I've tried both and see no difference in drivability, very little in fuel economy, but I feel performance is better with pods if the carbs are tuned properly. The only downside to pods I've found is driving in heavy rain. When you come to a stop, the bike may want to stall if you don't blip the throttle to keep it running. I guess it sucks a little water in then. Going down the road at speed seems fine. I guess the water just blows by then. This hasn't hurt the bike at all. I've been running the pods for over a dozen years now. If the motor was going to blow or go bad, I think that would have happened by now.
So, the only check mark in the "minus" column for pods to me is the rain riding thing. The check marks in the "plus" column far outnumber that - better performance, easier carb access, and more room under the side covers for electrics. They're very easy to install, remove, and service. The stock airboxes are a nightmare by comparison to install and remove, what with their multiple fasteners and fittings. The pods have one clamp screw, lol.
