Standard Air Filters

[Dibbs]

I understand that standard air filters are not reusable and become costly as you have to buy a new one when your bike is serviced. I was informed that you can purchase a (K&N) filter which is reusable (simply washed with mild detergent) and that this filter is better than the standard air filter as it allows in more air (designed to increase horsepower). Does anyone have any advice on this, can we change the air filters on a new bike without affecting the warranty?

 

[CarlS]

K&N filters are good quality and increase the air flow. However, that increased flow comes and a cost - less filtration. I had a K&N on my dies l truck about ten years ago. I lived on an unpaved road that got very dry and dusty. I decided the increased air flow was not worth the risk to my engine and I went back to a stock filter. For that same reason, I did not use them on my four motorcycles. If I lived in a suburban area and did little or no off pavement riding, I would use them provided I did not live in a dry environment subject to dust storms. Just my opinion.

 

[shanered6]

I agree with Carl you can't beat the standard one on a standard bike and it's designed to run that flow of air , if you have tuned your engine ie.....exhaust , chip, and other mods then it's worth using a K&N but other wise I would stick with standard !
In my exspiriance the dirty air is not worth the extra air flow and usually shortens your spark plug life considrubly ! Just my exspiriance ?

 

[Rocky]

I agree with the others.
The amount of "horsepower" you would gain with the K & N filter would probably not even be noticed.
Speaking only for myself, I wouldn't change the filter while the bike is under warranty.
In fact, I wouldn't change it at all just for the longevity of the engine, but it's your bike, so.................

 

[Dibbs]

K&N filters are good quality and increase the air flow. However, that increased flow comes and a cost - less filtration. I had a K&N on my dies l truck about ten years ago. I lived on an unpaved road that got very dry and dusty. I decided the increased air flow was not worth the risk to my engine and I went back to a stock filter. For that same reason, I did not use them on my four motorcycles. If I lived in a suburban area and did little or no off pavement riding, I would use them provided I did not live in a dry environment subject to dust storms. Just my opinion.

Thanks Carl, I watched this video at Delboy's garage (see link below) which recommends doing this, although you make a valid point with regards to less filtration.


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gFEE-Lr5iQ

 

[Dibbs]

I agree with Carl you can't beat the standard one on a standard bike and it's designed to run that flow of air , if you have tuned your engine ie.....exhaust , chip, and other mods then it's worth using a K&N but other wise I would stick with standard !
In my exspiriance the dirty air is not worth the extra air flow and usually shortens your spark plug life considrubly ! Just my exspiriance ?

Thanks Shanred6, I was considering doing this as I watched a video from Delboy's garage (attached link above). It was mentioned that you can replace your standard filter with a reusable K&N, and that you don't have to do any tuning or mapping, apparently it adjusts automatically. However, as pointed out by Carl, it might not offer the same filtration or as you mentioned, shorten the life of the spark plug. So, still not sure.......yet!! Cheers

 

[Dibbs]

I agree with the others.
The amount of "horsepower" you would gain with the K & N filter would probably not even be noticed.
Speaking only for myself, I wouldn't change the filter while the bike is under warranty.
In fact, I wouldn't change it at all just for the longevity of the engine, but it's your bike, so.................

Thanks Rocky, I guess your right. My bike is a month old and I just want to ensure that I do everything right before I realise that I stuffed up. I'll check with Triumph before I do anything, thanks for your feedback

 

[shanered6]

What usually happens is the dust particals gather on the spark plug eventually cousing a spir between the electrode and the arc , thus cousing a misfire and a need to clean your plugs more often !

 

[NORTY]

What happens is the dust/dirt particles get between the piston crown and the cylinder wall, and begin to put a "groove" in both, thus reducing compression. Or, lots of particles get passed the air "filter" and cause rapid wear and eventually seizure...

I've seen "high silica" content in oil analysis results before. Cause? Air filtration, or lack thereof...