Decided against the airbox removal for now. Ordered the AI removal kit and a new K&N filter to see if that helps. Been reading a lot on it and airbox remobal doesn't seem to help EFI bikes as much as carbed models, so think I could spend the money on other things (like a new seat). If the AI removal solves the backfiring I will be fine with that!
For the Emgos I felt they were a little too loud, don't want to piss off my neighbors. Used some steel wool to pack into them and that quieted them down but I was concerned about rusting/burning. No issues yet but I ordered some ceramic wool packing and will repack them this weekend. I'm very happy with the sound right now, just want to not have to worry about the steel wool.
