TOPIC:

I have a 1981 kz1100. I got frustrated fast with the difficulty of attaching the rubber boots from the airbox when reinstalling the carburators. I made a tool from an old flat bladed screwdriver which I use to push and pull the rubber onto the carbs.
I cannot overemphasize how easy this tool makes the task. Did I say easy? I usually spray silicon on the boots to make them slippery and I can slip them on with ease. This tool also helps with slipping the clamp springs on. I have already found other uses for this tool, it's cool!

Yes, I can see how that would work.
Just be carefull, of course.

GL

I use an old hair dryer to soften the rubber. Take out the air filter and stick the dryer in. Makes it so much earier.

I also heat them with this prior to removal. Put it on while you are loosening the clips etc.

F, I've a similar "special tool" Is simply an old 90 degree spoke, with a bit of 1/4" steel bar tapped & "T" handled onto nipple end. by grinding top & bottom of "head" end, is useful for push/pulling intake man's, & exhaust/center/sidestand springs. G

When I had trouble with getting the carb boots back on I ended up using a paint can key.
It is basically what all of you have created, a metal rod with a curled in flat part that you can "sweep" under the rubber to seat the boots. It just has a loop on the other end.
I just happened to have it in my tool box and I had just used it to open the can of carb dip.

You can get them anywhere.....Lowes, Home depot...ACE etc.

I have the same tool in several sizes but the best thing Ive found is to remove the battery box & tool box. Thats gives you an extra 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Doesnt seem like much but its huge. Pull the carbs off & out a ways then take the throttle cables off. Just my 2 pennys worth. Instead of ruining a screw driver, Harbor Freight has all different 90 degree picks with screw driver like handles that work well too

Of course, be very careful using a pick with a sharp end. Don't want to puncture the boot.

I've been using a shock adjuster tool. It has sort of a blunt hook that gets the job done without damaging the boot. Not an elegant solution, but it gets the job done.

I use a different technique. I just pull the boots out through the inside of the airbox. Its really not that difficult. Then the carbs can be taken off, and replaced quite easily. Then just push the boots back on through the inside of the airbox.
No tools other than 10 fingers, and no danger of puncture.
Of course the boots must be in reasonable good shape to be flexible enough. But they should be anyway.

MJ