Air filter: which one is better?

In the world of racing and racing, the air filter is only an option, as it is often replaced by a loudspeaker or not installed at all.

On "street" motorcycles, the situation is completely different. One of the owners' goals is to keep the engine for a long time. Therefore, we need the air in the engine free from external particles that may worsen the engine.
Most of the particles that can damage the engine (human hair is 50 microns in diameter) range from 10 to 20 microns, and a good air filter can keep these particles at 97%.

The problem is that the more restrictive an air filter is, the less efficient it is, so different solutions are needed, as we will see below.

The filter will also sound
More specifically, when the cylinder is vacuumed due to the fall of the piston, air is forced in and makes a unique sound.
As a matter of fact, motorcyclists usually prefer the sound of exhaust rather than the sound of admission, so manufacturers focus on creating as quiet entry conditions as possible so that these "stolen" exhaust fractions can be given to the maximum extent specified. In other words, there needs to be a silent air filter to make the exhaust produce a stronger "series" sound.
As a result, the original filter has an additional ripple buffer tissue layer, and the opening of the filter box is usually smaller than recommended, or there is a Harley Davidson type active approach gate. All of this enables the vehicle to meet the standard, but reduces the power.
Therefore, we conclude that replacing the original filter with a more effective air filter will increase the air in the cylinder, thus improving power, pairing and performance.

Filter type
A good air filter is a filter that combines good air flow with maximum particle retention.
It is possible to measure particle filtration capability (SAE j726 test) and air flow of filter (flowbench test) to understand their performance and efficiency.

On motorcycles, there are three main types of air filters related to building materials:
-paperThis is the most cost-effective filter and is usually the original equipment of most manufacturers. If you have already registered, please log in first.

This type of filter will gradually turn off as the particles are captured, so it must be replaced regularly.
-Oil impregnated foamIt's one of the most effective designs that can catch dirt, even if it doesn't lose efficiency. Pegasus require considerable volume to have good air flow, so they are usually small. They are mainly used for offrod applications.

-Oil impregnated cotton fiberNote: this filter element is usually found in high performance filters, K & n typeAnd it combines the advantages of foam and paper filters.

Its volume is very small, cotton fiber can catch more particles than paper, the most important thing is that these particles only accumulate on the surface of the filter, do not block the air passage, and get the best performance and efficiency.

These filters should be "regenerated" (wiped and oiled with a simple filter) at each overhaul. Special kitsThe space that can be reused is about 25 times, that is, more than 200000 km.

The best filter
Now that we know its function and the different types of air filters, we can only choose our favorite filter box, because there are many choices. In this case, the choice is usually aesthetic, because most high-performance filters can provide more clean air than the engine. He may need it at any time

As always, just remember that if we change the amount of air that goes into the engine again (in the case of fuel) or Rearrange converter (in the case of injections) to ensure that the entire system operates in a correct and balanced manner.

Frank Burgan

#mecanicaharley