Alternative to Snorkel removal...
 

Have K&N stage 1 filter to start.
Tried Snorkel removal but not happy with hole left in top of air box and risk of stuff falling in. Decided to cut Snorkel down so only entered the air box for about an inch.
Now have to say the difference is not massive but definitely an improvement. Throttle feels snappier and bike running better. For ten minutes work with no cost (if you have a hacksaw) the benefits are great....
Why don't Yamaha do this in first place?

You mean like this I take it!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_...o/P1050158.JPG

I did mine a few weeks back, K&N Filter and

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o...o/P1050157.JPG

NitroX set at 90% works a treat.

:gsmile:

The air box is made up of 3 chambers so it does not mater if anything falls in & you are running an oil base air filter the first chamber has a water drain. Everytime the air bends before entering the throttle body it is slowed down, we have proven on the Dyno these XT660 motor want lots of fast high volume moving air, the difference between a completely standard air box to a stage 3 DNA air box is around 7hp. http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=12547