Take A Deep Breath: Best Motorcycle Air Filters

When it comes to aftermarket air filters, no name is more recognized than K&N. The secret to their success lies in the unique characteristics of the filter medium which was originally developed by K&N all those years ago in the dust, sweat, and tears of desert motocross racing.

The high flow cotton gauze air filter is washable, reusable and built to last for the life of a motorcycle engine. K&N air filters consist of four to six sheets of cotton gauze layered between two sheets of aluminum wire mesh. This media is then pleated and oiled to enhance its filtering capabilities and overall performance. The result is an air filter that allows dramatically more air into an engine, is washable and reusable, and will protect your engine for the life of your ride. Available for almost any motorcycle, K&N also offers race versions of its filters with fewer sheets of gauze to allow more air in. But be warned; using a race filter may require tuning to your motorcycle’s jetting or EFI settings.

The Arlen Ness Inverted air filter is designed specifically for the company’s Inverted air cleaner, which has applications for a wide variety of cruisers. So while this obviously isn’t a universal application, the net is still cast relatively wide. Regardless, the Inverted filter is a fully synthetic, water-resistant piece that never needs oiling – you can simply wash and reuse, making it essentially the last air filter your bike will need. Each filter features an inverted pleated top with pleated sides to maximize airflow by pulling in from every angle, and each filter is handmade in the USA.

For the dirt guys, the Maxima Ready-to-Use Air Filters make the frustrating task of cleaning and oiling air filters a thing of the past. At $11, they’re so cheap you don’t need to worry about washing and re-oiling – just buy a new one! But don’t let the price fool you. Every RTU filter is constructed of dual-layer, pre-oiled reticulated foam. Reticulation is a process that opens up the foam cells, allowing for increased airflow and more horsepower. The dual foam layers consist of a dense inner foam to catch the fine particles of sand and dust, whereas the outermost foam is constructed of a more open pore matrix to filter larger micron dirt particles. The RTU Air filter seams are welded with industrial-strength adhesive and come with a rubber grommet to help secure the filter to the cage which eliminates tearing and maintains the structural integrity of the filter.

A fan favorite in the dirt world, Twin Air filters provide maximum filtration and superior airflow. Constructed from two layers of open-pore foam that are bonded together, a coarse-foam outer shell is flame laminated with a fine-foam inner core, resulting in a one-piece design that is both functional and durable. Twin Air filters are also designed to increase air volume around the filter to improve airflow into the intake. More air means more power for your engine. Flow bench tests have proven that Twin Air filters provide increased airflow while reducing the filter’s tendency to clog, says Twin Air.

Anybody who has messed with a carburetor or two before is definitely familiar with the red Uni air filter pod. This universal two-stage clamp-on filter clamps directly to your motorcycle’s carburetor (check part number for correct diameters for your application), and its angled design helps with clearance issues for some models. The two-stage design uses a black inner foam, while the red outer foam can be left oiled or dry depending on the conditions. Be sure to check your jetting after installing the filter.

For the performance-oriented rider, there’s a BMC Air Filter for nearly any sport or sporty-bike application. Manufactured using a proprietary molding process that yields a truly seamless part, the characteristic red rubber is very pliable and conformable to ensure an airtight seal within your air box. Low viscosity oil saturates multi-layered cotton elements to filter out particulates down to seven microns, yet overall flow is increased in comparison to OEM paper elements. Maximize the efficiency of the air entering your engine to maximize the power coming out of your engine. As always, be sure to check EFI or carburetor calibration after installation to maximize the filter’s advantages.