Hi All (but especially XR owners!),
Firstly, thanks again to DarkTrain for pointing me in the right direction on this. Checked out some details on the XR intake system via the internet and came up with the following, which I've lifted from the following site
http://www.adrenalinmoto.co.uk - guess they won't mind as it's good advertising for them
Electronic emulator for Active Intake Valve
Price: UK£12.77
New - More power for XR1200 models! Electronic valve emulator for active air intake system.
In order to conform to European noise regulations the XR1200 has an 'active air intake system'. This consists of a large flap type valve inside the airbox which is operated by a solenoid. As you open the throttle the valve opens to allow more airflow.
Unfortunately the XR1200 airbox is already quite small, and even at full throttle opening this valve still restricts the airflow quite significantly. It's only purpose is to reduce intake noise.
Our newly developed electronic adapter simulates the return-signal of the air intake valve, which means that you can completely remove the valve and will not get an engine warning light after doing so. This small unit plugs directly into the loom under the tank in place of the stock intake valve connector.
The inlet tract is no longer blocked, the XR will breath more freely and the engine will develop the maximum power possible throughout the rev range (although you will get more intake noise)! Fantastic, eh! And 13 quid, that's about 18 Euros!! I'll have two!!! Seriously though, check out their website, it's full of great goodies like loads of carbon-fibre kit for the XR - get rid of all that plastic, just like I wanted to. Decent pipes too! To be honest, I think I'll be waiting until next year now before getting down to any serious work - I'm skint again at the moment - but it'll give me something to dream about through the winter
Ride Safe,
Ian