It's D.U.M.B.O. Time!

[Beemeridian]

22

[n9owk66]

goodone thanks

[MIXR]

This is a plug I check often, particularly after an oil change, or change of oil type. Some oils 'fume' a lot more than others, and this is exhibited in the airbox by a slowly growing pool of oil. Even a long, fast, hot ride can pump excess oil (oil fumes) into the airbox, so any big run (high rpm, warm conditions) requires a two-second check of the airbox when you get home. Overfilling can also dump the excess here, if it doesn't leak out somewhere else first or burn off! Oil fumes on the air filter won't hurt anything, but the filter will get dirtier faster.

Also note that the R intake tube is low on the left, and collects a lot of water if ridden hard in very wet conditions, or when spashing through floodways. Note that the big jugs on the R are not designed to allow the bike to negotiate deep floodways. Even if the water is only up to the cylinders (well-below the air intake), the bow wave created flows up and over the cylinder and straight down the intake ram tube! And if you ever drown your bike in a floodway that's a bit too deep, this is where you drain the airbox before you pump out the cylinders. I know this well. I've done it.

Beemeridian is correct - This plug is often overlooked, and shouldn't be.

[gregor]

Have checked mine a few times and also after my recent, messy, oilchange. Never had even a smidgeon of oil in there. I feel deprived.

[Buckster]

Wow...I never knew that was there! I always noticed a little oil in the airbox during services and simply wiped it out really well. Thanks for the info!

[Beemeridian]

22

[Xdot]

I use it to lube my shifter balls. Makes everything slick, smooth, and highly sensitive to touch.

[garr2]

Of course in Australia it's not possible to simply drain the air box of oil. I have to remove the air filter box and then turn it upside down before the oil will flow out the drain hole. You people in the northern hemisphere don't know how easy you've got it!

[Beemeridian]

22

[rdsmith3]

Thanks. I am a DUMBO. I've had this bike 9 years and I did not know about this.