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You probably already know that every internal combustion engine requires air in order to work. The air goes in and out, allowing the engine to work as a pump.
However, the air that it takes is almost always dirty as it’s mixed with debris and dust. As such, it can easily damage your cylinder walls and piston rings.
For this reason, you need a great motorcycle air filter to trap the dust and dirt, preventing it from reaching the engine.
Take a few minutes to discover the best filters and how to choose one using the information in our buyer’s guide.
8 Highest Rated Motorcycle Air Filters
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Baitaihem  | Baitaihem Features: Secure mounting Size: 52 or 54 mm | Check Price |
K&N  | K&N Features: Pre-oiled, fits three flange diameters Size: 4 inch | Check Price |
Farmunion  | Farmunion Features: Easy mounting, highly compatible Size: 54 mm | Check Price |
MUYI  | Features: Four in a pack, durable steel mesh Size: 39, 50, 52, 54, 60 mm | Check Price |
Spectre Performance  | Spectre Performance Features: Washable and reusable, improves airflow, acceleration, and power Size: 76 mm | Check Price |
ESUPPORT  | ESUPPORT Features: Washable and reusable, fine, non-woven fabric Size: 50 mm | Check Price |
XtremeAmazing  | XtremeAmazing Features: Washable and reusable, the best for Honda Size: 42 mm | Check Price |
QAZAKY  | QAZAKY Features: Easily to install, made of metal and plastic Material: 38, 39, and 40mm | Check Price |
Baitaihem – Secure Mounting
These air cleaners are among the most durable and resistant options out there. They’re made of sturdy materials, featuring a chrome coating for some added resistance to rust and other signs of wear.
The rubber mount is ribbed internally to allow secure mounting. But, remember that the inner diameter is 50 mm.
These come in several sizes, meaning that you can easily find one that fits your bike. Even the 50mm cleaners work for most motorcycles, but make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
The 50mm cleaners have an overall length of 85mm and a width of 75mm. They come in a package of two and are easy to use and clean.
They’re designed to trap fine dust debris, preventing it from reaching your engine. As such, they help prolong the life of your motorcycle.
PROS
- A package of two
- Secure mounting
- Fit nearly all bikes
CONS
- Might require some glue depending on your bike
K&N – Universal
If you’re looking for a universal piece, we suggest you check this K&N cleaner. It provides supreme filtration while allowing 50% more airflow for increased power and acceleration.
It comes pre-oiled and features a simple clamp-on design that makes it easy to install even if you don’t have much experience. It comes with instructions that are easy to follow too.
Another thing worth noting is that this one is eco-friendly and reusable. You can remove and wash it whenever you think it’s getting clogged. This way, you’re helping to reduce waste while also saving money on endless replacements.
K&N protects your engine from harmful contaminants, providing up to 50,000 miles before it requires cleaning. Plus, the cleaning process is quite simple and only takes a few minutes.
PROS
- Reusable
- Pre-oiled
- Fits three flange diameters
CONS
- Limited compatibility
Farmunion – Washable
Farmunion is a good choice if you’re looking for a value package and a highly compatible filter. The package includes four 54mm cleaners that have clamps for easier installation.
These are the best for Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki bikes but fit a wide range of other motorcycles as well. However, in this case, they might require some modification.
It’s important to note that these aren’t oiled. They come completely dry, and it’s up to you to oil each, depending on whether you’ll use them all.
Nonetheless, the cleaners are washable and reusable, which means they’re eco-friendly and also more cost-efficient than disposable ones.
Each piece consists of metal combined with rubber connectors for easier mounting. Still, we suggest you measure your previous cleaner to see if the size is the same and to make sure these will fit.
PROS
- Highly compatible
- Easy mounting
- Reusable design
CONS
- Might be too thin for some
MUYI – Ideal for Dirt Bikes
Muyi is another great option if you’re looking for a cost-efficient deal for your dirt bike. The package includes four 60mm air filters that measure 2.36 inches in diameter.
The filter is 3.5 inches tall and has an outside diameter of approximately 2 inches. The outside diameter of the base is approximately 3 inches. Use these dimensions to check your old one so that you can be sure about the fitment.
It’s made of durable steel mesh with a mushroom head for some added efficiency. It does a great job of trapping fine dust and debris that would otherwise end up in your engine.
Also, each piece has molded pliable rubber flanges that are super-strong and help to absorb as much vibration as possible. Keep in mind that these are universal, although we suggest you check fitment nonetheless.
