K&N vs. SE Filter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
K&N vs. SE Filter
Hey everybody, my first question on this forum pertains to air filters. I am going to change my air over to a round unit. (I am undecided if I am going to keep it open or use the smooth round HD cover.) Im not sure if I should use the K&N HD-0800 or the newer style, black, SE filter. I hear many, if not all, people say that K&N is by far better. But if the SE gets 287 CFM and the K&N gets 231 CFM, then why is K&N far better?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,408
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From: pottsville,pa
I'll give you some advice on air filters, their pretty much the same as plugs & plug wires! They all make claims showing ones better than the other, but you won't feel any real improvement between different brands!
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
i rock a K&N, it is cheap and reusable... other than that... that is all it does... an air filter on our bikes is an air filter... it is not going to create big power for you
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
as long as the air filter on the H-D one can be washed and oiled, get the H-D one if you like it the best. The benefit to K&N is you can clean and oil it so it will last forever. If you do add intake your bike will not run as good as you want it without a tuner to improve your fuel system to wreak the benefits of the increased airflow. And yeah your bike will not know the difference between the cfm's of the two filters, however, if you get cooler air in from the H-D one it does benefit as opposed to getting a K&N and covering it up with an air filter cover where it only sucks air in from behind the cover near the engine(hot air).
Last edited by rounder; Oct 23, 2009 at 11:43 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 239
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From: Southington, OH
Hmm... Interesting. So what about my air/fuel mixture. Will the O2 sensor make the adjustment or is their another needed (pricey) download for that? Or, is HD giving a "generous" number for their filters? Or am I just over-thinking this and worrying too much about my motor?
If your dealer is like many and not well versed with EFI issues tell him to look in the Tools menu on the DTII to reset Adaptive Fuel.
TL
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
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From: Joliet, Illinois
I was under the impression the round SE filter is made by K&N, thus, they are both essentially the same.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
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From: Maine
Hey, thanks for the replies. Here is a little more background; I've already installed the stage one air kit and had the download done. All I want to do is change this filter & cover from the teardrop shape to round. My concern is how to get the same amount of air intake to not effect the air/fuel ratios enough to be a big deal. The SE is the newer black one and does not require oiling.
- So, getting a K&N and covering it sounds like would not get enough cool air as the SE filter?
- If I went with an open K&N, is it practical to put the rain sock on it and leave it on? (I don't want to have to worry about rain, and I don't want any red on my bike.)
- Is it good (or safe for the filter) having it exposed like that? (For example, what if a rock or something hits it?)
- If it's exposed, and my leg rests on it, will me leg get all oil?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
Hey, thanks for the replies. Here is a little more background; I've already installed the stage one air kit and had the download done. All I want to do is change this filter & cover from the teardrop shape to round. My concern is how to get the same amount of air intake to not effect the air/fuel ratios enough to be a big deal. The SE is the newer black one and does not require oiling.
- So, getting a K&N and covering it sounds like would not get enough cool air as the SE filter?
- If I went with an open K&N, is it practical to put the rain sock on it and leave it on? (I don't want to have to worry about rain, and I don't want any red on my bike.)
- Is it good (or safe for the filter) having it exposed like that? (For example, what if a rock or something hits it?)
- If it's exposed, and my leg rests on it, will me leg get all oil?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Yes, that's my main objective; to change the look with a round style unit. I am going to buy a round backing plate, now I just have to decide if I want open filter or encased with a cover, and if I should go with K&N or SE filter.