Vintage motorcycle intake maintenance

[outdoorsmanjimmy]

I'm working on a '74 Norton Commando 850 that belonged to my uncle and I'm replacing the air filter and mesh screen with NOS parts. I bent the old ones getting them out but the new Crosland filter is a tighter fit than expected. Ended up pulling the carbs and manifolds to get enough clearance, which worked but I'm wondering if there's a better method that doesn't involve removing half the bike. Has anyone tried installing the filter with the carbs still mounted? I'm using new boots and a repainted front plate, so I'd rather not scuff anything if I can help it.

 

[wavez]

Pulling the carbs should be the cleanest way with NOS Croslands since they're a close fit, maybe you could wiggle them in with the carbs on, but you risk scratching the boots or front plate. Your method is safest honestly

 

[outdoorsmanjimmy]

Pulling the carbs should be the cleanest way with NOS Croslands since they're a close fit, maybe you could wiggle them in with the carbs on, but you risk scratching the boots or front plate. Your method is safest honestly

I'm glad to hear from another owner that taking the carburetors off is the safest way to go. I was a bit concerned I might be making things harder than they needed to be but I really want to avoid damaging the new boots and plate. Everything is back together now with the new filter and I'm hoping to get the bike ready for a test ride this weekend. Since I removed the Amal carburetors completely, should I expect to need a full re-synchronization before the engine runs right?