PROS
- Four in a pack
- Durable steel mesh
- Fits most dirt bikes
CONS
- Difficult-to-remove holo-stickers on the back
Spectre Performance – High Performance
Spectre Performance might be your best choice if you’re looking for a highly compatible high-performance air cleaner.
It’s engineered to provide up to 50% more airflow than most similar cleaners, helping to increase your power and acceleration.
Also, this one is pretty simple to install, and you probably won’t need any help with the process. It’s a washable and reusable product, which means it’s also more eco-friendly and cost-efficient than disposable models.
Plus, it’s easy to clean as well, although you probably won’t have to do that until you reach 50,000 miles under regular highway conditions.
This is a non-woven synthetic cleaner that protects your engine from dust, dirt, and debris, helping to prolong the life of your vehicle and offering a smooth riding experience.
PROS
- Washable and reusable
- High-performance design
- Improves airflow, acceleration, and power
CONS
- Some people feel it’s too oiled
ESUPPORT – High Quality
Esupport is a well-known name in the industry, so it’s no surprise you see it on our list. These high-quality cleaners come in a pack of four, offering versatility and ease of use.
Each cleaner has an inner diameter of 50mm and is universal when it comes to car air intake piping. Still, we suggest you check fitment when it comes to using it on motorcycles.
It’s compatible with most bikes, but it’s always better to check whether or not it will fit before you purchase it.
It’s designed to boost engine horsepower and torque output, allowing more air in. However, it only allows clean air to enter, trapping all the fine dust and particles that would otherwise end up in the engine.
Its quality construction features reliable materials that provide durability and efficiency.
PROS
- Adjustable clamp included
- Washable and reusable
- Fine, non-woven fabric
CONS
- Not as universal
XtremeAmazing – Adjustable
XtremeAmazing is worth your attention if you’re looking for a high-performance filter that fits most motorcycles. This is one of the most versatile and compatible models that’s often the best for Honda bikes.
Still, you should check the size of your previous cleaner to see if the two match. This one has an inner diameter of 42mm and has a 45-degree bend inlet.
The 360-degree air intake allows increased airflow, helping to improve acceleration and power. It traps dirt, debris, and dust, preventing it from reaching the engine.
It also comes with an adjustable clamp so that you can mount it easily. Although it’s usually the best for Honda bikes, you can definitely use it on other motorcycles as well.
PROS
- Affordable
- Washable and reusable
- The best for Honda
CONS
- Needs oiling before use
QAZAKY – Ideal for Off-Road
If you love off-road adventures and enjoy riding on dirty terrain, you probably know the struggle of clogged air cleaners. If that’s the case, we suggest you try the Qazaky model.
It’s a high-performance air cleaner that fits most motorcycles with 38, 39, and 40mm engine inlet. It fits ATVs, scooters, go-karts, dirt bikes, racing motorcycles, as well as nearly all Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki bikes.
It’s made for small to medium engine sizes, fitting most carburetors. Still, it’s better to check if it will fit by comparing its size to the size of the filter you already have.
It comes with an adjustable clamp and is made of quality materials. It will last you a long time, increasing torque, gas mileage and horsepower.
PROS
- Easily to install
- Made of metal and plastic
- Fits most bikes
CONS
- Some people received a damaged product
How to Choose an Air Filter for Your Bike Online
Type
You should first choose between several types of air filters before moving on to other buying factors. In most cases, the type you’ll choose depends on the particular bike you ride as well as the riding conditions you usually meet.
The three types are pleated cotton, pleated paper, and sponge or foam cleaners. These are the most popular and generally easy to use as long as you go for the one that fits you the best.
Ease of Installation
As we said, motorcycle air filters are pretty easy to install. However, you may not find the process as simple if it’s your first time doing this.
Luckily, most cleaners come with instructions, making it easy to install and maintain the product. If you didn’t receive any instructions, we suggest you have a professional help you with installing an air cleaner.
In most cases, filter replacement is rather affordable.
Ease of Maintenance
Ease of maintenance is another thing you should focus on as well. The last thing you want is a clogged filter, which is precisely why maintenance is as important.
How you’ll maintain it depends on the type. Keep in mind that some are disposable, while others are washable and reusable.
Most types come with instructions on how to install and maintain the filter, so make sure to use that information.
