air filter help

[boathead]

bike: 1982 gs650G

i got this bike a few weeks ago, and figured i'd take a look at the air filter this morning. never opened the air box before.

a small cylindrical paper filter was jury rigged in there. ugggh. and, i can't get it to re-seat at the back of the air box. so, a few questions.

1. can i ride the bike without a filter, until i get a new one.

2. i looked online for a replacement filter. the schematic shows an unclear pic, but it looks like i can get a filter for 23 bucks or so. BUT: the service manual shows what appears to be a plastic cage over which the filter sits. that cage is NOT shown on the schematic online. if i order a filter, will the cage come with it? is it a separate part?

thanks in advance. i know someone out there can assist.

[Nessism]

I think the cage is included with the filter, it is with the 850 filter anyway.

Air filters are necessary to clean the air entering the engine, they also provide resistance to the airflow which the carburetor jetting expects. If you run the engine without the filter, don't be surprised if it runs poorly.

[boathead]

thanks nessism....i won't ride it without the air filter. that is the kind of stupid thing i always try to do, and it always comes back to bite me.

anyone else know if the plastic cage comes with a 650G filter?

[waltfen]

When I bought one from a main dealer for my 650 katana it came complete with plastic cage and preoiled foam filter.