Thunderbird 900 Air Box

Well the Thunderbird 900 has arrived this evening and I'm already listing all the jobs I want to do before even hitting the start button included in this is the air filter that apparently is a whole unit that just fits onto the carbs as one complete unit with the three outlets for each carb now just a quick look around and these seem expensive compared to conventional paper elements that you replace into the air box I have seen the cone filters which are a fraction of the cost and just wondered if anyone has ever gone down this road when coming to replace this service item my main concern if I fit the cones will the chrome airbox side covers still go on or am I to believe these covers attach directly to the original replacement airbox any experience with this conversion will be helpful before I buy the replacement cones or even know someone with a shed full of these airboxes squirrelled away at at least half price I wish

 

Thanks Joe the bones of the bike are there as the previous picture I posted hopefully show looking forward to getting out on it

 

Thanks sprint Dave I have managed to get a Piper cross replacement for £30 with delivery with a voucher code on eBay saving on average £20 going on prices other sellers have the same listing I'm hoping that the original air box splits as looking at the replacement item it would need to for it to go inside the box

 

Thanks biker man I thought it would do as there are quite a few different aftermarket filters available I just don't understand why triumph want to sell you a complete unit instead of just the filter Piper cross arrived today comes with a lifetime use guarantee but I suppose I will have to jump through a few hoops to claim on that if needed in the future