Testing Different Motorcycle Air Filters

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drneo66

Active member

• Feb 28, 2019

• #1

I see that BestRest Products did some very thorough testing on six different types of air filters. (BMW, Hiflow, Mahle, Guglatech Wet/Dry, K&N, and Uni Wet). As always, Dave from BestRest Products is informational, but keeps it light and fun

My takeaway was that the inexpensive filters that I purchase from Beemerboneyard (Mahle) do very well for my on-street application. If I was going to go for some medium-distance off-road rides, I could still get away with a paper filter or a dry Guglatech. If I was going to go long distance off-road riding, it'd be better off using an oiled Guglatech, having the proper cleaner/oils to renew it as needed. YMMV!

 

dieselyoda

Active member

• Feb 28, 2019

• #2

Google, "over servicing air filters".

 

riderr1150gsadv

Well-known member

• Mar 1, 2019

• #3

After seeing this, it confirmed that my purchases of Mahle filters over the years was pretty good.

 

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BC1100S

Left Coast Rider

• Mar 1, 2019

• #4

I quite enjoyed that.

 

The_Veg

D'OH!

• Mar 2, 2019

• #5

Only skimmed through it but I recall reading an analysis somewhere that found that good old paper filters stay more consistent in their airflow over their lifespan than cleanable types.

 

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drneo66

Active member

• Mar 2, 2019

• #6

Minute 23ish is where he summarizes the results

 

7

72r60/7

13278

• Mar 3, 2019

• #7

If you are using a whole can of K&N oil to treat 1 filter (any average motorcycle filter?) then you are using WAY TOO MUCH oil !

If you are plugging your more expensive dry ? (unoiled filter ?) against a filter (K&N) that was not treated with oil per instructions, then it ruined the objectivity in my opinion.

Thanks drneo66 for “cutting to the chase”.

Charlie

 

pglaves

#13338

• Mar 3, 2019

• #8

My BMW bikes all use OEM filters. Our Yamaha and Kawasaki dirt bikes used oiled filters. I think the reasons are obvious. Street riding allows the OEM filter to last a very long time with an occasional remove, bang on the work bench and reinstall. A little gentle use of an air hose can also work wonders.

On the other hand dirt bikes are intended to operate in a totally different environment and periodic cleaning and oiling makes sense. YMMV

 

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drneo66

Active member

• Mar 4, 2019

• #9

72r60/7 said:

If you are using a whole can of K&N oil to treat 1 filter (any average motorcycle filter?) then you are using WAY TOO MUCH oil !

Charlie

Click to expand...

I don't think he used an entire can on one filter - the video shows him spraying each filter at minute ~10:30, unless I missed something??

 

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72r60/7

13278

• Mar 4, 2019

• #10

Yes drneo66 you are correct. I was wrong.

I went back and watched the review again and the reviewer did not imply that you needed a can of oil for each treatment as I had thought.

Oops again,

Charlie

 

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drneo66

Active member

• Mar 14, 2019

• #11

I always appreciate someone who learns and grows.

Dave is back with another video after talking with the former head of research/development at K&N. Interesting!