drharley

Hi,certainly not new to bikes, been riding since i was 15...that's a long time ago. But have been admiring the Japanese technology over tha past few years and am about ready to jump ship from the Harley world to the wonderful world of performance (extreme performance). I've been a drag race since 1961 and about as fast as I can make a Harley go is low 10s. Rode an R1 a buddy has and hit 130 so fast it scared me (the first time), awesome. Sportbike style is a little hard on my old wrists and shoulders but as my abs get better it gets better and better. I'm going to hang around of this forum and see if I can pick up a thing or two to add to my knowledge bank. Be nice to me, I'm an old guy. Doc

Hello Marine! I'm new to this forum as well but a short answer to your question is, or rather a statement about your question is: I took off all that emmisions crap on by 2001 HD sportster about a rear after it was new and found absolutely no consequence. That dirty "sponge" might be some sort of air filter to the intake, I'd check that out and if it is, being dirty you might be running rich and with it off might be just right--you'll have to check your plugs and tailpipe for deposits to determine that unless you have an air-fuel sniffer of some sort. Hope this helps. Doc