What is this tube on 2001 ST?

Take a look at this photo, does anyone know what this tube is for on the 2001 ST?

LINK--->Sprint ST Engine Picture

I had the recall for the fuel sender done late 2004. Now, when I get off the bike after a ride I smell like fuel fumes. I was about to take it to the shop when today I noticed a few drops of fuel below this tube that is hanging down next to the exhaust and has vapors coming out while engine is running... and I suspect this is what is causing more fumes than normal with the rubber heated by the exhaust pipe.

I compared the picture to other 2001 sprints and noticed that they have the tubes as well but they don't hang as low (tube doesn't appear to be on later models) . I'm going to cut a couple inches off to clear it from the exhaust and see if it solves my problem.

Just curious if anyone knows the purpose of the tube?

[ This message was edited by: Tour2000 on 2005-04-07 01:55 ]

[SpiderTex]

I have them also, not as long though.
I think it is the fuel overflow tube.

[frider]

I would guess Tank breather tube/or spill tube, but sometimes an aftermarket battery might have a breather tube that position too!!

Thanks, that's what I had guessed also. I'm going to cut off some and see if I'm good to go.

Thanks
T2k