Well, the backing plate I ordered turned out to be for touring models, and I couldn't use it. .... So, I went ahead and bought a new complete kit, with a chrome backing plate!. Sucks you can't just buy a chrome replacement plate!! ...but oh well.


I'll also be selling my current Big Sucker which is identical, except with a plain aluminum backing plate (it also has a new filter). If interested PM me...

 

Here's the new backing plate, I also decided that I want to install an external breather before swapping it out.... I've looked at the "kits" for sale, but really don't like the large brass fittings and 3/8" ID lines that they come with, so I'm going to put my own kit together....I've ordered some smaller 316 stainless fittings, (that I couldn't find at any of my local hardware stores), and plan on using 5/16" or 1/4" ID stainless steel braided lines, to a small chrome catch can. I'm going to have to drill and tap the stand-offs on the new backing plate, and the fittings will show some, I think the smaller, stainless fittings will be less noticeable, and look much better up against the chrome then the brass would.
I should have everything in day or two, and will post some pics of the parts I'll be using....

 

The stainless mini fittings showed up today...I ordered two sizes, 1/8" NPT to 1/4" hose barb fitting and 1/16" NPT to 6mm hose tail. It looks like I'll be able to use the smaller fittings... which is what I was hoping for. I wasn't sure if the inside diameter would be big enough when I ordered them, but after looking at the holes in the breather bolts on my Breakouts stock A/C, it's not a problem, the holes in the stock bolts are tiny (last pic), and quite a bit smaller then the ID of the 1/16" NPT fittings.
I also picked up the stainless braided fuel line today, going with 5/16" ID...just need the catch can and chrome/hose end clamps that should be here tomorrow...

 

The hose end clamps and catch can arrived today, so I have everything I need for the external breather!!

I chrome hose end clamps are cool, they're two piece, so it allows you to change the direction of the worm if needed, great if your trying to hide the screw heads... I also really like the Golan "mini" catch can, it's only 1 1/4" in diameter and 2" long including the neck.

I realized today that another advantage of building your own kit, besides being able to get exactly what you want (sizes, finish etc.), is the cost...I put my "kit" together for $103. Pre made kits on-line with stainless lines, chrome clamps and a catch can run $150+ shipped!!

I've decided to use the 1/8" mini fittings, they fit the 5/16" ID fuel line better...time to drill and tap some holes!!

 

Rockah, I’ve searched high and low for a kit like you assembled, but no dice.
Every hop up shop in my area caters only to cars.
Would like to do this on the wife’s x-bones
Woulda liked it on my Slim, but eventually went with a Wimmer 90* intake with external breathers I bought from a member here
e nice to find a unit that allowed for a true old school retro and an external brether for her bike. Ut nothing out there that fitthe bill.

 

I did the same thing, and had the same luck....every kit I found comes with larger components and if you want stainless fittings, forget about it!!


I got up early today and installed the fittings. This was my first attempt at drilling/tapping so I took my time, and it went well!!

I taped up the backing plate and used a bent paper clip to measure the depth of the breather hole in the stand-off. I wanted the fitting as close to the front of the plate as possible, but it has to be in at least as far as the existing hole, so it lines up with the hole in the breather bolt. Then I decided on the angle I wanted them to sit, making sure they were even and marked the spot to drill. Next I hit the spot with a punch, then drilled a slightly smaller hole than the 1/8" tap and then used a hand held tap to cut the threads....It worked great and the fittings are mostly hidden from the front!

I just need to seal the original vent holes in the backing plate and cut and fit my lines!! I need to pick up a new cut-off wheel 1st though...

 

I trust your intent on seeing this through will more than likely exceed your expectations.
And when you get a chance, would be nice if you compile a list of your sorces for the fittings you found.

Nice mod

 

Thanks splattttttt, will do.


I noticed on the pic of the back of the catch can packaging, that it talks about a stainless steel filter element, but that's only in their fuel filters. The catch cans actually come with a cleanable/reusable foam filter....

Here's a pic with it open... that shows the filter.

 

Subscribing for the catch can

 

I'm fitting the braided stainless lines and I like the look with the catch can mounted right below the air cleaner, another option would be to use a longer fuel line and run it down to the frame, and along it if going to the rear, then use a filter in the end. To me, the line running down and across the motor, always looks out of place, so I'll have the catch can on a short line, centered under the air cleaner.

Here's a pic before I cut the line and installed the catch can.