How to REMOVE AIRBOX 81' GS450E

[Guest]

Does anyone know the easiest way to remove the AIRBOX from a 1981 GS450E? I have pulled the carbs and removed all of the 4 screws securing the AIRBOX to the frame but sheer physics has got me. The air box literally doesn't seem to fit through any of the openings in the frame, as though they built the AIRBOX inside the frame. I don't want to muscle it out n risk damaging some of the electrical wiring or other key components including the airbox itself.
The reason for removal is the rusted now deteriorating metal screen deep inside the box that is now clogging my airbox overflow line and I'm worried that those metal pieces are getting into the carbs. NOT GOOD!!!!!

Thanks, Ill post some pics in a second. And I have referred to both Hayne's and Cleymer's manuals neither have any instructions for airbox removal.

[Nessism]

Please stop double posting your questions in more than one forum. Post one time only and then bump your post if you don't get enough answers.

[Gorminrider]

^^ yes, it get's confusing...

but..It IS very difficult on these bikes. And the airbox did indeed go in before a lot of other stuff at the factory...

Try a search in this section as to airbox also in the "twins" section. There were some pretty good threads on this including pictures I think the ones on the top of the list you find will likely be the ones to look into.
that said,
I dimly recall...you'll have to shift the rear fender for one thing. and maybe battery box...or anything else that seems to be necessary...carbs even

[bwringer]

Yep, no need to double post. Since this actually seems to be an appropriate forum for this question, I'll go ahead and take a stab at it.

This problem is common to many GS models.

The first secret is to loosen or remove the plastic rear inner fender. Usually, you have to bend it a bit to pop it off the frame mounts. It can then move back a bit and give enough clearance for the airbox to slip out.

The second secret is that you usually have to loosen or remove the stuff around the airbox -- you may not need to remove these entirely, but you'll need to get the battery box and the electrical mounting plate out of the way so the airbox can move back.

The third secret is that there's one specific angle where you can juuuuuuuuuuuuust get the airbox in or out. This takes a good bit of experimentation, but once you've learned the correct angle it doesn't take much force. On some bikes (don't remember exactly what the fo-fiddy's looks like), you might notice one corner of the airbox is slightly beveled to enable extraction and insertion.

[Steve]

And fourth, I believe it was the 450 as the subject when someone said you had to remove the engine to get the airbox out in one piece.

He might not have known about bwringer's third secret, though.

.

[Gorminrider]

yes, you do NOT need to move the engine.
(man, it's hard to search this forum. i wish I hadn't suggested it! because I was sure there is somewhere a thread made by someone who took pictures to help others but so far can only find myself saying the same thing

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?235628-GS-300-airbox-removal&highlight=airbox

[Alexxxx]

Thanks Ed I'm still learning how to use the forum n sometimes not sure which forum subject to post under. Are you an administrator for thegsresources.com or are you employed by them? If not then pls just reply to my future posts with helpful information pertaining to the topic/ question I posed. I appreciate the info . Cheers

[Alexxxx]

Super helpful thanks a bunch I'll try n remove the battery box n rear fender .

[Nessism]

Thanks Ed I'm still learning how to use the forum n sometimes not sure which forum subject to post under. Are you an administrator for thegsresources.com or are you employed by them? If not then pls just reply to my future posts with helpful information pertaining to the topic/ question I posed. I appreciate the info . Cheers

No Alexxxxx I'm not the admin, and good thing too because I'd be telling people to search for info when they post redundant threads. I'd delete the redundant threads too.

Here is a thread specific to removing the airbox for the 450. The photos are gone but there is specific instructions on how to get the airbox out on the 450. You may want to check it out...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...removal-tricks

[Alexxxx]

I managed to clean out the airbox despite not being able to completely remove it . I removed the battery with battery bracket mount, rear tire inner fender and the side panels, but still was unsuccessful at getting the damn thing out. Grr, however is was able to get all of the metal flakes collected with a magnet and completely washed out after removal of the ridiculous internal rusted metal screen from the airbox before reattaching the my newley cleaned carbs.

Thanks for all the help super appreciate it. And ill check out that link ED, thanks a bunch Mucho appreciated

[Gorminrider]

yes, probably the best to clean out as you did...you might be able to use a vacuum cleaner too by putting a finer cone end on it ti get down around...and maybe right into carb throats with flexible hose

but for any one else here's one I found per removal..very similar

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?242763-GS550E-airbox-and-intake-boots

[Alexxxx]

Thanks totally hepful, actually answers my question. I guess the airbox fits out of the left triangle.