Exposed Air Filter Rain Problem
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Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 753
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From: Yakima, WA
Exposed Air Filter Rain Problem
I've seen several posts about exposed air filters not having a problem in rain, and earlier this year I got pretty wet in the Seattle area one night with no problem. But let me tell ya...
I just returned from a 4 day jaunt. Day two was going from Lewiston, ID to Missoula, MT over Lolo pass. It just so happened that the day we rode this leg was on the very day that a record 2.2" of rain fell on Missoula. We were in the rain for the first hour, then cleared for an hour or so then rained hard the rest of the way in.
The bike ran fine until the last 30-40 miles. It started stumbling, rough acceleration, etc. I thought it was going to die a couple of times, but it got me into Missoula. I even tried riding with my right leg over the filter to protect it a bit, but it didn't help. The next morning I noticed the usual reddish/pink K&N oil was all gone off the filter - nothing but white. When I got it recharged there was still water in the intake, and what's worse, small deposits of fine dirt.
I will be buying a rain sock on Monday. May never need it again, but I'll have it with me on every trip.
The bike ran fine from then on, but the horn and alarm just emit little squeeks. Guess I've got some cleaning to do.
Steve
I just returned from a 4 day jaunt. Day two was going from Lewiston, ID to Missoula, MT over Lolo pass. It just so happened that the day we rode this leg was on the very day that a record 2.2" of rain fell on Missoula. We were in the rain for the first hour, then cleared for an hour or so then rained hard the rest of the way in.
The bike ran fine until the last 30-40 miles. It started stumbling, rough acceleration, etc. I thought it was going to die a couple of times, but it got me into Missoula. I even tried riding with my right leg over the filter to protect it a bit, but it didn't help. The next morning I noticed the usual reddish/pink K&N oil was all gone off the filter - nothing but white. When I got it recharged there was still water in the intake, and what's worse, small deposits of fine dirt.
I will be buying a rain sock on Monday. May never need it again, but I'll have it with me on every trip.
The bike ran fine from then on, but the horn and alarm just emit little squeeks. Guess I've got some cleaning to do.
Steve
Last edited by yso191; Aug 10, 2009 at 09:54 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 6
From: Little Rock
exposed air filters look cool, but i prefer mine covered for rain protection plus it helps keep the dirt and bugs out of the filter as well... this is what i rock, its just the HD smoothie cover with a medallion on it..
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 104
From: Tampa Bay, Florida
Same here, but I got a dry charger for my trip just in case. I liked the look so I kept it. Never had a problem without it though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Cleveland Zoo
Mike
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
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From: Out on Deranged
I tried to get a sock from my Hdealer they said there wasn't one for the AN big sucker. Guy actually said Sir if it rains hard enough to get water in there it's actually dangerous to ride so just stop! What a crock 'o ****. I mean what if your somewhere with no overpass or cover.are we just supposed to get off and stand in the rain? Idiot! Any way the parts guy was right AN only made a sock for the BS about a month ago.So I got my parts guy to order some he said they're getting a few and shall now stock them. I was going to buy a smooth cover or the HD classic chrome cover when I realized My original Fatbob cover fits over that filter system perfectly without the orig. backing plate! But I'll buy the sock because I like the look.
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
RRR, a trusty shellback! Got a K&N filter on both of mine and been in several frog stranglers, but I opted to retain the football to retain a some what stock look. Been like that since 03 on my 02.
Crossed the line, 3/06/82 at 0" 00" Lat and 0' 00" Long. on board the USS John F. Kennedy.
Crossed the line, 3/06/82 at 0" 00" Lat and 0' 00" Long. on board the USS John F. Kennedy.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Northern VA
Same here. And after 800 miles of wet out of 4k on my Sturgis trip, the filter is pretty dirty. But it ran just fine.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Tampa Bay, Florida