Never had a problem and have ridden through some frog stranglers. May make a difference being on a Ultra with lowers.

 

People ran K&N oiled cotton cloth filters in the rain for many years, with few issues.

Some time back a flurry of people raised the question that perhaps it would be a problem if they got wet.

The solution was an optional hydrophobic mesh that would shed most of the water that they thought might be injested.

The mesh causes only a little resistance, and reassured bikers that they could ride worry free in the rain.

If you are having no problems, there is little reason to install them, however if you are one of the belt and suspenders type, you might wish to ride with them on when rain is expected.

 

When I first installed the Vance & Hines High Five Mach II air cleaner, I had some worries about it too.

Talked to V & H techs directly. They emphatically stated that "since water and oil don't mix, a properly oiled air cleaner filter will not allow water in"

I haven't worried about it since on the road.

However, when cleaning the bike, I cover the a/c with two sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil just so I don't spray water directly at the a/c.

That makes me feel good.......

I also take the cover off the a/c once a month and clean all exposed areas I can reach.

Ride Safe-

-Ray

 

another question is the pointy versus old school round filters.

seems like the point ones choke the bike, because the water cant go anywhere.

seems the round filters let water out the bottom, and minimal water gets in the throttle body.

can any of you guys who posted about bike that die in the rain, clarify if you had a pointy or a round style?

my buddy had a pointy/forward facing on his Rocker and it died on him once, got to wait out the rain on side of the road.

 

Good point and the main reason I always kept the HD rain sock on my AC. Keeps water out when you're cleaning it up. Simple peace of mind.

 

Well, thats not been my experience, I've ridden hours in steady rain more than once, no issues.