Comparing Air Cleaner KIts
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
I know it wasn't one of your picks , but I really like the S&S Teardrop filter setup.
My reasoning was twofold , get rid of the football and make it easier to clean the pushrod tubes as well.
It's a very compact and efficient design.
The S&S style was my first consideration , I really like the look.
Performance wise , very good and protective in the rain while parked.
There is what S&S calls a "stinger" on the backside of the housing that directs the flow straighter into the throttle body , and a nice gradual radius at the entrance to keep the flow undisturbed and smooth.
I could really feel a boost in the midrange over the K&N replacement I ran previously.
It sure doesn't look like every other touring bike in my area.
Just another possibility to ponder.
Mick
My reasoning was twofold , get rid of the football and make it easier to clean the pushrod tubes as well.
It's a very compact and efficient design.
The S&S style was my first consideration , I really like the look.
Performance wise , very good and protective in the rain while parked.
There is what S&S calls a "stinger" on the backside of the housing that directs the flow straighter into the throttle body , and a nice gradual radius at the entrance to keep the flow undisturbed and smooth.
I could really feel a boost in the midrange over the K&N replacement I ran previously.
It sure doesn't look like every other touring bike in my area.
Just another possibility to ponder.
Mick
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 144
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Ive run the Ness BS w/ the washable filter ( K&N style) on my last 2 bikes & most of my riding friends have them as well. I have never had an issue with them coming loose but I do make sure all the bolts have Loctite (Purple) on them & are installed correctly.
I have read where others did have issues with them becoming loose... mine hasn't.
I have read where others did have issues with them becoming loose... mine hasn't.
33,000 on my Big Sucker, never loose
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,788
Likes: 203
From: SW Florida
One difference is the Big Sucker allows the throttle body bracket to be used. The TB bracket is discarded with SE A/C kit. I have the SE kit on my 08 SG and have not experienced a problem. You would think that if it were not needed the MOCO would not have added it from the get go. 
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 3
From: Open Road, USA
Ok, thanks to all that have given their opinions. I don't understand the drilling holes in the backplate, looks like it bypasses the air cleaner, and if that is the purpose, why not just take it off and run nothing..I checked with my local dealer on price of the SE kit and got its around 150.00 and a 1000.00 to retune the bike. Looks like it's pretty much a toss up between the SE and BS. Looking at the BS on ebay for 95.00 and 9.00 shipping. Again thanks to all for the input. I am semi retired and on a pretty tight budget...LOL
Joe
Joe
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,788
Likes: 203
From: SW Florida
Ok, thanks to all that have given their opinions. I don't understand the drilling holes in the backplate, looks like it bypasses the air cleaner, and if that is the purpose, why not just take it off and run nothing..I checked with my local dealer on price of the SE kit and got its around 150.00 and a 1000.00 to retune the bike. Looks like it's pretty much a toss up between the SE and BS. Looking at the BS on ebay for 95.00 and 9.00 shipping. Again thanks to all for the input. I am semi retired and on a pretty tight budget...LOL
Joe
Joe
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
my vote is for the fm kit. basically a se kit, only with a k&n filter that can be washed and re oiled vs. the crappy paper filter from hd.
nothing that a can of paint wouldn't cure. and the gray is $20 less than the black....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
It is probably the highest flowing system on the market,and fairly expensive.With a proper tune it would probably be worth 2-3 ft/lbs over 3000 rpms.And yes it does look great...........