K&N Air Filter or Not?

99xcsp · 08-17-2015, 07:45 PM

Just wondering about a K&N air filter for a 1700 Voyager, I have been reading allot of mixed reviews, the reviews that bothers me the most is regarding filtration, Does it really filter the air well enough not to cause long term engine damage over time? Does anyone have examples or proof that these filters really help improve performance on these bikes?

**Caveman** · 08-17-2015, 07:48 PM

My thread here will give you my experiences with a few different maintenance items & how they affected my bike -- post #6 may be of particular interest to you:
http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=42108

Boscoe · 08-18-2015, 10:51 AM

I like the stock filter and change it when it gets dirty.

otter · 08-18-2015, 10:56 AM

I wouldn't do K&N. An oiled media filter doesn't filter as effectively as paper, when you get down to micron sized particles.

You might find this interesting. http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html

CBO Vaquero · 08-18-2015, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boscoe

I like the stock filter and change it when it gets dirty.

X2

99xcsp · 08-18-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otter

I wouldn't do K&N. An oiled media filter doesn't filter as effectively as paper, when you get down to micron sized particles.

You might find this interesting. http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html

Great article! Thanx. I will be sticking with a stock Kawi Filter.

mattman · 08-18-2015, 06:22 PM

I have a K&N in every bike I have owned...but they all had an after market air kit.

My Voyager I put in the K&N stock replacement so I won't have to buy a new filter ever again. Once or twice a year, wash/dry/re-oil. No expectation of air flow improvement.

otter · 08-20-2015, 12:56 PM

Here's another good article on filtration efficiency. Paper vs foam vs fiber vs oiled.

This test, combined with the article I posted above led me to toss the K&N filter on my 900 Vulcan and I'm sticking with stock paper on the 1700.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest3.htm

99xcsp · 08-20-2015, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otter

Here's another good article on filtration efficiency. Paper vs foam vs fiber vs oiled.

This test, combined with the article I posted above led me to toss the K&N filter on my 900 Vulcan and I'm sticking with stock paper on the 1700. Yes, seems to me unless your running all out at the Race Track and your engine is modified with a big bore kit that pumps and requires more air, a K&N would do more harm then good on a stock bike! Thanx.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest3.htm

Yes, seems to me unless your running all out at the Race Track and your engine is modified with a big bore kit that pumps and requires more air, a K&N would do more harm then good on a stock bike! Thanx.

mattman · 08-21-2015, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99xcsp

Yes, seems to me unless your running all out at the Race Track and your engine is modified with a big bore kit that pumps and requires more air, a K&N would do more harm then good on a stock bike! Thanx.

I have K&N filters or similar to K&N in every bike I have owned. I have never had an engine issue due to particles passing through the filter.

It is personal choice...pick what makes yo feel comfortable.

The Black Knight · 08-21-2015, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boscoe

I like the stock filter and change it when it gets dirty.

talon · 08-21-2015, 11:30 PM

So if not the K&N, which after market filter is the best replacement for the OEM?

otter · 08-22-2015, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattman

I have K&N filters or similar to K&N in every bike I have owned. I have never had an engine issue due to particles passing through the filter.

It is personal choice...pick what makes yo feel comfortable.

most bikes are low mileage. I plan to take mine to 100k. Oil and air filtration are not things to mess around with -for me.

mattman · 08-25-2015, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otter

most bikes are low mileage. I plan to take mine to 100k. Oil and air filtration are not things to mess around with -for me.

Oil I understand.

Filter...do what ever you want...LOL

recumbentbob · 08-25-2015, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talon

So if not the K&N, which after market filter is the best replacement for the OEM?

The OEM.

08-17-2015, 07:45 PM	#1
99xcsp Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Warren, MI Posts: 72	K&N Air Filter or Not? Just wondering about a K&N air filter for a 1700 Voyager, I have been reading allot of mixed reviews, the reviews that bothers me the most is regarding filtration, Does it really filter the air well enough not to cause long term engine damage over time? Does anyone have examples or proof that these filters really help improve performance on these bikes? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-17-2015, 07:48 PM	#2
Caveman Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 207	My thread here will give you my experiences with a few different maintenance items & how they affected my bike -- post #6 may be of particular interest to you: http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=42108 __________________ --------------------------------- 2007 Vulcan 1600 Nomad - 18" Street Glide Front wheel conversion (details are on this forum) - HD King Tour-Pak w/ Wompus Rack - Mustang wide touring two piece seat - Chuckster's 3" Handlebar Risers - Baron's Big Air Kit - Chuckster's left side decorative plate - Cobra True Duals w/ Billet Tips - Speedmetal Cree LED Headlight conversion kit - Michelin Commander II tires Real Estate Broker/Property Manager Las Vegas, NV USA
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08-18-2015, 10:51 AM	#3
Boscoe Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Posts: 372	I like the stock filter and change it when it gets dirty. __________________ 2011 Voyager 1700, Ebony/Pearl Meteor Gray Bridgestone Exedra Max tires in stock sizes Heated Avon grips with Throttle Mod Cobra Scalloped Slip-ons Thunder Mfg. Intake Gasket DEI Titanium exhaust header wrap Corbin heated seat. Polk Audio db521 speakers Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 with Mobil 1 M1-110 filter Kuryakyn Longhorn Offset Dually Highway Pegs Chrome passenger running board covers All new fluids and lube.
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08-18-2015, 06:22 PM	#7
mattman Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 73	I have a K&N in every bike I have owned...but they all had an after market air kit. My Voyager I put in the K&N stock replacement so I won't have to buy a new filter ever again. Once or twice a year, wash/dry/re-oil. No expectation of air flow improvement. __________________ 2012 Voyager ABS
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08-21-2015, 11:30 PM	#12
talon Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Van Buren, AR Posts: 462	So if not the K&N, which after market filter is the best replacement for the OEM? __________________ Heath Cady aka "Talon" VBA #01416 2012 Vaquero SE Candy-Lime Green/Black aka "T'Kehla" 2005 Nomad 1600 Black/Silver aka "Mystique" (SOLD) 2006 Vulcan Classic aka "Lil'Wolf" (SOLD) "Life isn't a race; no one gets out alive. May as well slow down and enjoy the ride."
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08-18-2015, 10:56 AM	#4
otter Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 87	I wouldn't do K&N. An oiled media filter doesn't filter as effectively as paper, when you get down to micron sized particles. You might find this interesting. http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html
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08-20-2015, 12:56 PM	#8
otter Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 87	Here's another good article on filtration efficiency. Paper vs foam vs fiber vs oiled. This test, combined with the article I posted above led me to toss the K&N filter on my 900 Vulcan and I'm sticking with stock paper on the 1700. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest3.htm
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