Durability
Durability is always important when buying replacement parts for your motorcycle, and it’s no different when it comes to air cleaners.
Paper is usually the weaker material, although a quality-made product can last a long time because these are usually reusable.
Other types, such as cotton and sponge are also quite durable, depending on the quality of manufacturing. Make sure to consider all parts of your filter to determine its resistance and durability.
Pricing
Generally, filters aren’t expensive, but they do range in price depending on the brand, type, ease of installation, and several other things.
Brands that are more popular are usually also more reliable thus have more expensive products. Still, you can find a quality-made filter at a rather affordable price.
Make sure to have a budget in mind before setting off to find a cleaner for your motorcycle.
What Does an Air Filter Do?
You need to protect your engine regardless of whether you ride across off-road terrain or a paved road. And that’s exactly what an air cleaner does by preventing dust, dirt, and debris from entering your engine.
These are made of different materials such as resin-infused pleated paper or sponge. Some have more than just one layer, capturing even the tiniest particles that would otherwise mess with your bike’s performance.
Instead, the dirt is built up in the filter, after which you have to either clean or replace it. It’s an essential part of every motorcycle, especially if you’re looking to improve power and acceleration.
Different Types
Pleated Paper
Pleated paper cleaners are usually not reusable because the paper is tricky to clean, especially if there’s a lot of dirt built-up.
However, you can maybe use it twice if you manage to clean it without damaging it. Use compressed air, blasting it through the back to remove dust and dirt.
Keep in mind that any contact with water or oil will damage the paper.
Sponge/Foam
Sponge and foam filters are reusable and easy to clean. These are more durable and resistant than paper ones, allowing you to clean them with soap or another cleaning solution.
One thing you should keep in mind is that it has to be absolutely dry before you put it back on your bike. Inspect it for damage, and make sure to replace it if it’s showing signs of wear and tear.
Pleated Cotton Fibers
An air cleaner made of pleated cotton fibers is equally as simple to clean. You can use soap or another solvent to remove the grime that’s built up.
Make sure to rinse it well and let it air dry before you reinstall it into your bike. Connect the filter, check the O-ring as well as all the screws before riding the motorcycle.
How To Clean It?
As we said, an air filter serves to protect your engine, keeping the dust, dirt, and debris away. It’s a fine mesh that’s often made of paper, cotton, or sponge, trapping these particles before they reach the engine.
All that dirt that didn’t reach the engine is now trapped in the filter. Over time, it’s going to build up even more, eventually clogging it.
At some point, the filter will lose its efficiency due to excessive dirt built-up. You’ll have to clean it when that happens, or you won’t be able to enjoy your rides as much from that point on.
Why Should I Clean My Air Filter?
How you’ll clean the filter depends very much on the type you have. As we said, those made of paper aren’t the easiest to clean without breaking them.
Still, a sponge or foam filter is pretty simple to wash and reinstall. Access it and inspect the amount of dirt.
Remove large clumps of dirt so that they don’t reach into the air boot. Once you do that, you can proceed to wash the piece following the instructions you received from the manufacturer.
Make sure to rinse it well, allowing it to dry thoroughly before placing it back into your motorcycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best motorcycle air filter for Harley Davidson?
Finding the best air filter for Harley Davidson is pretty simple because the market offers plenty of models. These products are usually made specifically for Harley motorcycles, so it’s unlikely you can go wrong.
Still, some of the ones we reviewed above are equally as suitable, so make sure to consider them.
How often should you replace a motorcycle air filter?
In most cases, you should clean or replace your filter after 50,000 miles. However, this largely depends on the type you have as well as road and riding conditions.
The best is to check the filter occasionally. This way, you’ll notice whenever the air cleaner needs replacing regardless of how long you’ve been using it.
Are filters universal?
Although some filters are universal, most aren’t. For this reason, you should always check whether the one you’re interested in will fit your motorcycle.
The best way to do this is by either contacting the manufacturer or comparing that filter to the one you already have.
Conclusion
At this point, you probably understand why this little piece of paper or foam is as critical for your bike’s performance.
Although it’s rather small and inexpensive, it’s crucial to protect your engine, improving its performance and prolonging its life.
However, it can only do so if it fits your bike as well as the road conditions you typically ride under. For this reason, consider each piece we reviewed using the information in our buyer’s guide.
These buying factors can make it easier for you to decide on one of these filters, offering durability, longevity, and best performance.
