Honda Shadow 750 -- Updating Air Cleaner

[Thailaw]

I recently purchased a 1990 Honda Shadow 750 cc. It is now undergoing a moderate face lift (new paint and re-chrome). The air cleaner assembly is really ugly and I would like to update it. I can get an air cleaner assembly from a 2005 or 2007 Shadow 750 Spirit or ACE. I realize the newer air cleaner assembly won't "fit" without modifications (indeed, they are on opposite sides of the bikes), but can the newer air cleaner assembly be made to go on without monumental effort and expense? And most importantly, will it work without affecting engine performance? Any advice, suggestions and prior experience will be greatly appreciated. I can't find any similar project discussed on the internet after considerable search. Thanks.....

[Richard-BKK]

The first problem I can think of is that the '90 model is a carburetor version and the latest models have electronic fuel injection, this can have effect for the air-filter.

[Thailaw]

The best I can tell from searching the internet is that fuel injection was first introduced on the 750 Shadow in 2004. I can opt for an air box/cleaner that will fit 1999 to 2003 models of the Shadow 750. I like the "teardrop" design of the air cleaner on the newer models, but the oval shape of the aircleaner on the '99 to '03 models is certainly acceptable if going to a carbeurator compatible air cleaner is preferable/less risky.

[goldfish]

Don't know your bike but suspect it isn't a sports bike and therefore performance wasn't of major concern when designing it. Change/adapt the air filter and replace the spark plugs. See how it performs and check the condition of the plugs. If both and fine then there should be no problems

[Thailaw]

It is a 750 cc "cruiser", and while it is definately fast, it is not a performance bike (I really don't like the appearance or rider's position--all slouched over-- on those). I have owned the bike for about 3 months, but have delayed having anything done to it until my name was properly changed in the green book, which took longer that I expected (and longer than the previous owner told me it would take). I am having all of the fluids, etc. changed since I don't know its history. I'll also have the plugs changed. It runs very well, although it does pop/backfire when I decelerate, which occurs (I am told) because the baffles have been removed from the exhaust pipes (which affects the back pressure, I think). Other than that, it starts up every time (and quickly) and runs very well--nice rumble at idle and good acceleration, but far more fuelish than my Phantom or Click, both of which are less than 1 year old.

Are any of the three ok ('07, '05 and '99 to '03), or would you recommend I go with the pre-fuel injection model air cleaner? I really like the "teardrop" design, but that will certainly be the most difficult to modify, since it will be upside down when it is changed to the left side of the bike (on the newer models, the air cleaner is on the right side). So, the oval design on the '99 to '03 is prefered from that aspect. I expect I will need to "splice the hoses from the old air cleaner and the new one, so once I start, there's no turning back.....At least not without a great deal of difficulty and finding some rather old parts to replace the cut up ones -- would not like to do all of that to end up back at square one. Thanks.

[Meridian007]

Check these out,

http://www.knfilters.com/filtercharger.htm

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=HA-6088

Maybe one of their specialty cruiser filters would work too. K & N make some nice performance filters, but I think you might have to change the jets in your carbs too if you use them.

Cover plates can be custom made how ever you want them.

Check out http://www.geocities.com/bkkriders/shops/index.html to see where to go in BKK. Enjoy!

Edited February 21, 2008 by Meridian007

[Thailaw]

Cover plates can be custom made how ever you want them.

Great idea! Thanks. You are absolutely right. The air cleaner assembly is fine (and designed for the bike). it is the cover that is really ugly. I can probably have someone make a nice chrome cover that will fit for the cost of (or less than) the newer air box. That is clearly the better route to go. Now, it is only a matter of finding someone who can do it -- and who is reasonably close to me. I did see Porn Super Bikes on Srinakharin Rd in BKK who looks like a good choice, but a bit far. I am outside Pattaya -- any one have a recommendation of a shop in or around Pattaya that might be able to make me a custom air cleaner cover? Thanks.