'71 Bonneville 650 Airbox Alignment Off From Carb

Howdy all!

I just bought my uncle's 1971 Bonneville 650 that he has owned for 25 years. In replacing everything that is cracked and broken I noticed that trying to fit new carb boots to the airbox is hilariously difficult because the carb is not aligned with the hole on the airbox. See this pic attached.

I did my best to fit the new boots, but this isn't how it came from the factory... I hope. Any insights would be awesome. Very excited to get this old girl back on the road.

 

I have that rubber, too. But the alignment is so far off, there is no way. I have removed the boot so you can see the alignment and how off it is.

 

I know the boots in my first photo are from later in the 70s, I got them because the '71 boots don't even come close. so something is def incorrect as based on everything I can find, the carb inlet and the airbox should align

 

Well I'll be damned. Yep. That is too funny. Well I will be giving my uncle an earfull of shit. Thanks so much for helping! If this was your bike would you source an earlier cylinder head or just figure out an elegant solution to hookup the airbox?

 

Beautiful bike!!
I just ordered those pipes. Question: What size jets are you running with your velocity stacks? Or were you able to keep the stock size for the amal 930's?

 

That's great news. My first Triumph but not my first classic by a mile. I had an airhead that was very temperamental. Appreciate your insights. Happy Holidays!