Anyone Not Using A K&N Filter Should Read!!!
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Nobody runs that junk in an expensive diesel engine.....
In fact, nobody who wants their engines to last run them..
Just check on any diesel performance forum, and not some product search..
So many better choices that actually filter air.
AFE, S&B ect.
They (K&N) are available, and I'm sure that there are a few guys like you who don't know what percentages of micron filtration is acceptable, but if I were you and you seem to know the answers, I would run nothing but K&N.
I don't think it makes a tremendous difference on a Harley because they are pretty archaic, but none the less, K&N filters are not that efficient. There just aren't any other filter companies with Harley applications in the mix. I'm forced to run one in my Wimmer..
Run a K&N through a turbocharged diesel engine with 5000 lbs of rail pressure and incredibly tight tolerances, and you'll see things loosen up.
You guys can bash away, I really don't care one way or the other.
I'm just telling you that K&N isn't a step above when it comes to filtration. It's a step down.
In fact, nobody who wants their engines to last run them..
Just check on any diesel performance forum, and not some product search..
So many better choices that actually filter air.
AFE, S&B ect.
They (K&N) are available, and I'm sure that there are a few guys like you who don't know what percentages of micron filtration is acceptable, but if I were you and you seem to know the answers, I would run nothing but K&N.
I don't think it makes a tremendous difference on a Harley because they are pretty archaic, but none the less, K&N filters are not that efficient. There just aren't any other filter companies with Harley applications in the mix. I'm forced to run one in my Wimmer..
Run a K&N through a turbocharged diesel engine with 5000 lbs of rail pressure and incredibly tight tolerances, and you'll see things loosen up.
You guys can bash away, I really don't care one way or the other.
I'm just telling you that K&N isn't a step above when it comes to filtration. It's a step down.
Very few bikes get rode enough to actually wear out, so I suppose the extra wear from a poor filter wouldn't matter, but the facts of the matter are that a K&N, regardless of how much cleaning and oiling you do, will allow excessive grit into your motor
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,592
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Sorry, I have to throw the B.S. flag.
Why? Because everyone on a quad, dirt bike, sand rail and anything else you may ride in the dunes are running K&N filters or K&N style filters. If they don't work then those guys would have a tremendous engine failure rate. It does not get any worse that the desert when it comes to conditions warranting a good air filter.
Why? Because everyone on a quad, dirt bike, sand rail and anything else you may ride in the dunes are running K&N filters or K&N style filters. If they don't work then those guys would have a tremendous engine failure rate. It does not get any worse that the desert when it comes to conditions warranting a good air filter.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
Sorry, I have to throw the B.S. flag.
Why? Because everyone on a quad, dirt bike, sand rail and anything else you may ride in the dunes are running K&N filters or K&N style filters. If they don't work then those guys would have a tremendous engine failure rate. It does not get any worse that the desert when it comes to conditions warranting a good air filter.
Why? Because everyone on a quad, dirt bike, sand rail and anything else you may ride in the dunes are running K&N filters or K&N style filters. If they don't work then those guys would have a tremendous engine failure rate. It does not get any worse that the desert when it comes to conditions warranting a good air filter.
I'm not trying to cause a fight, but assumptions drive me crazy.
Consider these things I have learned:
Do you know what the ISO 5011 ratings are?
Do you know what micro ratings are?
Do you know what the micro ratings of a K&N is?
Micron ratings of paper filters?
Micro ratings of the oiled gauze competition?
There's more than meets the eye here.
Theres K&N , and then theres oiled gauze K&N style filters that look like a K&N but are made better companies that actually filter out dirt by using multiple high flowing layers of better quality gauze. K&N is a single layer. There are companies using up to 8 layers, flow better, and filter out dirt as well as stock paper elements, which is over 99% microns.
Do a little research and you will find out the the K&N is the absolute worst oiled gauze element known to mankind until it has a nice layer of dirt built up on the outside to help maximize filtration. That's why you shouldn't clean it any sooner than when you actually see dirt peeling off.. Hopefully, there will be better elelments offered by better companies that can filter more while flowing just as much.
Trust me, nobody who wants their engines to race tomorrow runs a simple K&N in the desert today.
I run an S&B in my twin turbo diesel. It's an 8 layer K&N "style" oiled gauze filter that is constructed better and has a lot more technology to the cotton fiber construction. More flow and same filtration as paper.
AFE is another company you should read about..
None of this really has anything to do with our current choices on our motorcycle, but you guys should really understand the trade offs. Hopefully one day soon, another company like S&B will enter the fray..
Last edited by George C; Jan 16, 2009 at 09:57 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,592
Likes: 6
From: Florida
How do you like Airaid?
I personally, do not buy K&N brand filters. I know they are not the best, just the first. If you look at my previous posts, you will see that I have already said that.
The first thing I noticed about the K&N is that the injection molded edge actually intrudes on the filter area.
If that was not enough, a friend that lives in SoCal got a look at a K&N owned Viper that they had modded up. He said the craftsmanship on the car was terrible. They actually took a really badass car and made it just ***....LOL
I personally, do not buy K&N brand filters. I know they are not the best, just the first. If you look at my previous posts, you will see that I have already said that.
The first thing I noticed about the K&N is that the injection molded edge actually intrudes on the filter area.
If that was not enough, a friend that lives in SoCal got a look at a K&N owned Viper that they had modded up. He said the craftsmanship on the car was terrible. They actually took a really badass car and made it just ***....LOL
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
To be honest, I've only used AFE Pro Guard 7 and the new S&B CAI kit.
I know some do use Airraid, but most prefer the two I like.
They are a known commodity when it comes to filtration and flow.
I know some do use Airraid, but most prefer the two I like.
They are a known commodity when it comes to filtration and flow.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 19
From: MD
HOLY CRAP!!!! low and behold my K@N filter looks exactly like that. I just put the SE heavy breather on and looked onto the back of the old filter. Looks exactly like the one in that picture. That is some BS.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
Is it the K&N that looks like that, or the old SE filter that came with the kit?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 19
From: MD
It is my old round K@N filter with the football cover. My wrench said it can happen from gas getting in there eating at the rubber. The new HB is money!!! I ride alot with my legs streched out. I am 6'3. I have long *** legs and during long rides my knee would just rub right up against the football cover and after a long ride it would hurt like hell. The new HB fixed that problem. Also looks good.
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