Intake/Air-box mod? (<2012)

[_SHIFTY]

*(Yes, I've searched, but I thought a few specific questions couldn't hurt to be asked!)
**(No, this is not a post about achieving more HP/TQ, only merely trying to improve upon overall optimum performance)


So I have a 2010 Café Classic, and I'm looking at this giant intake box.. Coming from a good background in automotive repair and modifications, I can't help but think this is not the most efficient means to direct air into my motor. I mean, a more direct, cooler, less obstructed, and smoother path is a key element when modifying just about anything automotive.. So, to me, the path seems too indirect and too long for what it should be. In my opinion, Moto Guzzi figured this out a little bit as well seeing as how the 2013+ models changed entirely.

One question I have is this:
1) Would it be better for air flow and better performance to say, mount the 2013 intake set-up on the 2012 and older models? It would still attach to both TB's, but it would be directed towards the rear like the new ones with the actual filter beside the battery area? No more winding down the 2 foot path and back around to get to the motor..

Next question:
2) Has any one modified the intake in any other way to remove the box from the pre 2012 models? I have already removed the EVAP/charcoal canister, but I know that lines for the fuel tank route to the intake box as well. What would removing those from vacuum do if the entire air box was removed?


Again, I must point out that I'm not trying to improve upon horsepower or anything. I just think that the bike would have to run better overall with a better air intake system in place. Maybe you wouldn't even notice it, but I can't help but wonder what cooler, more direct air would do in day to day riding for this bike...

 

[GTM®]

I'd say nothing short of pod filters would be simple, un-complex, big $'s or BIG headaches. That said, our friend Mike W has bought everything to convert to the single T/B set up at some point in his '12 V7... however he's also installed 4V heads(!).
I've simply removed the outer lid on the pre-'13s, and once in motion (in theory) would deliver more air (near ram-air of sorts). I'm not a fan of pod filters since engines like to pull from still air plenums for best all-around performance. Hope that helps.

 

[sign216]

I recall that when W converted to pod filters it was a surprising amount of work. It wasn't the easy job that it looks like from the outside.

 

[mwrenn]

it was a LOT of work. The primary reason I wanted pods, is becase the stock air filter was a PITA to change. After I got the pods on, I would always get a hesitation on acceleration. The throttle plate opening quickly would create a momentary lean condition, before the fuel injection would catch up. I wound up building a plenum for a still air intake to slow down the flow. After that the bike ran good with a reflash from Todd and a PC V and Auto Tune.
A far superior solution, with about the same amount of work, would be to install a late model single TB and the associated plumbing, wiring etc...It would be better primarily because of the more accurate fueling provided by the two wide band Lambda sensors, vs. the single narrow band Lambda employed by your bike now.
The parts to convert it are not hard to get. I plan on changing my bike over to the single TB this winter...

 

[GTM®]

A far superior solution, with about the same amount of work, would be to install a late model single TB and the associated plumbing, wiring etc...It would be better primarily because of the more accurate fueling provided by the two wide band Lambda sensors, vs. the single narrow band Lambda employed by your bike now.

Thanks Mike, but careful there... the MIU does not currently allow a PC-V/AT (though I'm working on a solution), and stock as delivered, there is a single fuel map, trimmed crudely below 3500RPM/small throttle openings (only) by the narrow band stock sensors. Additionally, there is no way to balance the flow side to side. I think the older 15RC is a better solution. The single T/B was put into effect by the accountants, and that said, it does offer better low speed fueling then the 15RC did stock to stock.

 

[mwrenn]

Thanks Mike, but careful there... the MIU does not currently allow a PC-V/AT (though I'm working on a solution), and stock as delivered, there is a single fuel map, trimmed crudely below 3500RPM/small throttle openings (only) by the narrow band stock sensors. Additionally, there is no way to balance the flow side to side. I think the older 15RC is a better solution. The single T/B was put into effect by the accountants, and that said, it does offer better low speed fueling then the 15RC did stock to stock.

Good to know that Todd! Thanks. So the newer bikes with the MIU use narrow band Lambda sensors? Sheesh.