Air cleaner replacement question
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Joined: May 2006
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Air cleaner replacement question
I recently purchased a 2001 FLHT from my brother. He bought it new. The air cleaner is stock and original and in need of a new one. The bike is bone stock. Would i benefit from a K&N filter (HD-1499) or should I go back with a stock one? Dealer said the k&N could cause the bike to run lean.
Thanks
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Music City, USA
Changing the filter alone will not make it run "lean"; to the extent that the filter will be cleaner and will then get the appropriate volume of air and run as designed.
Whether you get a K&N or the SE (Stage 1) filter, from HD is a matter of personal preference.
If you get a Stage 1 Filter Kit (filter and backer plate), it will run more lean because the motor will get an additional volume of air. This is a good thing and your bike will thank you for it.
Whether you get a K&N or the SE (Stage 1) filter, from HD is a matter of personal preference.
If you get a Stage 1 Filter Kit (filter and backer plate), it will run more lean because the motor will get an additional volume of air. This is a good thing and your bike will thank you for it.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
Changing the filter alone will not make it run "lean"; to the extent that the filter will be cleaner and will then get the appropriate volume of air and run as designed.
Whether you get a K&N or the SE (Stage 1) filter, from HD is a matter of personal preference.
If you get a Stage 1 Filter Kit (filter and backer plate), it will run more lean because the motor will get an additional volume of air. This is a good thing and your bike will thank you for it.
Whether you get a K&N or the SE (Stage 1) filter, from HD is a matter of personal preference.
If you get a Stage 1 Filter Kit (filter and backer plate), it will run more lean because the motor will get an additional volume of air. This is a good thing and your bike will thank you for it.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, IL
If you're going to keep everything stock, and like the way it is; I'd save the $50.
If you get the "sickness" like most people, just trade off on a new CVO.
I'm beginning to think it would be the cheapest route in the long run...
If you get the "sickness" like most people, just trade off on a new CVO.
I'm beginning to think it would be the cheapest route in the long run...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
You'll get many varying opinions...
Mine is - If you're not doing anything else to the bike and you want to keep it completely stock otherwise, just replace the stock filter.
If you go with higher flow filter and no other changes, you probably won't notice any difference in the way the bikes runs. What you will notice is a significant increase in induction noise. That additional noise might make you think it's running better/faster, but it's simply an illusion created by being louder.
As far as leaning out the motor goes, I don't have enough knowledge/experience with the intricacies of the ECM and factory 02 sensors to positively answer that question. You'll get people telling you either. Most of those responses will be based on heresay as I'd bet a million bucks that very few of those responding have ever tested to see what that configuration actually does to the AFR. Those who actually tune bikes on a regular basis may be the exception, but even there you have good tuners and not so good tuners.
That's my opinion!
Mine is - If you're not doing anything else to the bike and you want to keep it completely stock otherwise, just replace the stock filter.
If you go with higher flow filter and no other changes, you probably won't notice any difference in the way the bikes runs. What you will notice is a significant increase in induction noise. That additional noise might make you think it's running better/faster, but it's simply an illusion created by being louder.
As far as leaning out the motor goes, I don't have enough knowledge/experience with the intricacies of the ECM and factory 02 sensors to positively answer that question. You'll get people telling you either. Most of those responses will be based on heresay as I'd bet a million bucks that very few of those responding have ever tested to see what that configuration actually does to the AFR. Those who actually tune bikes on a regular basis may be the exception, but even there you have good tuners and not so good tuners.
That's my opinion!
Last edited by 2black1s; Nov 9, 2011 at 11:49 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
No, and actually the stock paper filter is a better filter (as far as how much dirt it traps)....k&n filters breathe better but as a by product they let more particles pass through...
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
Just put the stock one on. If you aren't going any farther than that, just leave it stock. If you plan on upgrading stuff than get the Arlen Ness big sucker now.
Last edited by Indianspringsaz; Nov 9, 2011 at 02:04 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: earth
I just have to hear this explanation. Please.
noserider, I haven't yet heard anyone adress the fact that the K&N is a lifetime, washable, reuseable filter, if you plan on keeping the bike it may pay off in the long run, and you might clean it more often than you would if you were paying for new paper filters. Ask your dealer if his Screaming Eagle filters will make your bike run lean also.
noserider, I haven't yet heard anyone adress the fact that the K&N is a lifetime, washable, reuseable filter, if you plan on keeping the bike it may pay off in the long run, and you might clean it more often than you would if you were paying for new paper filters. Ask your dealer if his Screaming Eagle filters will make your bike run lean also.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Music City, USA
Those folks that reference O2 Sensors (your bike does not have a catalytic convertor) and ECM recalibrations (I don't believe your bike is fuel injected), and strange sucking sounds... those comments are a different matter.
Personally, I would go with the Stage 1 kit. It costs a little more, but the additional available combustion air will make your bike run MUCH, MUCH better. And it will take you all of 30 minutes to complete.
At the end of the day, it is your choice - and that is a good thing!