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Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 07:20 AM
  #1  
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Default Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

I see that many of you use an air-cleaner cover that only covers the outer end of the Stage 1 filter element. These covers are usually trim covers/rings on the famous 'football.' I don't like the football shape (as many of you don't either), BUT since I live in SE Michigan and ride in all types of weather, including rain, my concern is that with only the end covered on the Stage 1 (K&N or similar) air-filter element, what about rain into the carb or EFI? Has anyone had a problem like this and what happens (in both the short term and long term)? To date, I've not seen an 'outer-only' cover in this area, and the one pictures on the forum are all from riders in warmer (southern) states.

I've been told that from a dyno standpoint that there is no difference between the 'football' and 'outer' cover only, but I've no data to confirm this comment.

BTW -- I also ride when temperatures drop into the low 30 deg F range but I doubt if that is a problem for this cover question. I also ride when it is 90+ deg F and the 'football' sucks hot air from the cylinders (so the 'outer-only' cover would appear to be a better idea then).
 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 09:22 AM
  #2  
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Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?


No problems rain or snow with the "round cover".

Have ridden in many thunderstorms (NE Wisconsin) where it was pouring buckets for hours - not even a single misfire.



 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 10:25 AM
  #3  
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Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

dchoran,

What is the part number for your great looking round cover? And thank you for your comments.

Sincerely,
OneBlackFly
 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 10:43 AM
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Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

Did you ever consider an older style filter cover some of them are small round and cover just the air filter.I have seen them on E-Bay quite a bit and have considered doing that also.
 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 11:39 AM
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Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

Denbo,

The answer to your question about eBay is yes and no. I've looked on eBay, but my previous experience there was not a good one. Although I did eventually get my money returned, I am very leery of eBay vendors, in spite of their 'goodness.' I'd rather find a new, from H-D, cover like the one from dchoran.

But thank you for your suggestion.

OneBlackFly
 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 02:32 PM
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Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

I suggested e-bay only for the reason of that is where I saw that style air cleaner cover,I myself have had a few dealings on e-bay and have not been totally happy with maybe the exception of one transaction.
 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 08:11 PM
  #7  
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Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

This is a stock cover of my old '97 WG Evo. It's a simple bolt on swap for the football cover. I simpley powdercoated it, and added a differant trim ring. Cost me about $9. I even drilled some 3/4" holes in the bottom for better air flow.



[IMG]local://upfiles/6263/C4D0CF629EDA4083B7AC97778ECF2472.jpg[/IMG]
 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 08:54 PM
  #8  
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Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

Hey super fly,

That is a HD OEM Stage 1 setup.

The round chrome cover is HD OEM with a black SE HD ring attached via velcro.

So much better than that butt ugly football one.

Yes, it is just a K&N sticker - but it is the K&N HD-0800 filter.

That is way better than that paper SE filter. Have read that one literally can disintegrate.


Screamin' EagleÂŽ Air Cleaner Insert - Twin Cam 88ÂŽ

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Nostalgic "Bar & Shield" Air Cleaner Cover for EvolutionÂŽ 1340 - Round

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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 09:16 PM
  #9  
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Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

I'm happy with my trim insert. If I ever want to cover the whole thing back up then I would go with THIS and put the trim insert on top of that.....now that would look badazz
 
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Old Dec 7, 2006 | 03:34 PM
  #10  
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From: Idaho Falls
Default RE: Air Cleaner 'Outer-Only' Covers?

Reply to all,

The new smooth air cleaner cover from H-D, part 29153-07, leave very little air space between the cover and K&N filter HD-0800. The only open space is at the cut-out, at the bottom of the cover. So as ugly as the 'football' looks, the flow area is much better with it than with a 'tight' fitting smooth cover. If I was convinced that I could ride in heavy rain with no cover at all (except for an end trim ring), i'd do it. But I've yet to be convinced that is a good idea.

The worst part is I like the exposed filter with trim ring, just leery about rain intrusion.
 
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