fascinating guys, i have enjoyed reading about this, as my bike utilises the same engine as an xvs it seems that you guys have really delved in to this. comparison wise i presume the "plastic thingie" valve has something to do with the prime function on the fuel cock, reading the manuals(owners manuals,of which i have both) not only are the positions opposite on my bike but the prime switch is replaced with a straight forward on/ off/ res gravity fed system on my bike. i have already gone down the rear sprocket route and have seen a gain in overall acceleration but adrop in top end speed and have to change up to 5th at 55mph where there seems to be no guts left and struggles to reach 60. as for the filter change the arrangement is somewhat different where there is no visible air filter housing as on the xvs it is located under the massive 20 litre petrol tank which i will be removing today to have a closer peak. i have noticed that some other threads refer to removing the baffles but can't seem to get my head round how they could be removed? i also notice there does not seem to be a mixture screw on the carb.