K&N Air Filter

[Fireball18]

I needed a new air filter and decided to install the K&N air filter. As it was only $18.00 more than the OEM, it seemed like a prudent thing to do. Man, getting to the air filter on the ST1300 is a major pain! Wish they had used clamps instead of those 9 screws that are hard to get to. And if you drop one--well let's just say it would be easier finding that needle in a haystack than finding a screw dropped down inside an ST. LOL. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else is using a K&N and if there really is a difference in engine performance. I'm not necessarily looking for more power. The big thing is that you never have to buy another air filter and it apparently needs to be cleaned less frequently than the stock filter. Seems like a money saving thing if nothing else. :03biker:

[dond]

Uh-oh.....Now you're gonna get all the horror STories 'bout K & N's

~~~~~~~~~~~~ :eek: ~~~~~~~~~~~

[Berzins]

Ok now I am interested. Horror stories? About install or how they work?

Dave...

[georgeorge]

I've never used one, but the horror stories I think they mean are that if you increase flow using a K&N filter, you are also letting larger particles through than a stock filter. If you increase the spaces in the filter for more air to flow, you are also increasing the spaces for more dirt to flow.
Like I said, though, I've never used one and I don't know if particles that are of the size we're talking about would damage the motor or not.
:04biker: :biker: .................................................. ..................... :03biker:
Brian

[sherob]

The more paricles they capture the finer particles they can capture. My biggest concern is the oil residue possbile getting sucked inside. :(

I don't think you will see an increase, possibly a decrease. With increase of air flow, what is you engine going to do with it? It is optimized for the OEM filter. You would have to get a PCM to adjust your engine for air flow increase.

On my Sabre, we went round and round on the group on this and found that the OEM worked best, without aftermarket rejetting you lost performance with the K&N.

And don't get over zealous oiling that thing up when you clean it... the excess goes straight into your engine. :mad:

Just my $0.02.

FYI,
Robert

[Fireball18]

Here's my take on the K&N air filter. While it's true that it could allow larger particles to escape past, the oil is sticky enough to trap those particles. I don't think you risk a thing by using a K&N filter except that you save money by not having to buy a new $47.95 air filter every year.

As for replacing the filter, it's a pain to get to because you have to lift up the gas tank, prop it up, and then there are 9 screws that hold the top of the airbox in place. If you're careful, you can get all 9 out but you have to be very careful or else you might drop one into infinity. Once the cover is off, the old filter just lifts out and the new one merely drops into place, including the K&N. The whole job would be easier if Honda had seen fit to use 4 clamps instead of the screws.

BTW, we just got back from a nice (but windy) ride for lunch. Went just shy of 200 miles. I can't tell if there's any difference in performance with the K&N air filter in place. There definitely is no decrease and I thought that mid range accelleration was a bit stronger. I have no plans for installing a Power Commander or similar device. I've got all the power I need.

[sherob]

I am not anti K&N... have one in my Dodge QC... just what I've read and seen on bikes it really isn't worth the $ unless you start installing performance exhaust and rejet/install PCM's. You still have to recharge them, don't remember how much those run... I'm sure there is an aftermarket OEM type paper filter that is cheaper. If it works for you, no pun intended, more power to ya :D ...

[nm6r]

Dyno testing has shown a 6hp gain on the ST1300 without doing anything else.

I don't buy the horror stories. Actually, I have never heard of a real horror story, just nay sayers. That should tell you something.

It's a good filter, it's cost effective. I can't say I noticed a hp improvement.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[farblue1]

I had a K&N on my V-Max , no problems . Did feel a small increased perseved power surge . And I agree those nine screws are a pain . Already lost one to the bottomless pit . You know .... it's almost like they designed the ST to be such a pain in the Butt to do simple maintaince that you would take it to Honda for the simple stuff that should'nt be difficult as on any other bike . Adding oil etc. Just a thought .
Dan :04biker:

[AZST]

Getting those pesky dropped screws are a snap. I lost two into the inner bowels of my ST.

Follow these instructions:

1. Drop the bike on its side.

2. After you become the incredible hulk, rip a shirt and jeans wide open, and your bike is back up on the sidestand...you will find whatever was dropped.

Happened to me once. I have yet to drop another one.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Fireball18]

:03biker:

For me, it's mostly a cost-effictive thing with the K&N. Considering that, at least here in Boise, at my Honda dealer, the K&N is only about $18.00 more than a stock filter, so it doesn't require rocket science to figure that buying 2 stock filters will cost more than one K&N, which one would never have to replace. So it seems to me to be a cost effective thing to do. Yes, you do have to clean and recharge them periodically, but I believe the kit is around $12.00. Inasmuchas I'm about to spend just a tad over $600.00 for a new Russell Day Long seat for my ST, the $67.00 I spent on the K&N air filter is a pittance. BTW, I like those dyno figures that show the small HP gain with the K&N. :)

[Bones]

Getting those pesky dropped screws are a snap. I lost two into the inner bowels of my ST.

Follow these instructions:

1. Drop the bike on its side.

2. After you become the incredible hulk, rip a shirt and jeans wide open, and your bike is back up on the sidestand...you will find whatever was dropped.

Happened to me once. I have yet to drop another one.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:


That sound cool, Bryan. What was it like being the Incredible Hulk? :wink:

[sherob]

And did the Kawasaki green fade off? :D

[Jeff F]

I've wondered about the K&N as well

Here's an article that talks about the install, the HP gain etc. No mention of the possible negative effects but ...?

Jeff

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/21september04_kandnfilter.htm

[BC Rider]

For those who are interested in the "horror stories" - here is a link to one.

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Filters.html


I don't have any personal information to back this up or refute it.

[jsl]

I switched to the K&N. The first time I replaced my stock filter with a new one, I was surprized at the increases in power, so the choice was to replace the stock filters every few months or go with K&N.
I've been using them for years on the twin dellortos on the Lotus 907 engine in my Jensen-Healey, they work fine, but you have to maintain them properly.

[SteveST1300]

I read the Calsci article keep in mind that that test was done on construction vehicles operating in a filthy environment. I guess if you do alot of riding in very dirty or sandy areas a K&N would not be the way to go but foor normal riding I see no problem with them. My beaST is getting one at the next filter change.


Steve :03biker:

[basco]

I read the Calsci article keep in mind that that test was done on construction vehicles operating in a filthy environment. I guess if you do alot of riding in very dirty or sandy areas a K&N would not be the way to go but foor normal riding I see no problem with them. My beaST is getting one at the next filter change.


Steve :03biker:

Good point and thats why I won't use them. Lots of dirt roads around where I ride and I go to construction sites all the time.

[lionroyboy]

I read that you would get up to 6hp increase with a K&N air filter depending on the RPM range, so I replaced my filter with a K&N. I can't tell a difference in power, accelleration, or anything. If there is a difference, I don't notice it.

Steve