i have to admit that yamaha didnt really think about this....or maybe they did and its one of those money makeing parts that everyone needs and will always be replaceing. A part vital to the running of the engine but just expensive enough to make you wish there was another way to do it?

?? they could have just done a solid flange and straight rubber. this could be done with the original metal piece. Just remove the tapered sealing edge and make it flat, then attach the rubber and clamps at both ends??? or am i thinking too much??? If my araldite repaired manifolds do hole again then i will try this out! i was also looking at the inlets to the engine and the manifolds dont port match very well, that and the surface is very rought cast. Has anyone ever polished the head of a srx400??? yes, im thinking too much. Just cant seem to leave any motorbike i get alone!!!