I have a 2009 xtx which has a number of holes drilled in each side of the air box.

Yes I know why someone has done this before you stop reading my post !!!

3 holes pre-filter on the nearside of the bike with some metal gauze taped over the holes (presumably to keep out some of the crap?) and 3 holes on the offside (normal filter entry area) with a plastic plate riveted over 2 of the more exposed holes, leaving 1 open hole post filter.

The bike does have a K&N filter fitted but as far as I�m aware no other mods have been carried out.

Having read a vast number of posts about air box drilling and the �Kev� mod etc etc, I�m confused as to whether this will make any difference or will adversely affect the bike, in fact make the bike run slightly lean as there�s obviously more air to fuel than was originally intended. Will it cause more harm than good ???

I�m currently verging on the side of chucking this air box away and installing a standard box with no holes unless someone can give me a good reason why I should keep the air box as it is.

I�m not planning to carry out any other mod�s or fit a power commander etc. as I don�t believe for the vast amount of money spent these in reality make that much of a difference, all be it that the placebo effect must kick in with many people after having spent hours fettling and ������s on various gismo�s.

Any advice and reasoning would be appreciated.