Air Filter Comparison
 

While researching something else I came across this web page.

The person tested various air filters (serviceable and non-serviceable)
He used a second stage filter to guage how much dirt was getting by the air filter. You might be surprised by the results. :shock:

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

to be perfectly honest with you there is no reason that this kind of test should concern anyone. Looks to me like all filters reguardless of construction let dirt pass through. This test was done without any constants accept the 2nd filter. The ammount of debris in the air was not regulated and there were no comparisons on power. Funny how guys in the baja 1000 complete the race using K&N filters. I bet those motors see more abuse and dust in 1000 miles than any road bike or car in 100,000. More air flow has to be created some how. If it isn't in more total surface are on the filter it has to be the ammount of restriction the filter creates. Cause and effect.

Re: Air Filter Comparison
 

Speaking of air filters, is it possible to remove the tank enough out of the way on the SHawk without disconnecting the drain and tank-breather tube to uninstall the air filter cover?

Re: Air Filter Comparison
 

Tank removal is definitely NOT necessary to remove the airbox lid. I like to let the gas level get low in my tank, then I use an elastic tie-down hanging from a roof rafter to keep the tank in the elevated position after removing the two front retaining bolts. Easy as pie :)

cheers
Mikstr

Re: Air Filter Comparison
 

oops, not roof rafter (that would require a pretty long tie-down, lol) :shock: :oops:

A fixture on the ceiling will do :lol:

Roof rafter? What do you do if you live in a cathedral?

Re: Air Filter Comparison
 

If you live in a cathedral, you still have a few options:
- sublet the cathedral and rent a facility that has a lower ceiling (heck you may even come out ahead financially as cathedrals are getting good rental rates these days, what with all the new "Born-again" folks running around, supply and demand at work)
- buy a box of sky hooks and simply use one for the previously stated purpose

Come now Loco, you really should have known...

Mikstr

Re: Air Filter Comparison
 

I used a 1X2 piece of wood cut to the proper length to hold the tank up and you definitely do not need to remove the tank as the manual states.

I loved this air filter test! I bought a used BMW auto and it had a K&N in it and one of the first things I did was take it out and sell it on Ebay. If that technology provided the best combination of performance and filtering ability the manufacturers would be using it. Case closed.

As far as the Baja 1000 goes, those guys are squeezing all the hp they can get from their engines. Engine life isn't really important to them. Don't forget that they are probably getting paid to put a K&N filter sticker on their vehicle too.

The only dirt that matters is the dirt big enough to do damage. As I've said, I can't see any benefit to a K&N on a modern bike. But they do filter out potentially damaging dirt well enough.