Frank,
I removed the airbox, mounted a gel battery sideways under the seat, and installed pod filters. I didn't use any support brackets for the carbs and have not had any problems (and I ride alot of miles). Also that mud flab doesn't make much difference as far as your filters getting dirty. My battery mount bracket doubles as a mud flap anyway.
You might get ahold of boogieman, he has some piping that directs the pod filters forward, looks cool too.
good luck
