Air Filters
About Air Filters
An air filter stops dust and grit from reaching the engine, and a clogged or damaged one costs power and lets dirt in. Riders replace filters on a service schedule, more often when they ride in dust or mud, and some change to a different filter or an air cleaner kit to change the way the engine breathes.
The listings fall into two groups. Dirt bike and ATV filters, such as the pre-oiled and triple-layer filters for Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki, are model-specific, and foam filters are normally cleaned and re-oiled or replaced. For Harley-Davidson, the Big Sucker, Monster Sucker and Inverted Series kits replace the stock air cleaner, and they are listed by year range and finish. Match the filter or kit to your model and year, and check whether it is for a fuel-injected or carbureted bike.
Brands here include Drag Specialties, Arlen Ness, Trask, Twin Air and Moose Offroad. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. Related parts are Air Filter Housings, Intake Covers, Ducts & Scoops and Air Hoses, Lines & Pipes.
FAQs on motorcycle air filters
How often should I change or clean a motorcycle air filter?
Follow the interval in your owner's manual. Ride in dust, mud or sand and you will need to service it more often. Inspect the filter at each oil change, and replace or clean it when it is dirty or damaged.
How do I clean a foam air filter?
Wash it in a filter cleaner or mild soap and water, squeeze it gently without twisting, and let it dry fully. Then apply filter oil evenly and squeeze out the excess. Follow the maker's instructions, and replace the filter if the foam is torn or hard.
What does a pre-oiled air filter mean?
A pre-oiled filter has the filter oil already applied, so it can be installed without oiling it first. When you clean it later, you will need to re-oil it with filter oil made for foam filters. Do not add too much oil.
Will a high-flow air filter or kit change how my bike runs?
It can. More airflow changes the air-to-fuel mixture, so some bikes need different jetting or a fuel map. Check the listing and the maker's advice for your model, and plan on tuning if they say it is needed.
Can I ride with a dirty air filter?
It is not a good idea. A clogged filter restricts airflow and can make the engine run rich, and a filter that is damaged lets dirt into the engine. Service or replace a dirty filter before riding.
