I have a DK Customs Outlaw HiFlow 587 Air Cleaner. Do I need a rain sock? Do they really keep the water out?

 

I had an outlaw 587 with bobber and did not need a rain sock...I guess it would depend on what cover you have. Yes, rain sock helps keeps water out the carb. Certain air filters are water resistant and also don't need a rain sock like this one....

 

While riding in the rain water will get everywhere! No need for a sock IMHO, the filter will be fine - if it fails then it isn't fit for purpose.

 

This is the filter I am using.

 

"Need" vs useful.


i ran my sock year round. Keeps the bugs and crap out off the filter. Only recenntly took it off

 

If it pours, it may bog down. Should be okay in light rain. I know guys that got stuck on the freeway in heavy rain since the filter got soaked and sucked water into the carb. Your choice, but if it were me, I would carry a rain sock just in case. I still do now even if I do not need it.

 

I've ridden in pouring rain and I've never had an issue or bogging. That said, if it's parked and raining, I will cover the entire filter with a plastic bag to prevent water from settling in the charge pipe and get sucked in when I start up the bike.

 

That is a very valid point. Never had issues or concerns riding without sock. I must admit all these years I never thought about a parked bike.
Always cover car engines exposed to rain, but never crossed my mind.

 

I've ridden well over 300,000 miles with various DK Custom Outlaw air cleaners.

A lot of those miles in the rain.

What I've noticed is that in heavy rain, if one is really getting on the throttle, it will bog a bit unless you have a bobber cover of some sort, or a rain sock.

I used to keep a rain sock with me and put it on when I was going to be riding in heavy rain...anymore I just leave it on, even when it is not raining it acts as a "pre-filter" keeping the element much cleaner for longer periods of time.

You probably can't see it in this pic, but this is a 587 from this last sunny Sunday, it has the rain sock on it.




Here's the Sporty, a sunny day last week, with a 636v with the rain sock on it.




If you do not ride a lot in heavy rain, it is completely unnecessary.

 

Living in Seattle I get dumped on often enough. Sometimes I have a sock on, sometimes I dont. Never gotten bogged down; I am running a generic Rough crafts intake. If you are going on a long ride and its raining, grab a generic one and use it, wont hurt. Thats what I do when I know I'll be putting some miles on. But for around the city, I dont bother.

Point in case, this picture.