I recently separated my battery box from the airbox, using a hacksaw blade in a small handle. I was able to do it without taking the airbox out by temporarily moving the coolant tank and electrics out of the way. For the first time since I got the bike a year and a half ago, I was able to get the rubber boots all the way on the carbs.
The trouble was vibration could cause the boots to wander back off the carbs. Maybe screw type band clamps would prevent that, but with the battery hold down strap in place, it would always be pulling back on the airbox, trying to move it off the carbs. I didn't want to just leave the strap off, since it holds the airbox lid in place, which in turn holds the filter retainer in place.
So I made a couple little aluminum brackets that have that have slotted holes at the frame end, and use two sheet metal screws each to connect to the airbox. I shoved the airbox forward and tightened the bolts, and I don't think the airbox will try to wander off the carbs.
I'm probably not the only one to do something like this, but I thought I'd post a photo of the brackets in case it might help someone else. I suggest using a small hot nail to make pilot holes for the screws if needed, since drilling might leave debris inside.
