79 GS1000 airbox removal

[dedubyah]

I'm sorry if there are previous posts regarding removing the airbox, I've tried searching but thought that just asking may be quicker. My 79 is fitted with VM Mikunis and before I end up wrecking the rubber boots, is the proceedure to unclamp the carbs and remove them with the airbox, airbox rubbers and inlet stubs still attached? I have gotten the carbs out of both but it seems they are an awfully tight fit. I already had one of the airbox rubbers get "bent" during this attempt but put the heatgun on it to fit back over the carb again.. Any help would be appreciated thanks

[Nessism]

If possible, loosen the rubber boot band clamps which attach to the back side of the carbs, then remove the bolts anchoring the airbox to the frame, and push the airbox rearward as much as possible. That typically doesn't gain tons of space, just an inch or so, but that makes a big difference when it comes time to wrestle the carbs out.