Our angled boot pod filters are used on the Honda CB175, CL175, SL175, CB200, and CL200 motorcycles to solve clearance issues between the carburetor inlet and the motorcycle frame backbone (the “spine” near the carb mouths). The angled boot allows the filter to sit at an angle so the pod clears the frame. Expect a tighter fit on a CB200 if the stock plastic side covers are retained because the carburetors sit farther forward (different intake manifold length) and the plastic side cover shape is different.
Parts and tools needed
Parts
(x2) Common Motor angle boot pod filters (one per carburetor)
Tools
Basic hand tools to remove the factory air filter assemblies (wrench or sockets)
Screwdriver or nut driver for the pod filter clamps (as applicable)
Supplies
Glass cleaner (used as a light lubricant to help the rubber boot slide onto the carburetor)
Common Motor note: Use only a light, non-greasy lubricant for installation. Avoid anything that could leave an oily residue inside the intake tract.
Preparing for installation
Place the motorcycle on a stable stand.
Allow the motorcycle to cool fully if it has been running.
Ensure both carburetor air filters are accessible (side covers removed).
Installing angle boot pod filters on a Honda CB175
Step 1: Remove the factory air filters
Locate the factory air filter assemblies on both sides of the motorcycle.
On the CB175 setup shown, a plastic cover sits over the factory filter area, and it does not need to be removed for this step.
Remove the two mounting bolts holding the air filter assembly in place.
Disconnect the factory air filter assembly from the carburetor inlet.
Repeat on the other side so both carburetors are exposed.
Step 2: Prep the pod filter boot
Inspect the inside lip of the angle boot pod filter (the rubber opening that clamps to the carburetor).
Apply a small amount of glass cleaner to the inside of the rubber boot (as shown in the video).
Confirm the clamp is installed on the boot and loosened enough to slide over the carburetor inlet.
Step 3: Install and “clock” the pod filter for frame clearance
Align the pod filter boot with the carburetor inlet.
Work the boot onto the carburetor inlet with a gentle wiggle motion.
Once seated, rotate (“clock”) the filter so the rear edge of the filter body is close to the frame backbone without touching it.
Important: Do not allow the pod filter to rest against the frame. Leave a small amount of space.
Step 4: Tighten the clamp and repeat on the other side
Rotate the clamp so the clamp bolt sits on the bottom side for easier access during future adjustments.
Tighten the clamp until snug.
Stop tightening once the filter is secure—over-tightening can cause the filter to pop off the carburetor inlet.
Repeat the install and clocking steps on the other carburetor.
Step 5: Reinstall and verify the plastic side covers
Reinstall the plastic side covers.
Confirm each cover snaps into place cleanly.
Verify nothing is pinched and the pod filters maintain clearance from the frame.
On the CB175 shown, the side covers reinstall easily once both pod filters are correctly clocked.
Honda CB200 specific fitment notes (side cover clearance)
Honda CB200 motorcycles can be a tighter fit with angle boot pod filters when using the factory plastic side covers. Two main differences cause this:
The carburetors sit closer to the front of the motorcycle (different intake manifold length).
The plastic side cover shape differs from the CB175.
As a result, the pod filter may interfere with the front flange/edge area of the CB200 side cover.
Option 1: Find the clocking “sweet spot” and compress the filter slightly
Install the pod filter and rotate it through small increments to find the best position for side cover fitment.
If needed, apply gentle pressure to the pod filter to slightly compress the filter element while installing the side cover.
Confirm the side cover seats and snaps into place without forcing it excessively.
Note: This is a snug fit by nature on many CB200 motorcycles with stock side covers.
Option 2: Heat-and-reshape the side cover edge for clearance
If the side cover interference is persistent:
Remove the side cover from the motorcycle.
Identify the interfering area (commonly the front flange/edge region).
Warm the backside of the plastic cover with a heat gun.
Carefully work the edge outward slightly to create additional clearance.
Reinstall the side cover and re-check fitment.
Use caution with heat: Apply heat gradually and evenly to avoid damaging the cover or cover paint.
If the motorcycle is missing the plastic side covers, angled pod filters can be easily installed and ran just as on the CB175 models.
Final checks before riding
Confirm both pod filters are fully seated on the carburetor inlets.
Confirm both clamps are snug and oriented for access.
Verify both filters clear the frame and do not rub at any point through normal vibration range.
Confirm both side covers install securely (if used).
Start the motorcycle and check for air leaks (a loose boot can cause unstable idle or hanging RPM).
Jetting note: Pod filter conversions can change airflow and may require carburetor tuning. We recommend starting at the factory settings and moving jetting up or down from there.
Troubleshooting
The pod filter won’t slide onto the carburetor inlet
Ensure the clamp is loosened enough to expand the rubber boot.
Apply a small amount of glass cleaner to the inside of the boot (as shown).
Use a controlled wiggle motion; clearance is tight on CB175 motorcycles.
The pod filter is touching the frame
Re-clock (rotate) the pod filter until there is a small gap between the filter and frame.
Confirm the filter is fully seated before final tightening.
The filter popped off when tightening the clamp
The clamp was likely over-tightened. Re-seat the filter and tighten only until snug.
The CB200 side cover won’t fit
Try rotating the pod to a better clocking position (“sweet spot”).
Lightly compress the filter element while installing the cover.
If needed, reshape the side cover edge with controlled heat to create clearance.
FAQ
Why use angle boot pod filters instead of straight pod filters on a CB175?
The CB175 frame backbone sits very close to the carburetor inlet area. Angle boot pods provide the clearance needed to fit a pod filter without contacting the frame.
Where should the clamp bolt face?
Common Motor’s preferred orientation is with the clamp bolt on the bottom for easier access during installation and future service.
How tight should the clamp be?
Snug enough to prevent movement and air leaks, but not so tight that the filter pops off the carburetor inlet.
Do the plastic side covers still fit after the conversion?
On the CB175 shown, yes—when the filters are clocked correctly. On CB200 motorcycles, fitment is tighter and may require minor adjustments.