I have used K&N air filters in no fewer than 5 of my prior motorcycles, and I use one in my truck. Obviously, I'm a believer in the technology. Motorcyclists are a passionate and opinionated group. Any performance product will have its supporters and detractors. An Internet search of K&N will reveal this debate in spades. Some say the filters allow dirt particles to pass through its fabric mesh filtering media. Others say that the company's claim of an increase in performance and mileage is bogus. In short, I disagree with the naysayers, and you'll see why below.
First, let's see what a K&N filter is all about. The filter material is composed of sheets of pleated and oiled cotton-gauze layered between two sheets of aluminum wire mesh. The sheets are impregnated with a special filter oil, which is dyed for uniform coverage by the user. The rubber seal material is pliable and long-lasting. Each filter is designed for the specific application.
I can see no way that a properly oiled filter can pass damaging particles. I would not trust my vehicles to any filter that I did not whole-heartedly trust. On to the performance aspect; I only have "seat of the pants" performance assessments of the filter, but I do believe that I feel at least a slight increase in power. Where I can verify improvement is in the mileage category. My truck showed a 2 MPG increase in the aftermath of installing a K&N, and I experienced similar increases in at lease two of the motorcycles in which I have used the filter. I also like the fact that it is environmentally sound, not to be throwing away disposable filters.
No, I don't work for the company -- yes, I believe in the product.
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June 18th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
[...] as always, filters by K&N are worth a [...]