k&n are they worth it?

[Paulfzs]

was looking at getting a k&n for my fzs 600 but not sure its worth it.


anyone got a review of them? maybe got one laying around you want to get rid of.

[Fazafou]

In my experience, k&n's are only worth it if you're tuning the bike to use one.

I've put them on stock bikes (and cars) before and they make no difference. Most people 'perceive' a difference due to the money they've just spent.

Also, rather than changing filters in the future, you have to clean it. It's your choice whether that's a benefit or a chore.

I personally don't fit them now and stick with standard filters.

[mtread]

Disagree. K&N in my 600 makes a noticeable difference. Smoother and perkier. O and I think I can manage the cleaning 'chore' every 50,000 miles ......

[BBROWN1664]

K&N on the FZS600 makes a big difference to the smoothness through the rev range. Couple it with a carb balance and you will not regret it.

[darrsi]

K&N on the FZS600 makes a big difference to the smoothness through the rev range. Couple it with a carb balance and you will not regret it.

+1 to that, i don't know how anyone could not feel the bike perk up with a K&N fitted, it certainly does make it feel better.

[Paulfzs]

a carb balance is my next task when i can afford to buy a balancer... i may have to invest in a k&n too

[His Dudeness]

I put one in. I'm not washing myself for the next 50,000 miles. Think that's what the box said to do

[Fazafou]

The reason they don't need washing for that long is they dont filter the air that well.

High flow is always a trade off with filtration efficiency.

A stock filter in good condition allows more than enough air through with good filtration of fine particles, and won't end up running lean if you haven't tuned your carbs.

But of course just my opinion, each to their own

[unfazed]

was looking at getting a k&n for my fzs 600 but not sure its worth it.


anyone got a review of them? maybe got one laying around you want to get rid of.

Probably the best modification to the carburettor model fazer, since the run slightly rich as standard 
The filteration is every bit as good as OEM filters.

[Fazafou]

The filteration is every bit as good as OEM filters.

I'd be keen to see the independent testing for that claim, as there's plenty online showing they aren't.

They let more particulate through to achieve the higher flow rate, fact.

Most people are narrow minded with these as they've paid all that cash and don't want to admit to themselves.

I've tried both in cars and bikes and kept an open mind, and went back to stock.

As I say, each to their own, but no point offering 'advice' on unfounded claims or non-independent testing.

[stevierst]

Been using them for the last 25 years on cars and bikes without any engine issues.
They're not a 'miracle' performance mod, but part of the tuning route as per any other mod.
I noticed a bit more smoother running, and maybe a bit sharper on the throttle. The 50k cleaning interval is a bonus, as I probably won't have the bike by then.

[mtread]

I'm assuming that in some vehicles there's a noticeable difference, and some not. As has been said, the FZS600 runs rich, so a leaner filter will make an obvious difference. Other vehicles perhaps not. I've been quite happy spending that extra £20 
So to summarise for Paul - Do It !

[fazersharp]

Im not convinced by them.
Last year I changed a 16 year old filter for a new OEM filter and noticed NO difference, so if I dont notice a difference between an old dirty one to a new one then I canot see me seeing a difference between a new oem and a new K&N.
Also everyone says that the FZS600 runs rich - but why dose it, it was built that way there must be a reason for it, and so to run it any other way would be damaging wouldnt it somehow perhaps ? 

[noggythenog]

Lets face it they look cool when you put them in plus they sound ice plus you get some K&N stickers.


Who cares about all the rest

[unfazed]

There are plenty of independent groups which have have tested and documented (Dynojet being one) K&N air filters against other air filters and K&N have always comes very close to the top if not the top for air filtration of fine dust particles and flow rate.
I have fitted them to all my bikes and cars over the past 25 years and in every instance have found improvements in all vehicles in which they were fitted. All the Fazers; 400,600 and 1000 I have owned have felt smoother with better sounding intake noise, but my present car, a Mazda 6 has shown the biggest difference in improved throttle response and slightly better fuel economy. Even my wife commented on the improved throttle response.
The K&N filter in my 600 Fazer has covered over 80,000 miles and have been washed 3 times in that time thus saving me the cost of buying 3 OEM air filters. 
The FZS600 runs rich from the factory to get it through the "Pass‐by noise testing of accelerating road vehicles", which is one of the reasons the engine was phased out as it could not meet the noise and emission testing regulations.

[darrsi]

Im not convinced by them.
Last year I changed a 16 year old filter for a new OEM filter and noticed NO difference, so if I dont notice a difference between an old dirty one to a new one then I canot see me seeing a difference between a new oem and a new K&N.
Also everyone says that the FZS600 runs rich - but why dose it, it was built that way there must be a reason for it, and so to run it any other way would be damaging wouldnt it somehow perhaps ?

You're not convinced by something you've never tried?

Interesting. 

[Paulfzs]

will i be able to wheelie longer
if so then sold!


anything that makes the fazer run and sound better is a must have.

[unfazed]

will i be able to wheelie longer
if so then sold!


anything that makes the fazer run and sound better is a must have.

 

[fazersharp]

You're not convinced by something you've never tried?

Yeh thats right - there is no logic to my logic. Other than when i swaped I was fully expecting to notice a difference given the state of the old one, see the old and new picture. If I didnt notice any difference from a filter so bad then how much difference is a k&N going to be over a new OEM one, more of a difference than the difference between an old OEM and a new OEM ?

[darrsi]

You're not convinced by something you've never tried?

Yeh thats right - there is no logic to my logic. Other than when i swaped I was fully expecting to notice a difference given the state of the old one, see the old and new picture. If I didnt notice any difference from a filter so bad then how much difference is a k&N going to be over a new OEM one, more of a difference than the difference between an old OEM and a new OEM ?

Your bike must've been running megashite beforehand.
Trust me, and others, I reckon you would probably notice the difference the most! 

[RMT1983]

Buy Mine!!!! lol

[Paulfzs]

Buy Mine!!!! lol

Ill pay the postage for it you can chuck the tank bolt in too with your address ill send the mountain of bubble wrap back

[Punkstig]

I'm currently in possession of farjo's carbtune which you're welcome to use, but you'd have to come visit!

[unfazed]

The filter in the photograph is age and petrol fumes discoloured making it look worse than it actually is, therefore having little effect on the running. A bad filter will only effect the running at 10 to 13000 revs and then get progressively worse lower down the rev range as the filter continues to get dirtier. 
If you do not regularly use the bike above 10000 revs then the difference in the filter you had and a new one would not be really noticeable.

However what you would notice with the K&N is a slightly better throttle response throughout the rev range and a little less vibration. If you do not notice these changes then you most likely do not rev much above its 7000 power band

[unfazed]

I'm currently in possession of farjo's carbtune which you're welcome to use, but you'd have to come visit!

Does Farjo know you are renting it out while he is away