Here’s a tip for do-it-yourself air filters

I’ve been following Steve’s Yamaha AS1 resurrection and have a tip regarding his unobtainable air filters. I ran into the same problem with my 1969 Yamaha R3 350. The filters were turning to dust and No Longer Available. My solution was to strip the paper elements off the frames and wrap them with Uni Filter foam. Cut to size and glue the ends together. This foam is available in individual sheets and is easily found. Much better than pod filters, and can be cleaned and re-oiled. A side benefit for the rivet counter crowd is that they remain unseen in their canisters. Hope this tip helps Steve get his project closer to the finish line.

Regarding the CX 650 Turbo, I bought a used CX 500 Turbo some years ago and other than replacing a bad stator, it was dead reliable and one of my favourite bikes. It would leave my friend’s Suzuki GS 1100 for dead in a top gear roll on, too!

Dear Jeff, many thanks for emailing to help Steve. He has more or less done what you said, but using a slightly different technique – wait and see! I did this with my Honda 350. Though air filters were available, I’m too tight to pay £70 for two, so did as you said, used filter foam between the two tin sides – Matt