Retreating K&N filter wrap yourself with water repelency

Lumberjack · 03-30-2018, 12:18 PM

So I have a Thunder Tornado intake and don't like leaving it exposed to water elements and used the K&N filter wrap. I got thinking as I was spraying some water repellent on my outdoor gear and why not reapply to filter wrap as well? Manufacturer states water repellent typically lasts 1-2 years on polyester.

Thoughts?

K&N 22-8030DK Air Filter Wrap
https://www.knfilters.com/search/pro...prod=22-8030dk

I opted to use 303 fabric guard as it is better value than any DWR (durable water repellent) products I have used in past such as Nikwax

303® MARINE FABRIC GUARD
https://www.goldeagle.com/product/30...-fabric-guard/

Scootergptx · 03-30-2018, 12:36 PM

Will that restrict how much air can get through?

Hillhouse · 03-30-2018, 07:23 PM

I wouldn't do it, those water repellent work by sealing the micron size holes in the fabric.

I seem to recall you having a Voyager, don't the lowers keep it dry enough? Only my knees get wet from the gap between lowers and fairing

RACNRAY · 03-31-2018, 12:01 AM

The only time one might worry bout water gettin in is if the skoot is sittin out in the rain and not runnin. One big point is most sportbikes use true ram air intakes with forward facing inlets in the nose of the fairing. I have ridden my sportbikes in absolutely torrential rain and never a problem.
I also put over 98,000 miles on my Vaq with a few different intake designs, all with exposed K&N type filters. In 98,000 miles here in S. Fla you can bet many of those miles were in the rain, and not one single hiccup.

RACNRAY

**smokier** · 03-31-2018, 08:15 AM

LJ, I would not do it either. Seems to me the method of the waterproofing is going to be a thin coat of material. Its job is to close pores, which defeats the purpose of the air filter, open pores to let air through.

Just my antiquated thinking probably.

Ride safe,
Smokier

Old Bear · 04-02-2018, 10:25 AM

Water mist while running is not going to hurt the engine. I remember WAY back when, kits for water injection was available for vehicles. It allowed you to change the timing without inducing any ping and get better mileage. That said, I carry a decent looking shower cap and cover the filter when the bike is sitting and there is even a chance of rain. What you DON'T want is that engine getting hit with a big gulp of water when trying to start!

03-30-2018, 12:18 PM	#1
Lumberjack Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 542	Retreating K&N filter wrap yourself with water repelency So I have a Thunder Tornado intake and don't like leaving it exposed to water elements and used the K&N filter wrap. I got thinking as I was spraying some water repellent on my outdoor gear and why not reapply to filter wrap as well? Manufacturer states water repellent typically lasts 1-2 years on polyester. Thoughts? K&N 22-8030DK Air Filter Wrap https://www.knfilters.com/search/pro...prod=22-8030dk I opted to use 303 fabric guard as it is better value than any DWR (durable water repellent) products I have used in past such as Nikwax 303® MARINE FABRIC GUARD https://www.goldeagle.com/product/30...-fabric-guard/ Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-30-2018, 12:36 PM	#2
Scootergptx Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Grand Prairie, TX Posts: 654	Will that restrict how much air can get through? __________________ 2011 Vaquero V&H slip ons Roaring Toyz intake PCV (removed) Ivan's ECU flash
	0

03-30-2018, 07:23 PM	#3
Hillhouse Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Western MA Posts: 180	I wouldn't do it, those water repellent work by sealing the micron size holes in the fabric. I seem to recall you having a Voyager, don't the lowers keep it dry enough? Only my knees get wet from the gap between lowers and fairing __________________ Present rides 1983 Honda Shadow VT750 - Harley Killer 2005 Yamahe V-Star - Yarley 2012 Kawasaki Voyager - Weeping Angel http://tourofhonor.com/ #97 (2019) #128 (2018) #8 (2017) #458 (2016) IBA #50918 VBA #2296
	0

03-31-2018, 12:01 AM	#4
RACNRAY Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SOUTH FLORIDA Posts: 1,210	The only time one might worry bout water gettin in is if the skoot is sittin out in the rain and not runnin. One big point is most sportbikes use true ram air intakes with forward facing inlets in the nose of the fairing. I have ridden my sportbikes in absolutely torrential rain and never a problem. I also put over 98,000 miles on my Vaq with a few different intake designs, all with exposed K&N type filters. In 98,000 miles here in S. Fla you can bet many of those miles were in the rain, and not one single hiccup. RACNRAY __________________ "TRUE HAPPINESS IS IN THE HEART, NOT IN THE OUTSIDE FIXES" WITH OVER 46 YEARS AS A MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN/HI-PO SHOP OWNER I AM A PURVEYOR OF FACT NOT FICTION! "WE LIVE OUR LIVES IN CHAINS NEVER KNOWING WE HAD THE KEY"
	0

03-31-2018, 08:15 AM	#5
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	LJ, I would not do it either. Seems to me the method of the waterproofing is going to be a thin coat of material. Its job is to close pores, which defeats the purpose of the air filter, open pores to let air through. Just my antiquated thinking probably. Ride safe, Smokier __________________ You only get one, so "Make it the best day ever!" 2014 Victory Cross County Tour Blue Fire Gloss (BFG) "Cruella" Brides Ride: 2012 Victory Crossroads in Sunset Red "Ruby" Previous Vulcans: '15 Vaquero, '12 Vaquero, '10 1700 Nomad, '04 1500 Classic, '01 1500 Classic, '88 Vulcan 750 VROC # 10967 \| VBA # 3115 Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-02-2018, 10:25 AM	#6
Old Bear Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 1,432	Water mist while running is not going to hurt the engine. I remember WAY back when, kits for water injection was available for vehicles. It allowed you to change the timing without inducing any ping and get better mileage. That said, I carry a decent looking shower cap and cover the filter when the bike is sitting and there is even a chance of rain. What you DON'T want is that engine getting hit with a big gulp of water when trying to start! __________________ Jerry "Old Bear" Barker Clarksville, TN Americas Guardians PS MC President, Tennessee 16-A VBA #02203 "Blaze" 2017 Vaquero "Black Magic" 2011 Vaquero, 69k miles, handed down to my son for hopefully many more miles!
	0