97 Valkyrie air box v air guide plate

[97F6owner]

Glad to join the forum!  I know this sounds crazy, but my air box refuses to sit in place. I'm sure the air guide plate (the rigid solid black plastic plate seated directly in front of the top of the motor) is the issue tho.  Does someone have a pic of their air guide plate sitting in its proper position?  It is such a bear to move (I've spent hours on this part alone) that I am finally asking for some guidance.

[flash2002]

I think your talking about the shroud behind the fan. I had trouble with that dam thing until, I cut the bottom off both sides and tied it with tie-wraps.  Much easier to take out and put back.

[97F6owner]

I had thought about that , just figured it had to fit because it did before.  Must have grown a 1/4" while it was set to the side.  I'm ready to try that, tho!  thnx

[sandy]

The top of the air block plate has a notch in the middle. The right side of the plate goes under the harness and the harness passes through the notch and behind the plate. .... The air box typically has trouble seating all the way down onto the carb intakes. Be certain of alignment and then have someone hold it down while you tighten the clamps. Get the rear bolt through the frame hole and tighten it. You should be good.

[Blackduck]

If the airbox has not been off and sitting around for some time it will go straight back on IF the tubes are seated correctly on the carbs.
Have never had to hold it down or use force to keep it in place. Anytime it has sat high I have found a tube has hung up.
And I have had the airbox off multiple times for re-jetting.
Cheers Steve

[John Schmidt]

What was the reason for removing it in the first place? It doesn't need to be removed to pull the carbs. To do that, just remove the two top engine hangers, gives you all the room you need to slide them back and then out. As for that plastic thingy, just get it warmed up good and it bends a lot easier. Don't worry about the engine falling if you remove those hangers, it has other supports to prevent it.

[Gryphon Rider]

Having had my air box off and on many times, I've never had it hang up on that plastic shroud.  It's always been hoses or wiring or one or more of the six air intake boots that are not in their proper position.  Have a good look at the back sides (the side you can't easily see) of the boots.