K & N Air Filter

[John21]

I have a 98 Exec with Keihin carbs. I need a new air filter as my foamy thing is going bald.

My choices appear to be the typical complete air box around $100 -$120 or so. Or, the K & N around $50, I think.

Has anyone with Keihin carbs converted to the K & N? If you did a swap out, did you notice anything different in the engine response?

[Buckwheat]

the filter and airbox are a 'sealed' unit from the factory. So, when you order a new stock air filter, you're getting the whole airbox with it. Unless you've cammed and piped and built your engine for high RPM horsepower riding, GO WITH STOCK PARTS.

I did the K&N filter thing once by mistake. You have to bastardize an airbox which will most likely lead to cracks and leaks...all for a little better airflow at redline. Just say NO.

Good Luck!

[sailfish]

John,

Sevicing the stock filter has done me well in the past, but at a 10K interval and not the 25K replacement interval in The Manual. England must not have any dirt in the air.

Watch ebay for a second hand airbox. They go pretty cheap there.

Just curious, how many cleanings did you get before the foam gave up?

[trypcil]

You have to remove/carve a little bit out the the plastic of the airbox - it's self evident, a simple hurdle that if done carefully allows the insertion of a K&N filter. Over tightening of the screws by a heavy hand will crack the plastic though. To seal the seam I use black silicon. Every once in a while of course you have to buy a complete box - once that airfilter is shot/won't clean up - I put in the K&N and make further use of the box, so it's a compromise really.

[John21]

I sort of did in the foam by being a little to rough the last time I washed it. The foam now looks like me.........a little bald in the middle.

I was reading about the K&N having to modify the airbox. I am not a very big fan of modifying anything on these new Triumphs. I just wondered if anyone had done it and how successful they may have been.

I do agree to keep stock parts. I do agree that the factory did an extremely good job on giving us a very nice motorcycle that requires so little to keep it going.

I do remember being able to find these filter boxes on e-bay. All I need is the element. You would think that somehow, the factory or someone would have made "exact" replacement elements.

John

[trypcil]

Buy the K&N - it ain't brain surgery to fit it.

[threepot]

Fitted k&n to my Super111 (mikuni bst)a few months ago to see if it would help poor starting issue. Filter fitted straight into stock airbox ok. Checked with importer that I didn't need to re-jet before buying,they said it would be ok. Didn't make difference in starting,and had to crank engine over longer to start when warm,but has returned to normal now. Bike does seem to run a little better. Returned over 50mpg on a recent trip to France,but had good mpg b4. Stock filter worked out the same cost. Will check plug colour on next service to see if mixture the same. Long term probably better option because you can clean filter. Never experienced big gains with changing plugs and filters on cars or bikes b4,as long as their clean eh?

[trypcil]

There you go!

[Ben Rawlinson]

I say, Steady on, dirty air in the Sceptred Isle? What do mean by that Sir ?

There is an awful lot of stuff in the air here in Blighty and the finely crafted filters from Messrs K & N are indeed also a perfect fit for my '93 trident and my T'bird Sport.
My first Trident did require a little surgery with a sharp blade but it was as Mr Trypcil concurs, not brain surgery - no more difficult than shaving.

[Buckwheat]

Cool. I'm stoked that it works for you.
Cheers!