Motorcycle air filters are an essential component of any bike. When functioning correctly, they trap dirt and other particles, preventing them from entering the engine and affecting performance and fuel economy. But what is the best filter for your motorcycle? It all depends on your application. If you're a street cyclist who travels long distances and wants maximum protection, an OEM paper filter is a great choice.
The extended maintenance interval is especially attractive when it's difficult to access the air chamber. On the other hand, if you drive in dusty conditions, have a modified engine, or just don't like the idea of a disposable air filter, an oiled cotton or oiled gauze element is a great option. Each filter style has its own advantages and disadvantages, so now that you know what they are, you can decide which type is right for you. The answer to the question of whether an air filter can improve the performance of a motorcycle is a resounding yes.
By replacing the air filter with a high-performance one, you can change the amount of air (oxygen) that enters the engine and thus improve overall performance and efficiency. It can also help increase the initial acceleration of the bike. So what does an air filter do on a motorcycle? The air filter ensures that the air sucked inside for the combustion of a motorcycle engine is free of contaminants by filtering dust from the air. An air filter will ensure proper functioning of the engine.
Compared to a regular paper filter that charges its surface with dust, there are several layers of fibers to retain dust particles in a high-performance air filter. If you notice a significant decrease in engine performance while driving, be sure to check the air filter. With a paper filter, this would mean that the scooter would not start again, but a greased filter with many small channels through which air passes is no problem. Clean air is essential for optimal fuel combustion and efficient performance.
The motorcycle manual suggests cleaning and replacing the filter at regular intervals. As an added benefit, an air filter that traps all dirt and contaminating debris from the air prevents them from entering the engine, which can damage the internal components of the engine and prematurely shorten its life. To get the best performance and durability from your motorcycle engine, you need to decide whether to replace or keep your old air filter. It ensures that only clean air enters, ensuring that the engine can maintain the optimal fuel/air ratio for proper combustion.
However, in the case of fully faired motorcycles, help from a professional may be necessary since several parts of the motorcycle body need to be disassembled before access to the air filter can be accessed. OEM filters are very effective but their priority is to filter particulates and protect the engine, not to maximize airflow. When the engine is running, the air that enters the airtight motor housing has to pass through the air filter where any unnecessary particles that could damage internal parts of the engine are removed. A carburetor's jets determine the volume of clean, filtered air that mixes with fuel.
Installing a high-performance air filter for motorcycles will ensure that the engine breathes better but there will be no noticeable change in performance unless you modify both fuel and modify both engine and exhaust to increase performance. This type of filter material is used in off-road vehicles because oiled foam can hold a lot of dirt while still flowing well making them ideal for dusty environments where a paper filter would get clogged quickly. Most production motorcycle air filters are placed inside an air chamber which is usually located on either side of the motorcycle near its entry point into the engine's intake mechanism. Talk to your mechanic or check your motorcycle manual for service requirements.
