HPower-replica stacks

[mik_str]

Something I wanted to share for those running (long) HPower-replica velocity stacks (including DrHOnda's offering, member of superhawkforum). I had the air filter out a couple of days ago and noticed that the hoses linking the valve cover vents to the translucent plastic reservoir seemed to be in the way of the airstream. IN others words, it appeared that the stacks were not being fed "clean" air, but rather disturbed air, having to pass over the hoses (which, despite my elementary knowledge of aerodynamics, would obstruct and disturb airflow; a truly silly situation, whihc, in theory, would esentially ruin all of the work that went into designing these lovely billet stacks)). So, being an OCMD type, I set about correcting this. I simply cut back the plastic tab located in the bottom of the airbox (upon which the hoses sit) by about an inch, which leaves the hoses sitting below the entrance to the stacks (I put a hole at the base of the tab, allowing me to tie-wrap the hoses in place in their new lower position). So, to make a long story short, I went for a ride yesterday and found the bike to feel noticeably snappier. Placebo effect? possibly, although logically the physics are sound.....

sharing this for anyone else running the stacks. If anyone else tries it (take a few minutes to do), report back and let me know what you found.......
cheers

[VTRDark]

Good info there Mik, and yes I think you may have a valid point because the hoses do sit right about level with the bevelled edge of the stacks which logically will disrupt how the air wraps around that bevelled edge as it gets drawn in. Maybe this is why flo commanders help

I think the idea of a flow commander is not so you can just quickly adjust/fine tune the mains, but to also calm the turbulent airflow into something more steady for a better mix with the fuel and ultimately a more efficient burn. You could always do as some others have done and gut the airbox by moving the bottle and pipes externally.

Next time you have the lid off your airbox can you take a photo of how your set up looks please.

One day I will have me a Carbon airbox. Then again one day I will have myself some genuine Dr Honda's but I want a flo commander first

(:-})

[lloydie]

I did this when I first fitted the stacks :-) it didn't Seam right having the pipe sitting right by the lip .
Works even better on a gutted air box :-)

[tony.mon]

I removed mine entirely and sited them externally, but didn't really notice a huge difference.
Dyno'd before and after, too, but IIRC lost .5 BHP.

Mind you I also added volume to the airbox and that may have disturbed some sort of harmonic, or alternatively it may have caused the jetting to be wrong- if jetted correctly it may have been better.
But as you say, the science is sound.

I am a firm believer in the old idea that if it looks right it probably is right, and fluids (and gases) will always take the easiest route.

But isn't the air entering through the air filter section above the stacks?
It looks like the easiest route is vertically downwards from the filter section into the stacks......