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looking at the air cleaner of my Heritage Classic year 2009, I noted its backplate has a kind of 'intake' that other oval backplates do not have (the image attached shows two backplates, the upper one 29581-08 has no 'intake' while the lower one 29104-08A has it)
I did a bit of research and seems 29104-08A was applied to models sold in Europe (and some other countries) due to the more severe requirements we have here to limit pollution by exhaust gases.
If I understood correctly, the 'intake' should increase the airflow in to the airbox hence allowing a leaner miture going into the cylinder.
I like more the model without the 'intake' because the front cylinder cooling fins are more visible (yes I admit being picky on this but, hey, isn't the Heritage fashion all about look and style???)
The question I have is: can I change the backplate 29104-08A I have with 29581-08 with no hassle or I will have to re-map the EFI?
Thanks everyone, ride safe!
Oval air cleaner backplates
Last edited by Marco1968; Apr 4, 2024 at 03:13 AM.
Do you also have other mods like exhaust? From the photo, it appears you also have slip ons. I would think that the limiting factor might be the air filter element itself. Even with the additional airflow into the filter housing, the stock filter element will only flow so much. I originally ran a K&N element and V&H slip ons on my 2007 Heritage without any issues, but when I went with the Big Sucker and Big Shot Long full pipes, I decided to add the tuner just to be safe. I can say that they bike runs better and cooler with the correct tune, but if you want to try it and then check the plugs for a lean condition after a few hundred miles, it probably would be fine. Highly recommend the PV3 if you decide to go that route.
Disclaimer, I have never owned or worked on an international model....
My understanding for the international models active intake was that it is for sound requirements, not performance. It opens as the bike needs more air, so the tune should not be affected. You should be able to just put the US model back plate on your bike. With the same OEM air filter, you should not need to retune...
Except...
I believe you will throw a check engine light if you just remove/unplug the intake solenoid that controls the active intake. You will need to disable the "Active Intake" in the tune. I don't know if dealers will do that for you (because of international requirements), or you may need to buy a tuner to disable the active air yourself.
I have also read that in areas where the active intake is used, they sell what is called an "Active Intake Bypass". I believe it just plugs into the harness, to avoid the check engine light when the active intake solenoid is unplugged. You could look into that, but I have no personal or practical knowledge of it.
Do you also still have the active exhaust module in your exhaust...?
I do not know what kind of inspections you may need to pass, for your local registration renewals. If you don't have any inspections of the active intake & exhaust on your bike.... This may be the perfect time to remove both the active intake and active exhaust. Then go to a high flow air cleaner & high flow exhaust (if you don't already have slip-on mufflers), get a new tune (with active intake & exhaust disabled), and have a basic Stage I mod. The bike should run better and sound better.
Good luck with your decisions and your mods..
Last edited by hattitude; Apr 4, 2024 at 08:58 AM.
Greetings -
thank you for the comments, indeed seems that changing the backplate should not be an issue, will consider this as a future project
Kind regards and ride safe !
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Oval Air Cleaner Backplates differences
