Air Cleaner system removal?

So I have been trying to get my 82 KZ650 running, and some very helpful advice from yall led me to hunting for a vacuum leak. So as I am looking I notice that half or more of the vacuum lines are related to what appears to be an exhaust re-circulation system... the manual calls this an "Air Cleaner system"

So my question is, is this like the smog pump on older cars? and if so can it be removed like on a car?

If so it seems to me, if the bike will run the same without it, or with just minor adjustments, then why would I keep it on, it is a lot of lines to develop a vacuum leak, plus the extra weight of all of that equipment (I know its not much but every pound counts)

Also, if it is as easy to remove as it seems does anyone who has done it have any suggestions? should I cap the exhaust manifold? or link it to itself? I know to cap the airbox and carbs.

Sorry If this info is posted on the forum already, I hunted for it for about half an hour and couldn't find anything...

EDIT: Also, sorry if this should be in a different thread, I guessed Carbs since the air intake is part of the thread...

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Good Fortune!

After chasing vacuum leaks for a while myself I am considering this mod as well. But being the constant pessimist that I am, I am wondering if anyone can see any downsides to doing removing the whole exhaust gas recirculation system. Any thoughts from the guru-squad?

You can't get parts for the smog system and they go bad and do stuff to your engine like getting moisture in the oil and all those vacum leaks. Roy

650 in Vegas wrote: After chasing vacuum leaks for a while myself I am considering this mod as well. But being the constant pessimist that I am, I am wondering if anyone can see any downsides to doing removing the whole exhaust gas recirculation system. Any thoughts from the guru-squad?

The down side is you "void the warranty" :woohoo:

Pretty simple system to sort out. If the vacuum lines are all good but the bike backfires on deceleration, the air cut valve is bad [providing your carbs & ign. timing are correct.

If you want it removed the cheap way, cross connect a hose to the reed valve covers and cross connect a vacuum line from #1 to #4 carb intake boot vacuum taps. Voila it's defeated, rendered null and void....but the emissions police will be knocking on your door with a warrant and a cream pie....

LarryC wrote:

650 in Vegas wrote: After chasing vacuum leaks for a while myself I am considering this mod as well. But being the constant pessimist that I am, I am wondering if anyone can see any downsides to doing removing the whole exhaust gas recirculation system. Any thoughts from the guru-squad?

The down side is you "void the warranty" :woohoo:

Pretty simple system to sort out. If the vacuum lines are all good but the bike backfires on deceleration, the air cut valve is bad [providing your carbs & ign. timing are correct.

If you want it removed the cheap way, cross connect a hose to the reed valve covers and cross connect a vacuum line from #1 to #4 carb intake boot vacuum taps. Voila it's defeated, rendered null and void....but the emissions police will be knocking on your door with a warrant and a cream pie....

Oh no! What will I do when my 33 year old bike no longer has a warranty?
As for the emmision police, I don't live in California, so I should be OK.
Thanks for the input. Looks like I have my weekend project cut out for me.