Triumphrat

steveg56

I just got the K&N Filter for the speedmaster and its slightly to tall to fit the Thunderbird. I can get the screws on the retention ring, but it will allow air thru with no seal. You guys that have this filter installed what did you put between the top of the filter and the retention ring to seal it????

Thatch

It will fit. Just crank it on down. I know it doesn't seem right at first but once you get the screws started you can take them all the way down and it will seat in just like factory.

steveg56

Wow scary... mine seems like it will snap or crush the k&n into an odd shape. Have you taken the top off after this to see the K&N still has its integrity?

Thatch

I did see a small buckle on one corner of the filter but it was minimal and would not affect air flow. No damage at all to the filter box or cover.

mustang66man

Same here, no problem it's sealed off.

dazco

Are you sure you got the correct filter? Mine is a UNI, but it's th same UNI for the speedmaster just as the K&N everyone is using is, and it fits fine. It should have SOME length beyond what would fit perfectly because otherwise with no pressure the seal would not be tight. Then again if it's as tight as you say you may want to be sure it's the correct one. the K&N site has the info.

That said, it may just be that you are more sensitive to the tightening down of the bracket than most are. I would say that as long as the screws will catch the threads w/o having to push it down hard then it's fine. Mine i just put the bracket on and the screws catch the threads w/o pusing down on it.

steveg56

I pushed on the filter itself in my hand to see how sturdy it was before I put it in and it collapsed a bit. I went around the whole rim of the top of the filter and slightly collapsed it before putting it in and the lid on. The top went on with only a little pressure to get the screws in. I slowly tightened each screw until seated fully. I did not want to collapse the filter and cause an crease with a small tear. It is installed now, albeit disfigured a bit, but it works. Those with a faint of heart should wait for the proper Thunderbird fitting...

On a side note: took the bike for a spin and it is much crisper and pulls even harder now. Pretty big difference from the butt dyno. I was going around a corner that I usually go around in full throttle with no problems, this time it was pulling so hard I actually scared myself a bit and had to get off the throttle...no joke. I used to have a slight stumble if I tried to rev very fast from idle and now it just sings. This is a great cheap mod that will be noticed across the powerband. I came home tonight with a big smile on my face and shaking my head in disbelief that this bike just keeps getting better and better. Unbelievable

DOUBLEL

Ok, I can't stand it. I guess I will need to get the K&N or UNI filter soon. Are you ordering on-line or from a Dealer in your area? Also, I assume you just change it out without any other adjustments?

dazco

Yes. the bike's closed lop system is capable of making automatic adjustments up to a point. The filter falls below that point and therefore is compensated for automatically. You may have a hard time finding one locally, but there are a million online sources. Fast Eddy is the little guy but he tries harder, fast as the name implies, and his price is good.(free shipping) http://www.fasteddysports.com/

K&N: http://www.fasteddysports.com/?page_id=3&product_id=234

UNI: http://www.fasteddysports.com/?page_id=3&product_id=313

BirdBrayne

Not to switch gears too much here but what is the difference between the K&N compared to what my dealer is telling me to get - the Triumph filter for $90.
I take it the Triumph filter will fit perfectly and I wont have to mess around with trying to get it in there but other then that, once it is in it doesn't come out but once a year for cleaning and re-oiling correct?