Weird thingie identification

[Guest]

While rooting around in my aribox trying to get my carbs installed I found this...



... Anyone have any idea what this thing is? I couldnt find it on the fiche.

[Planecrazy]

"Lucky Beer Can Ring?"

[Macguyver]

While rooting around in my aribox trying to get my carbs installed I found this...



... Anyone have any idea what this thing is? I couldnt find it on the fiche.

Looks to me to be one of the reinforcement bands which sit inside the airbox boots to keep them in place.

*EDIT* Odd, I checked the fiche for your 550EL, and it doesn't show them... Perhaps they considered them to be an integral part of the boots and in order to replace them, you would need to replace the entire boot?

If you look in your boots you should see the band on the inside of them. (I am guessing you will only see 3 of them!) They are there to keep the boots from pulling out/deforming when installing the carbs. I believe they can only be pushed in one way, just make sure it goes back in the same way, and you're rockin'.

[Adler]

Looks to me to be one of the reinforcement bands which sit inside the airbox boots to keep them in place.

*EDIT* Odd, I checked the fiche for your 550EL, and it doesn't show them... Perhaps they considered them to be an integral part of the boots and in order to replace them, you would need to replace the entire boot?

If you look in your boots you should see the band on the inside of them. (I am guessing you will only see 3 of them!) They are there to keep the boots from pulling out/deforming when installing the carbs. I believe they can only be pushed in one way, just make sure it goes back in the same way, and you're rockin'.

Great, I figured they must be a part of the boot, was just confused that the fiche didnt say anything about it. Ill check this theory the next time I pull off the carbs. Should be soon because my bike hasnt been starting.

[rustybronco]

Looks to me to be one of the reinforcement bands which sit inside the airbox boots to keep them in place.

That is what they are.

[Planecrazy]

I liked my guess better, but they're probably right!

Regards,

[Macguyver]

I liked my guess better, but they're probably right!

Regards,

I liked your guess better too!

Or maybe I just like beer.

[chuck hahn]

reinforcement band...Dale is correct

[Planecrazy]

reinforcement band...Dale is correct

...and we have a winner (maybe several)! Now for the fabulous prize ... a "Lucky Beer Can Ring!"

Glad THAT'S sorted out!!

[Dogma]

reinforcement band...Dale is correct

That's why I'm Dogma. Oh, wait. Other Dale.

[Planecrazy]

That's why I'm Dogma. Oh, wait. Other Dale.

That's ok ... you can be correct too - Lucky Beer Can Rings for everyone!!

Regards,

[Kapoor]

So I just purchased a new set of those reinforcement rings for my airbox boots, but how in the world do you get them in?! The boots are super tight and the hole the bands work into is almost like a perfect fit. Also are these critical components to have installed in order to have a properly sealed airbox?

[Planecrazy]

So I just purchased a new set of those reinforcement rings for my airbox boots, but how in the world do you get them in?! The boots are super tight and the hole the bands work into is almost like a perfect fit. Also are these critical components to have installed in order to have a properly sealed airbox?

May I suggest that you use a hair dryer (or a heat gun, but be VERY VERY careful not to over-do it) to warm the boots up so that they'll stretch over the rings a little easier? Also, a bit of water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid mixed in to it will help make it slippery for installation without any adverse effects afterward.

Some might suggest a silicone spray or a dab of penetrating oil, but once the rings are in place you want them to stay there ... so I prefer using the soapy water. It'll evaporate away quickly without leaving a lubricating film you don't want once they're installed.

Regards,