UNI Foam Replacement Filter For The VT500...

[J6G1Z]

I learned today that UNI still makes a replacement filter for the VT500 Ascot & Shadow.

Year, Make & Model: 1983-84 VT 500 C, FT
UNI Part Number: NU-4072
MSRP: 12.95
http://www.unifilter.com/street-bikes/honda-street-bikes

I ordered one to replace my rotting filter. Can't wait till it arrives.

J.

[Bucko]

Hey J6:

Who did you order the filter from?

[J6G1Z]

I ordered directly from UNI.

Usually they will try to refer you to a dealer in your area, but considering the age of the bike they sold me a filter directly.

If you call UNI, ask for Roger. 


Good luck
J.

[Bucko]

Are you sure that's the right one?  When I do a search on Partzilla, I get this: http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/aftermarket/XP-4111001.html  Fitment shows for a - Honda VT750C Shadow 1983

[J6G1Z]

Don't know what to say about other sites.

Just call Roger at UNI & order one.

Good luck
J.

[J6G1Z]

I just tried a search on Amazon.com using "UNI #NU-4072" as the search terms. It brought up several results.

J.

[J6G1Z]

Well the UNI filter arrived today. That was a prompt response!

It looks like there is some interchange with about 3 bikes.

VT 500 C, FT, 1983-84
VT 700 Shadow 1983-84

Other than that, it is simply a foam filter sleeve. Looks about the same size as a beer cozy. I will reply if anything out of the ordinary springs up, but I expect it to fit trouble free.

J.

[J6G1Z]

Another option that I just learned about is this model of UNI filter for the 1985-86 Shadow.
http://www.ragingmoto.com/uni-two-stage-air-filter-nu4097

Year, Make & Model: 1985-86 VT 500 C
UNI Part Number: NU-4097
MSRP: $26.95

This filter looks to offer more volume & "should" flow more air than the 2-piece cage design. Just something to consider.

J.

[J6G1Z]

I am now running an UNI filter for an '85-'86 Shadow.

This appears to be an improved design from Honda originally. It's a one piece filter that replaces the Ascots 2 filter cages, filter element & the access panel. That's correct, the Shadow filter has the access panel attached to it & just slides into place. The filter element is much larger than the Ascots & is not much smaller around than the access hole itself. Below is a pic of the UNI Shadow filter.

J.

[lennyway]

Do you have a before and after picture?
I'm planning to build the electric stuff onder my gas tank so I wonder if this new filter gives enough space for it

[J6G1Z]

Both of these filters fit inside the factory air box.

There is very little room under a VT Ascot fuel tank. There is a large common air intake plenum under the tank that takes up most of the room. I don't think your idea of hiding electrical components under the tank will work.


Good luck
J.

[lennyway]

Both of these filters fit inside the factory air box.

There is very little room under a VT Ascot fuel tank. There is a large common air intake plenum under the tank that takes up most of the room. I don't think your idea of hiding electrical components under the tank will work.


Good luck
J.

Some hours after I posted this I found out the the factory air box is located in the back.. Just bought my VT500 is my lame excuse, ha. The reason why I thought it was under the tank is because I saw on the dutch motor-forum.nl that a guy had a removed the air intake plenum under the tank and replaced it with two air filters. That made enough room to place the electrics that normally are placed under the headlamp. It seems like a very logical thing to do. Here are two pictures of that setup and a link to the topic. http://www.motor-forum.nl/forum/list_messages/359831/Honda-VT500-Ascot-1.html

[J6G1Z]

Too bad I can't read the language in that link you posted. I wonder how well the bike ran after that modification. I removed my air box & placed a large UNI filter on the end of the common plenum. The bike wouldn't run worth a crap due to too much airflow. I've heard on another forum that those K&N type of filters that have the chrome end cap, can set up a bad resonance in the intake tract. I don't think that I would like having to pull the tank to clean the air filters.

Just about anything you do to modify the intake will upset the jetting & the bike won't run throughout the full RPM range without bogging or choking at a certain RPM. Trust me... I usually have to learn the hard way. I've had my carbs apart about 5 times lately to change the jets & I need to do it again at least one more time.

Here is another posting on the topic: http://ascot500.com/index.php?topic=123.0


If you're looking for a place to hide the electricals. There is some room under the rear upper fender or tail-piece.

Good luck
J.