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So you're saying the filter is what makes it high flow
Close, but not quite.
With a Stock AF, the cover and backing plate fit together to enclose the filter completely except for a small open area in front,, it's like the filter is in a closed up box with just one spot for air to get in.
After market Stage1 filter systems allow the entire area of the filter to be exposed,, air can get at the filter from all the way around it.
All most all AF upgrades do require the back plate to be changed and some can hide the filter, but you don't have to really pull anything to see the plate.
In the case of shekmarks filter and picture we can plainly see the filter is exposed all the way around it. His backing plate was changed to accommodate that round filter.
Looks like a stock cover right? The difference is the backing plate does not have the lip that comes out to "seal" the cover to the back plate, you can stick your fingers around the edges of the cover and feel the filter (there's a good 1" gap around it) or you can even see the filter behind the plate.
So there's no need to take things apart, the entire idea is to allow air free access to the filter instead of having it boxed in and "restricted" to one small hole in what is otherwise fully enclosed.
Get it(?), If you can see or feel the filter all the way around it,,it's an upgrade.
Another upgrade option with AF is a backing plate that allows you to vent the engine gasses externally instead of back into the throttle body or carb
like this; http://www.fuelmotousa.com/i-2085948...breathers.html
NOT THIS; http://www.fuelmotousa.com/i-2085948...breathers.html
Look glory boy,, I had to dumb it down a bit,, you wanna try to explain the basics to someone clueless knock yourself out
I wasn't bashing on you JohnMn, I was being sarcastic with the guys that talk about how one can tell exactly what AF setup is being used based on the filter itself. You can put a K&N filter, which has the same breathing capabilities and the Screaming Eagle or Ness Big Sucker filters, into the stock housing bit its not going to make it a Stage 1 setup because its still limited to the amount of air it can take do to the cover. I run a Big Sucker 2 on my bike which has a tapered inward angle, opposite of the one you pictured, on the Ness back plate. But if I had modified a stock back plate and put a K&N on it and it looked like the setup you posted, one could assume it was the right back plate for a stage 1 based on looks but be wrong. So you need to know that both the filter and the back plate are setup for the stage 1 to get the answer you're after.
Really Guy's? You can't look at that picture and see the filter? If, after looking at his picture, you still have to wonder,, you should not be posting in this topic and instead use it as an educational tool.
That AF set-up can easily be used for beyond stage 1, it's supplying more free air flow then the bike can use.
**
I take it back,, that Dark One cover plate is the limiting factor,, it should be "Ride Free" to get the best air flow!
Every time I see a post from this guy he's spouting off some BS internet expert talk.
You think I'm an expert because I bust a fallacy?
Gee thanks.
I'm a realist dude, I don't suffer stupidity well anymore.
Did you bother looking at the photo? If you did and you agree the cover and filter needs to come off to determine if it is indeed a "Stage 1" AF,, then my post was meant for you too.
From my understanding, a Stage 1 upgrade (in regards to air intake) includes an open element air filter AND a Stage 1 style backing plate.
Suggesting that the OP take the cover and filter off and have a look at the backing plate is a quick way to see that both are present, which answers his question of "it's definitely Stage 1 upgraded?". (note the word "definitely")
You are obviously willing to tell the OP that it is definitely, 100% unequivocally a Stage 1 upgraded air intake from that small picture. Cool. It probably is.
I merely suggested he take a look to make sure. Does it look like it is from the very small picture? Yeah, and I said that it did, but I've also seen a lot of cowl-induction hoods on cars that are actually fake... I've also seen some posts on here of some strange stuff people do, so there's your realist, dude.
If an air cleaner that resembles a K&N or other quality element is all a Stage 1 air intake is comprised of, then I will respectfully (without being offensive or calling you clueless) disagree and go about my day. Please inform Harley Davidson that their website is wrong though.
From my understanding, a Stage 1 upgrade (in regards to air intake) includes an open element air filter AND a Stage 1 style backing plate.
Your right, we're kind of in dicey territory calling an air filter "stage 1",,
to simplify that let's just call it upgrade or free flow,, after all Stage 1 is the full package right?
Ok, enlighten me,
Please describe or explain a Stage 1(upgrade) backing plate and how to know what one is. What makes a backing plate stage 1(upgrade) or not?
HD offers many upgrades to the stock type Air filter system, I'm pretty sure they don't or can't offer anything that vents externally.
Hhmm, no response.
Must have got him confused mentioning external vents.
I'm still curious why the backing plate needs to be seen to ascertain if it is indeed a "stage 1" filter set up.
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