probably mostly yes)
Power output depends on a mix of air and fuel. Increasing *potential air intake, or exhaust does nothing to produce more power. BUT, reducing intake restriction, and exhaust restriction, AND adding fuel, produces more power. I always find it amusing to hear people bragging about a power increase from changing any one of those 3 items, but not the others. But I changed exhaust, opened up the air box, and added a fuel tune, and increased the top speed of my Bonneville sidecar rig by 10mph, which is about 13%
 
#14 ·
I did think that at first but I have had it removed for about 4 months now and routinely checked the amount of dirt entering the air box. It doesn't look to be taking in much at all and I ride in all weather all year round.

In a sandy/dusty area it might be a problem but after keeping my eye on the intake dirt situation I am happy to keep the snorkel removed here in the UK.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#19 ·
Suggesting the snorkel prevents dust intake is like saying that adding a 6" tube to your vacuum cleaner will stop it sucking up dust :)
The default snorkel wouldn't even stop pebbles, and all it does is baffle the noise while raising the intake from 24" to 30" off the road.
 
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#24 ·
So, as you all mentioned the removal of the snorkel was quite easy. Being TypeA tho I tried a little something to protect the intake. I took out the gasket and using Gorilla Glue Super Glue I ran a bead around the outside and attached some old window screen. I figured this would at least keep out the bigger bits that may find there way in.
 
#29 ·
It'll make no difference to the airflow compared to the filter, but will help prevent European Swallows nesting in there, which is a good thing as the coconuts they carry back to their nests are known to cause issues when the husks break down in the carbs.
 
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#34 ·
I don't reckon either the snorkel removal or your little bit of screen will make a smidgen of difference. The air filter is so much more restrictive (as it has to be) the flow will be unchanged.
The only difference you should notice is the sound, as without the snorkel you get to hear the intake noises. The snorkel is there simply to reduce that sound for noise emission purposes.
 
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