Shield under XJ550 carb rack necessary?

I've seen pictures of XJ550 racks and there appears to be a shield beneath the carbs. What is its purpose and is it critical? The pitiful bike I've just bought doesn't have one and seems to run alright.

 

I think it's a heat shield. It would keep the gas in the bowls from boiling when the engine is hot.

Just a theory....

 

thats all it is. it does not need to be there for you to get maximum performance

 

Thanks, Stereo.

I like your theory and that's kinda what I thought initially. The cooling airflow at the rear of the cylinders would seem to be more restricted and warmer. I do wonder why other bikes can have the carbs in the identical postion and not be troubled by heat. I've had a GS 1000 and GPZ750 without those shields. :?

 

Thanks Indy.

 

The shield is only on the Seca 550, not the Max. I'm not sure WHY, it's oriented wrong to be much of a "heat" shield. It looks more like a "carb drip pan" to me; maybe Yamaha was worried that with the more sporting orientation of the Seca, it would cause fuel to somehow escape the carbs?

I honestly don't know why it's there.

 

Maybe it's to add to the sportier look :lol: Like spoilers on an acura - they always crack me up...

 

or keep you from getting to the float bowls without pulling the whole bloody rack...

 

Thanks guys. I guess I can stop losing sleep over the absence of the shield, right?

 

There are many more things to lose sleep over ...