Help, Can't decide on a new air cleaner
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Kennett Square, PA
Help, Can't decide on a new air cleaner
I can't decide on what air cleaner to get. I would like to keep the nostalic harley cover. So do i just replace the filter and get the K&N filter, get the expensive K&N filter assembly, or get something completely different? is there that much of a difference between the K&N filter compared to the stage 1 set ups?
Thanks for the help
Thanks for the help
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
I don't know anything about Stage 1 but every vehicle I've owned has been fitted with a new K&N filter as soon as I get it home including my '08 1200. It works fine and I still have my stock cover on.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
My Se ac came with a paper element. I went with the fiberglass high flow filter. It is cleanable but you use no oil. When I ordered my pcv I also ordered the K&N filter. I just like K&N filters. Your money, your choice
dd
dd
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 997
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, N.C.
I am not crazy about the K&N the problem is you gotta keep them oiled if they run a little dry you can throw a baseball through em. Too much oil and the engine wont breathe right, the S/E air filter flows better than stock and its reusable. The bottom line is you cant have everything the best flowing aircleaner will allow more dirt into the engine which is not good, and the best filtering aircleaner will be more restrictive, I like the S/E its a nice blend of both.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Bay Area, CA
If you are trying to increase air flow to the point of possibly increasing the leanness of your air/fuel mixture, there is no comparison in the greater volume of an air cleaner kit over the smaller volume of just an air filter - whether it's a K&N or any other brand.
The Fuel Moto and K&N air cleaner kits allow you to still use your stock Harley air filter cover.
When I have decided against an air cleaner kit on previous bikes, I still preferred a K&N air filter over the stock air filter for a little extra umph.
The Fuel Moto and K&N air cleaner kits allow you to still use your stock Harley air filter cover.
When I have decided against an air cleaner kit on previous bikes, I still preferred a K&N air filter over the stock air filter for a little extra umph.
Last edited by Damascus; Dec 16, 2009 at 09:45 PM.
check out the SE Ventilator. Pretty cool looking. As Fireaxxe said if the K&N are not maintained properly with the proper amount of cleanliness and oil it could hinder performance and or allow larger particles through than a conventional filter. most folks run those K&N's till their mechanic recommends to clean it. It should be done much more frequently and prior to any substanial residue build up. Seen many a diesel truck with a "dusted" turbo from running a poorly maintained or dry K&N filter.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: ST. Louis
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Road Warrior
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Pacific Northwest
JMO but there's nothing nostalgic about the newer football shaped air cleaner. It's the first thing I changed on my bikes. A round or S&S style tear drop would more truly define a "nostalgic" look. The SE or Ness Big Sucker flow more air and there are nostalgic round covers for these. By all means use a K&N filter - their reputation speaks for itself. I have two K&N elements so there's always a clean one ready when it comes time for service (about every other oil change).
I had poor luck using the no-oil element from HD (holes) so it went in the trash and a K&N went back in it's place.
I had poor luck using the no-oil element from HD (holes) so it went in the trash and a K&N went back in it's place.
