Can I leave the airbox off just to start her up?

[Courtney]

Just wondering. I am about to fire the beast for the first time in a few years and would like to leave off the airfilter for a few minutes to check for gas leaks, stuck floats and the usual. Can she sit and run for a few minutes without the aircleaner on to see what happens or is going to be too lean??

[jjz28]

I have done it, don't know if its right but I have. If there is any dust, it could suck up in there. The box will have to be on to tune it right too.

[DGXSER]

It will run, and should run well enough to check the things mentioned. As for float leaks, I turn the fuel taps on, to prime if you have vacuum valve, and wait a minute or so. A leaky float valve will show up in that time. If it does, try tapping on the bowl with a screwdriver handle.

When no leaks show up, now start the bike. Won't hurt anything to run sans filter for a minute or two. Like stated, your tuning will be off if you set it without the air filter though.

[trbig]

I wouldn't ride it down a dirt road, but running it in your driveway or garage is no problem. There won't be much difference in the fuel mixture between a good clean filter and no filter. The only caution I might add is that it would be a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand. Until they run right, there is the possibility of spitting back from the carb and sometimes a flame can shoot out.

[Courtney]

I wouldn't ride it down a dirt road, but running it in your driveway or garage is no problem. There won't be much difference in the fuel mixture between a good clean filter and no filter. The only caution I might add is that it would be a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand. Until they run right, there is the possibility of spitting back from the carb and sometimes a flame can shoot out.

Smart words TR, I have a big fat fire extinguisher sitting here ready for action. Thanks for the reminder to everyone! Had my face singed once when my Ford farted through the carb with airfilter off adjusting the carb!!

[donebysunday]

I wouldn't ride it down a dirt road, but running it in your driveway or garage is no problem. There won't be much difference in the fuel mixture between a good clean filter and no filter. The only caution I might add is that it would be a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand. Until they run right, there is the possibility of spitting back from the carb and sometimes a flame can shoot out.

Fire extinguisher should be right in hands reach, I say no more.