Going back to original air filter assembly

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My Commando came with a K&N and I also changed it to the RGM narrow ham can. With this fitted, removing the filter is a doddle.
Just as well considering how many times I have taken it off to fiddle with the carbs!
I agree with gtiller - very few would know the difference without side by side comparison.
 
IF there is still sufficient airflow through the thinner filter, it's definitely an easier assembly. That being said, although I wouldn't call it "easy as pie," I haven't found it particularly difficult to get the OEM filter in/out of the OEM Ham Can. Since my old, original Commando was more difficult in that regard than my present one, I suspect that some bikes are easier than others simply due to assembly-line slop/component tolerance variation. A slight difference in the distance between the front/rear air filter plates makes a large difference in ease of removing/installing a filter. But that's only speculation on my part.
 
Air flow wise, the narrow ham can seems ok. Certainly no worse than k&n. I didn’t need to change carb jetting and plug colours didn’t change.
In terms of fitting, the main benefit is that the carb rubber gators stay in place when fitting. On my old fastback with the original filter, the rubbers would pop off just as you were squeezing the filer in. I always felt it would have been easier with 3 hands.
 
How often do you take off the filter? Once a year? Not often enough for me to get something different.
 
The ignition switch is not really in the way. I put on the front ham can cover and rubbers by hand. I put cardboard over the primary case to protect it. Then just squeeze the filter and screen together slightly (horizontally), turn it 90 degrees and squeeze it in under the keyswitch, top first. Rotate it into position being careful not to dislodge the rubbers. The air filter should be completely within the perf screen and the assembly should be entirely within the turned up edges of the covers all around. The filter shown looks like maybe an Emgo. It looks like Andover Norton's picture of a crushed crappy filter. I used a k&n at one time and found it a little bit thicker but it still fit. I've since gone back to the stock paper element.
 
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kerinorton said:
Both my 71 750 and 74 850 have the original air filters. No baffles [I'm baffled there ].
Really easy to change the filter.
Maylar said
The 71 doesn't have an ignition switch in the way.

Dave from CT
850 MKII


My July 71 750 has the same setup as the 850. I have owned the 750 since jan 73 and am sure it is still all original. Using my method of fitting [ 4 hands ] the job is easy to change the filter. I just have to wait till SWMBO feels like helping.

My 850 was first sold by Jo Francis in England, and doesn't have the baffle . I have only owned that bike for possible 12 years but cant remember now.
 
I just put the stock ham can with paper filter on my ‘69 750 S this afternoon. I removed the carbs and manifolds, attached the entire air filter then using o-ring lube fitted the carbs to the rubber boots. Finally attached the manifolds with carbs to the head. It went pretty easy and fairly quick.
 
CA started their own emissions standards - which included noise - beginning in 1968. PCV valves on cars became standard on US cars because of that and are generally considered the first piece of "dedicated" emissions equipment. It (eventually) dramatically reduced/eliminated the constant dripping of engine oil in the center of the roadway caused by the road draft ventilation system that was common to virtually all vehicle engines sold in the US until the 1968 models.

I bought a 1970 440 RoadRunner in TN that would have had to have some additional emissions items installed if I had I moved to CA and registered there. I know this to be the case because there was possibility of moving there and the car dealer where I purchased the RR advised me of that.

Whether the ham can baffles were emissions (noise) related or for some other purpose, I don't know though my suspicion is that it was for noise...
 
I stand corrected on CARB history, thanks Mike.
There were no motorcycle emissions requirements until 1978.
maylar, further confusing is my ‘74 with the ham can internal baffle was originally sold in Delaware.
 
maylar, further confusing is my ‘74 with the ham can internal baffle was originally sold in Delaware.
So much for that theory lol. And my 74 from Connecticut didn't have it. Go figure.
 
I have the "privilege"? of owning one, or in most cases more than one, 70, 71, 72, 73-750, 73-850, 74-850, 850MKIII. No "A" versions.
Makes for good research material.
As far as I can tell most if not all unmodified 73-74 850 had the snorkle air cleaner. At least that is according to both the parts books and the bikes on hand!
I would fully understand US dealers swapping them out at first maintenance time.
I still prefer my air cleaner-boot/bellows installation method which has been posted enough times...
 
My 1968 Ford Cortina was sold in CA and had an air pump. In Anchorage, in 1995, I had to smog that car. Would not have had to in CA. With the air pump removed, dual side drafts, and a cam, I got it to pass. Testing was at idle only, and no visual required on cars that old. They later eliminated testing on older cars.
 
My 1968 Ford Cortina was sold in CA and had an air pump. In Anchorage, in 1995, I had to smog that car. Would not have had to in CA. With the air pump removed, dual side drafts, and a cam, I got it to pass. Testing was at idle only, and no visual required on cars that old. They later eliminated testing on older cars.
Please... Not sure if it's the Great Atlantic Divide again, but what do you mean by 'air pump' on a '68 Cortina ??
(I live reasonably close to Dagenham :) )
 
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I'll give it a try with the baffles in place. I may be in the market for a no-baffles version soon. Looks like 3 spot welds that attach the baffles to the cover so taking the off
 
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