Easy airbox installation

[Grandpot]

One of the most frustrating things to do on a Valkyrie is to install the lower part of the airbox.  There is a trick I learned years ago from an unknown source on this website.  I have used it several times and it works great.

The main issue is the rubber downtubes are spread wide and unless you have 8 hands, it's a PITA to install.  Here's what to do:

Get some long zip ties or several short ones, run them through the front two downtubes and pull tight until they bow in.  Repeat this for the center pair and the rear pair.

The airbox will now drop right in.  Cut the zip ties and pull them out.  The downtubes will now spread out right over the carbs.  Finish hooking everything else up and there  ya go.

[RNFWP]

Keith, thanks for the tip. 

[WintrSol]

I find it also helps to wipe a bit of red rubber grease on the inside of the boots; makes them slide right on and preserves the 'rubber'.

[-mike-]

That's how I do it:



Tying it with a strap loop.

-mike-

[RonW]

Fyi, the forum provides a free photo storage (hosting) to make it simple to upload photos to your post.

http://vrcc.photostash.com

[As long as photos are forum related and photos are only posted to this forum.]

[f-Stop]

I use three pieces of string with trucker's hitch knots to pull the air box tubes together.  I simply release the knots once I get the tubes in the right place.  Been using the same three pieces of string for over ten years now. 

(After reading the last sentence I just wrote, maybe it's time to splurge on some new string next time I pull the air box!) 

[MAD6Gun]

 Been using that technique for years. I use string and then just cut it. I also found that if you heat the air box up before installing makes it easier to slide the tube on the carbs. I put it if front of my garage heater in the winter and outside in the sun during the summer. Works like a charm...

[rug_burn]

That's a good one.  I'll use it next time, but hopefully not too soon..!