K&N washable air filter

[esetest]

I,m gonna need to replace my air filter in the new year , and am looking to get the K&N one , how long do they last compared to a standard one , or is it a case of just cleaning it at intervals with a service kit instead of replacing it . 

[Tmation]

The cleaning instructions are with the filter, they normally need cleaning much less often than the replacement period of the standard one, but it depends on the conditions you ride in. The one I had in my VTR1000 did 12000 miles and was still pretty clean, and they are supposed to work better dirty.


I think there maybe some problems with running lean with this filter and standard jetting, someone with more knowledge than me will be along soon.

[Dead Eye]

K&N come highly recommended from most on here

Last I checked they have a 1,000,000 Mile warranty and only need servicing every 50,000 miles Should be the last air filter you ever have to buy for the bike ^^

[red98]

+1 for k+n    cost a little more but worth it in the long run 

[esetest]

Thanks for the input guys , that's another job for the new year . Definitely worth the extra price , don't think I will be putting another 1,000,000 miles on it though .

[sadlonelygit]

Would you use a reuseable tampon (if you were a ladybiker)
Once you factor in the cost of a cleaniing/ reoiling kit, your time and effort and the minimal gain from a  'performance filter' it's so much easier to buy a new paper element.
And for the unenlightened, an oiled filter will clog up far quicker than a dry one, it's fizziks!

[Dead Eye]

I'm not sure on that - new paper filter is what £15? K&N can be bought for £35 but for the sake of argument lets say its the retail price of £60

Typically people will replace a paper filter every year as part of a general service. The K&N filter is stated to not need replacing / service for the first 50,000 miles. Now it entirely depends on mileage but even if you do 10,000 miles a year (which as higher than average I think) you will end up buying 5x Paper filters totalling £75

Either way, I think with the K&N option you are quids in for the long run.

[PaulSmith]

A paper filter has a limited number of 'holes', which are clogged by dirt etc. which is why it becomes less effective over time. A fibre filter has far more holes, though they are individually smaller, so even when the same number are blocked by dirt, there are far more still available to pass the air through.

The other difference is that a holes on a fiber filter are blocked but not clogged, so they are much easier to clean. So no, it is not fizziks, it is physics.

[esetest]

4 -1 in favour , I think it's worth a punt .

[Captain Haddock]

an oiled filter will clog up far quicker than a dry one,

If a filter never clogs it's either not working or breathing through micheal jacksons redundant face masks, either way the results are not pretty, same conclusion for the affore mentioned poop star!

[VNA]

Typically people will replace a paper filter every year as part of a general service.

Depends on your mileage.

Sadly I only manage about 3000 miles a year.

Oh, a wee tap and a little blast of compressed air can do wonders to a paper filter.

Repaleced mine once I think, bikes done 30,000 miles now, so might give her a treat and fit a new un in the spring.