So am i correct in assuming there is supposed to a sponge-like air filter in the sub air cleaner??
if so can I get away with taking that box off an running an open element filter, or will this affect air flow some how.
TIA

 

Which model of bike do you have ?
Air filter performance is directly related to engine performance. You are correct about your air flow, move away from standard and mixtures will need to be monitored as a lean running could result in expensive repairs.

 

Yes, there is a small air filter in that small square box.
They get old and disintegrate on bikes this old.
Buy a new one and put it in.
They are less than $2. simple, easy, painless.
Why would you go to the effort and hassle of doing anything else?

 

I just had an extra breather laying around but I'll go ahead an order one. Never knew it had a filter in there till yesterday lol.

 

Yeah, I get that. I've got 2 rules that have served me well over the years.

1. If you can buy it, then buy it. Only build it when you can't buy it. No sense reinventing the wheel.
2. If it's broken, then fix it and do it right. There's nothing to gain with cheap fixes or cheap parts in the long run. They always come back to bite you at the worst time.