Motorcycles require a constant intake of air in order to fuel combustion in the motor. The air provides the oxygen molecules required for the gasoline to burn completely and provide the propulsion to turn the engine over and spin the crankshaft of the motorcycle. The temperature and amount of air taken in by a motorcycle engine are very important with regards to the performance of the engine. The cooler and cleaner the air, the better the engine runs. You can build your own air intake for motorcycles to ensure proper engine function as well.
The motorcycle should already have an intake on the carburetor and, before you can build a new intake, you will need to remove this one. Removing the old intake will also assist in the design of a new intake system and placement. Remove any shrouding or body panels surrounding the parts of the intake and then use a screwdriver to remove the air filter and any intake that already exists. Make sure to remove any gaskets or adhesive residue that is attached to the carburetor where the old intake attached.
The next step to the process is to design the new intake by utilizing the old design and looking at the bike to determine the optimal placement of a performance intake. In most cases, the best place for an air intake is directly off of the front of the frame, right behind the front fender. This positions the intake in an optimal place for air flow and still provides protection from the elements. Measure the diameter of the old intake to determine the diameter of the new tubing and then measure the distance from the carburetor to the location of the new intake.
Finally, build and install the intake. Have a local exhaust or custom car shop mandrel bend an aluminum pipe the diameter you determined from the carburetor body into the shape necessary to locate the intake in the proper position. Install the tubing on the carburetor body and then use exhaust strapping to mount the tubing in place. Install an air filter at the end of the tubing and then replace all of the shrouding to complete the air intake installation.
