body panel beneath the fuel tank???

I was just wondering on the XJ900 seca was is the purpose of the two medium gray body panels? That is do they serve a purpose such as directing air movement over the engine towards the stock air box? Are they simply decorative? Or, is there some other possible reason for them. I am missing the left hand side body panel and am not sure it is worth the trouble to hunt one down. So any opinions would be greatly appreciate.

Regards,

W. D.

 

If you look inside the one you have, you'll see a little scoop.

It directs air into the head's "valley", not to the airbox.

 

So I take you mean that the "scoop" will help to keep the engine running cooler?

Regards,

W. D.

 

That would be the idea. How much they actually help ? I don't know.
I've run without them , no prob. They're about impossible to find.

I see you're running pods- - any problems? Running hot?

 

No not yet. However it is early winter and until summer it will not really be an issue. I do however want the scoop if I can find it just to complete the look of the bike. But all the same I just was not sure what their purpose was (looks, functional, or both). Although I do sit in traffic alot so keeping it running cooler is always a good thing.

Regards,

W. D.

 

I wound up making a pair for my 900, if you have the 'naked' bike, it does need something there to look right.

 

How did you make them? They look great!. How might I get a pair?

Regards,

W. D.

 

Hi Guys
I'd be interested in a set of these scoops too.
Cheers Andrew

 

I made a template from cardboard, then cut them from 1.2mm ally', then shaped & polished.