OEM air filter question
 

Has anyone cut or removed the anti-backfire screen/mesh located on the underside of the stock air filter?

I am going back to a stock (paper) filter and was wondeirng if this would help improve airflow (hence power).

cheers

What would keep the pleated filter material from caving in?

Not having an OEM at hand to look I can't quite say but I just read about a guy doing it to his CBR1000RR (OEM filter) and other bikes get the same treatment (ZX-7s for example). Guess I may have to wait and see for myself...... There is always the option of cutting the fine mesh screen and leaving the holed piece in place.....

Are you going back to a honda filter or an aftermarket equivalent? I have been thinking of going back to stock but havent since they aren't cheap, and niether was the k&n.

I was debating the OEM Honda or a Hiflofiltro but got a good price on the Honda unit (via a member here) so chose the real McCoy..... I will be parting with the K&N (already for sale) and the street BMC that is in teh bike at the moment (as soon as the stock ones arrive)

OK man but keep us posted. I am going to do this but also am doing jetting on my 2nd hawk and may also switch filters there so do some kind of write up on your findings. Thanks...SJ

OK, just went back to your presenting thread cause I thought I missed something - Doesn't look like I did so I need to ask why the desire to change from the BMC?

I did some research (thank you Google) about the filtration efficiency of gauze-type filters and the results are not overly encouraging (notably on Bobistheoilguy, where used oil analyses almost inevitably show higher presence of silicon (aka sand) and wear metals). Given the amount of money I have invested in my newly rebuilt engine, along with my intention to keep it for a long time, I want to make sure it lasts as long as I do, and in optimal running condition. From what I can see, the OEM paper elements are clearly superior at keeping dirt out of the engine (with little, if any, loss of power).

Found these comments from (former?) forum member vtrktm:

"Use the stock air filter for best low-mid drive and remove the backfire screen on it for about 1 hp on top."

"Until then I'll still stick with the stock filter (wire mesh removed) which works better low to mid."

cheers