Grebnaws, this is not an EGR system. It introduces FRESH air into the exhaust system to burn up unburned hyrdrocarbons. This system won't really effect how the bike runs unless there is a vacuum leak in it. It will, however, cause excessive "popping" in the exhaust sytem if it malfunctions.
If you do decide to remove it, be sure to leave the reed valves in place and plug the inlets on the valve covers either with a hose connecting both sides or silicone sealer, and cap off the vacuum nipples on the carb holders as previously mentioned. Also plug the fitting on the airbox (if you still have it) - this fitting is on the clean air side of the element and will allow dirt into your engine if you don't plug it.
Grebnaws Inc. wrote:
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the information. I haven't been able to try anything yet because my bike has been in the shop. It went in with an electrical gremlin but was returned to me leaking gas and oil, so I asked them to take it back and fix it again.
The carbs were rebuilt within the past year, although they weren't done by me so I'm taking it on good faith that quality work was done at the time. Isn't carb balancing a standard thing to do when rebuilding?
My first car was an older Thunderbird which also had a poorly functioning emissions system, and the same type of engine behavior is what leads me to believe that the same thing could be happening on my bike. The EGR system on that engine was a clogged piece of crap and blocking it off made the engine run more smoothly.
Being new to bikes I really wanted to get some opinions before yanking off hoses and plugging ports.