I have a K&N air filter with the SE backplate. I'm currently using the stock cover but like the looks of the open filter with just the center covered. Is there any downside to leaving the element exposed? i.e. drys out the filter oil, gets oil on your leg, rain problems, etc?

Thanks,
Jim

 

IMHO I won't run an exposed element filter, not even under the hood of my car, though a lot of folks do it. I'd rather keep as much crap off of it as possible.

 

I've been running my exposed SE filter for a couple weeks now. Haven't experienced any downside yet. It rarely rains here, so that hasn't been an issue. Gonna replace it with a K&N as soon as I can get one.

 

Been running exposed for a few months now with no downside EXCEPT it collects insects quite a bit easier.

 

Have had mine on for awhile, it does collect a lot of bug. You can wipe the bugs off, be careful not to bend the mesh wire. If the filter does get ruined(which I think would be hard to do) just buy another one. I think u can get a K&N from autozone for 39.99

 

Any of you who have had your bikes dyno'd with the open filter, did you dealer say anything. When my bike goes on the dyno in the next couple of weeks I want to have it tuned in the setup I will ride with. Didn't want my dealer to wise off about me running an open element. Any experience?

 

the dyno tuner isnt gonna care what you have on your bike, As long as he gets paid he is gonna dyno it.

 

I was referring to them looking for any excuse to void my warranty especially with a mod like an open element.

 

Exactly..same here

 

I've been running an open filter for over a year and have had no problems at all. I think it looks better but flows more air than either the stock football cover or any other full cover. I don't know for sure, maybe someone who knows for sure could chime in (Shovelhead Bob?) and let us know, but I don't think the dealer could void your warranty for running an open filter. As far as rain and bugs, I haven't had any at all. If it collects more bugs, they blow off on the highway and rain? I've ridden through some long hard downpours over the summer and never had as much as a cough from the bike.

I guess if a dealer wanted to give you a hard time they could, but then they could find that almost any modification made to the bike is "technically" in violation of your warranty. They'd have to prove that the open air cleaner lead to the problem that they're refusing to fix under warranty.

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