PURPOSE OF THE PLASTIC AIR DAM

[cajundood]

I'm on the reassembly part of a fuel rail o-ring replacement job and was wondering if that p.o.s. air dam actually needs to go back in.
I'm no engineer but it sure looks to me like the air dam restricts air flow coming through the radiator.
Its a royal p.i.a to get this thing back in and i'm seriously considering keeping it out.
Granted there will be some hot air flowing from the radiator across the carbs, but theres heat there anyways. At least the air will FLOW correct???

any suggestions on this would be appreciated.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I think the idea is to get the heat directed out the sides instead of cooking your nards

[Chrisj CMA]

you want it in unless you live somewhere that never gets hot

[bentwrench]

That also shields the carbs from direct fan blast.prevents fuel boiling and vapor lock conditions on really hot days.

[Attic Rat]

Put it back in where it belongs. It keeps the air off the rider and it also keep from causing a vapor lock. Take the two engine hangers loose and move them back the carbs will go in and out easily.

[bikerboy1951]

You can put it back in before  replacing the carbs. You need to unbolt the left side coils the  left side engine hangar and the carbs will go back in with the dam already in place.   Swing the left side engine hangar back as far as it will go.  I usually do it myself but it might work better with two people (one on each side).

Brad

[Hook#3287]

Even though some have left them out and report no difference, I'd put it back.  Mother Honda has her reasons and all above have listed them.

[John Schmidt]

Get it real warm and it will bend much easier. Lay it out in the sun or swipe the hair dryer for a couple hours. Next time, follow the suggestions on here and don't remove it.....ain't necessary. 

[Steve K (IA)]

I struggled with the air guide a few years ago while fitting I/S pods to my Std.  I needed to replace the air guide from a Std to an I/S one to make the pods functional (otherwise why go to all the trouble).

To get the original one out, I pulled it out the left side of the bike almost tearing it up. 

When reassembling everything I looked long and hard and then I seen the light.  The air box was not in, and I believe the intake runners were not attached to the carbs yet.  I slid the air guide in from the left side on it's back on to the top of the carbs.  Moved it forward and at the same time rotating the bottom edge downwards and it dropped right into place.  Piece of cake!   

[BradValk48237]

I cheated... I cut it in half and slid it in from both sides, drilled holes in the middle and zip tied it together.....

The previous owner had removed it on my I/S along with the Pods.....

I did it that way cause I got pissed and had issues... LOL

[Hook#3287]

I cheated... I cut it in half and slid it in from both sides, drilled holes in the middle and zip tied it together.....

The previous owner had removed it on my I/S along with the Pods.....

I did it that way cause I got pissed and had issues... LOL

 I like it