Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Open AC filter; any concerns??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 02:08 AM
  #1  
velvet elvis's Avatar
velvet elvis
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Santa Maria, CA
Default Open AC filter; any concerns??

Does anybody running an open AC filter hear the carb sucking in air? I got rid of the hypercharger that was on the bike when I bought it and adapted a car AC filter. It's a 3-ply cotton filter (not as good as a 4-ply K&N filter, but much cheaper). I think its pretty cool look, but now I hear my carb sucking wind so to speak. I've done some research & it appears the extra CFM (525) doesn't matter as the engine will only suck in so much & the Mikuni will only allow about 250 CFM. Long story short- is there anything I should be concerned with by doing this?
 
Attached Thumbnails Open AC filter; any concerns??-dscn1425.jpg   Open AC filter; any concerns??-dscn1465.jpg  
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 02:44 AM
  #2  
J's Avatar
J
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 487
Likes: 5
Default

I've had an open filter for over a year on my carb'd 04 with no problems at all. It is basically a Screamin Eagle stage 1 kit with the football cover removed.
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 03:46 AM
  #3  
HoggyMtnBreakdown's Avatar
HoggyMtnBreakdown
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
Default

I basically do like "J" above and carry around a regular air cleaner cover (smooth-round with B&S logo, I bought used) for when I get caught in the rain. Exposed elements can let water into your intake manifold - that's a bad thing.
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 05:31 AM
  #4  
Blk and Chrome's Avatar
Blk and Chrome
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 9
From: Connecticut
Default

I ran with one last year but the sound of the motor sucking air drove me crazy so I have it covered now, cool either way
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 05:54 AM
  #5  
kstewart422's Avatar
kstewart422
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, MO
Default

I would not be concerned with it. In fact I would have one too, but I ride in the rain which does concern me.
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 06:55 AM
  #6  
tk353's Avatar
tk353
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
Default

i have seen rain covers for them. i ran my k&n in a heavy rain without one and sucked water of going over 50. just keep rpm low until you are out of the rain
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 06:57 AM
  #7  
Notgrownup's Avatar
Notgrownup
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 9,219
From: Snow Hill, NC
Default

I had the same concern and ask the same question...no big issues came back from anybody...so now i am looking for a innovative cover ...
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 08:54 AM
  #8  
Cheesecake's Avatar
Cheesecake
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
Default

I personaly like the big intake sound!

if your concerned about the rain.... here are some guys that might have something for you.
http://www.outerwearsracing.com/index.asp
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 09:14 AM
  #9  
VTwin-Goodies's Avatar
VTwin-Goodies
Former Sponsor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 47,839
Likes: 1,956
From: SoCal
Default

The k & n filter is well worth the extra money as it will last the life of the bike. The cotton filters have been know to break up and get sucked into the engine. Just a thought for those who want to save money. The k & N is around $50 at autozone.
 
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 10:13 AM
  #10  
coop57's Avatar
coop57
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Default

I have been running an open K&N for three seasons no issues.
I have rode in rain several times.
I would just put my leg up on my linde bar to help shield the filter.
I have since removed the hwy bar so this years ride to OKC may be interesting.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:43 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE