How to Keep Your Motorcycle Air Filter in Top Shape

Motorcycle air filters are an essential part of your bike. When working properly, an air filter traps dirt and other particles, preventing them from entering the engine. When an air filter is clogged or dirty, it can affect engine performance and fuel economy. So how often should you change your motorcycle's air filter? The frequency will depend to a large extent on the type of bicycle you have in the conditions in which you drive. If you're going to take the trouble (and expense) of changing the oil, it's always worth changing the filter as well.

There are numerous special tools to help you remove the oil filter, such as the large bushing type (some filters come attached with a nut on the back so that they can be removed with a regular plug) or the sling type, but if you don't have one of them, a large set of gland pliers usually will do. Failing that, there is always the Southern approach, which consists of driving a screwdriver through the filter body and using it as a lever to help you unscrew it. Make sure the oil collection pan is underneath, as you may lose some oil when removing the filter. When a foam filter becomes dirty enough to dry all of the oil, dusty air may enter the foam and enter the engine. If you like the idea of having a little extra security on your filter, attach the Jubilee clip to the filter, as close to the engine as possible.

Make sure that the filter mating surface on the engine is clean and free of any debris that may affect the seal, and then place the filter tightly, trying not to spill oil through it. Finally, remove the protective towels from the air box, reinsert the cotton filter and fix the cover over the box. Another, often predominant, reason why riders install an aftermarket filter is to get more power from their engine. If your bike is idling sharply and seems to have lost its performance advantage, the problem can be as simple as changing the air filter. So a big drawback is that they are restrictive, at least compared to “high flow performance” filters. Whether you have a cruiser bike or prefer a sports bike, the air filter needs to be changed or cleaned on a regular maintenance cycle.

If you've never owned a bicycle before, changing your air filter is something you can easily forget. My 72 tractor still in operation will attest to the fact that this is an effective system for filtering a LOT of dirt and debris. If you're looking for an alternative to disposable foam filters, an element of oiled cotton or greased gauze is a great option. To learn more about motorcycle air filters, talk to an expert expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. This will make it work better, so that it empties more efficiently. However, be careful, if you start your bike inside a garage or workshop, make sure it is well ventilated, because if carbon monoxide kills you, who will change your oil? As the engine heats up, it's a good idea to remove part of the body so that you can easily access the crankcase cap and oil filter.

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