gonna do a stage one on the Ultra I bought last summer. I want to use the filter HD makes, it does not require it to be oiled. Appears to be a K&N from the photos. Aside from the fact an oiled filter would pick up more dust/dirt particles, is there anything else I'm missing here? I've got a Rhino, it requires the filter to be oiled, but we're talking about two totally different riding environments. I really hate screwing around with the oil mess.

 

The OEM filter on the bikes is not a K&N. Do not oil it. The K&N filter is made to match the OEM, not the other way around. You'll save $$$ in the long run with the K&N and oiling the filter is no big deal.

 

I think we're talking different filters. I'm replacing the OEM with this (S/E, p/n 29773-02C). There's a number of different Stage 1 filters, some require oiling, this particular one does not. The question, is there a substantial difference in using an oiled filter vs dry. My guess is the difference is minor. But that's just a guess. If the difference is as small as expected I'd prefer to eliminate the mess of oiling.

 

I've run a K&N in everything I own(trucks,cars,and bikes) and it's never been a problem or mess to clean and oil them at all. A K&N will breathe way better than the standard paper filter and yes it will trap more dirt.

 

+ one on that, oil is in spray form and light mist is sufficient not dripping, NO MESS REQUIRED!!!!

 

K&N and oil, It's a no brainer.......................period.............. .

 

If you want great filtration and no messing with oil look into a synthetic filter. No oil and better than K&N.

 

Which is pretty much exactly what a stock HD filter is.

 

I replaced the stock H-D a/c with the H-D SE a/c.
The SE a/c is washable. You don't have to toss and buy new.

The K&N is washable and then you spray with their oil.

Both work fine.

 

There are vehicles of all sorts that have covered humungous mileages on stock dry filters. I doubt if any factory air filter these days is wet, certainly on bikes. It really is a case of use which ever type floats your boat. I can confirm that oiling a 'dry' one does restrict performance! My first new Harley was the first and still the only bike I have owned that came with a wet filter as stock. The main benefit of wet ones is that they can be reused, although I doubt if they are significantly better.