I was looking at some Honda OEM sites and decided to look up the price of an air filter and saw a big piece of the air cleaner box that i don't have.. Do i need it? Can i just put some wire mesh up at the very front of the cleaner housing instead of having the "scoop?" The part i don't have is circled. (sorry it's in a dark color..)

 

I've known of a lot of people that remove things thinking it will make it perform better. Little do they know that it may actaully make it perform worse. It sounds like the person before you did just that.

The only real problem with removing it is you no longer get the cold rush of air into the air box. these boxes are designed with a slight ram air effect, without that scoop, it doesnt have it. the shape of the scoop into the runners makes the air funnel into the air box, which in turn makes a positve pressure in the box. Without it, your airbox is just sucking air into it.

The pressure in the box is very little, and not having the scoop may not even noticably affect performance. And, this little design only works while the bike is moving at a moderate speed. Other than that, it doesnt make any difference.

the call is up to you. If it were me, I would find and replace it. But thats just me, I like things to be the way they are suppose to be. Of course, I would only do it if the price was right. I certainly wouldnt break the bank to get one.

You really shouldnt have put any mesh up. Your air filter should be more than enough to protect your carbs.

The only other thing that might be bad, and you'll have to look, is if the exposed tubes can collect water. the scoop makes it impossible for water to get into the air cleaner.

 

I know that with my bike, an F3, that yes indeed the RAM makes a difference, most noticeably if you suddenly get a strong cross wind you can feel the revs drop.
Honda threw everything in squeezing as many ponies & speed out of the 599cc donk (just as all the other Japanese companies where & still are doing in the Super sport segment) RAM air induction featured in some guise on all their 600cc (& other capacities), a very competitive market.
I agree with justasquid & would have the part replaced. check out a few places for 2nd hand bits or Ebay.

 

If you aren't able to find the parts I would try to route a few hoses from the box down to the front fair where those two intake ducts are.
You will be able to find some easy at most auto parts stores. You don't necessarily need the scoop. A couple hose clamps and you should be good.

Here's what your looking for though 20 bucks shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/F-199...Q5fAccessories

 

Dang you guys are awesome! :P Thanks for the info! and the link from Endless! I must say, this is by far, the BEST motorcycle site i've ever known! I can post up a question, and have several opinions/links/home-made ways to solve the problem! My thanks goes out to you guys, anyone that has ever helped me, and of course CBR Fourm!