Topic: Replace stock filter with foam?

[Harry]

Is it possible (recommendable) to remove the paper from the air filter and replace it with a pice of foam cut to the right size and "squeezed" with oil?

[SteveD CB500F]

K&N used to make a washable replacement for the stock item. Best of both worlds.

Don't know if you can still get them though.

[cben750f0]

you can still get UNI filters off ebay, new in plastic wrap... washable, am running one in the F1... looks like good quality, and again, you can wash it and reuse it... nice.... may need to jet it up though... peace

[Ibsen]

If you are to replace the paper with foam, you will have to find a type of foam that have enough air flow, and will filter properly at the same time. However it is possible on some filters to cut awy the old paper and replace it with airfilter paper from a car filter. But again, the problem is finding a paper with enough air flow. The paper in car filters are often a bit more restricted than in MC filters.
The UNI or KN washable filters for the stock airbox, is a very good alternative. They offer better airflow than the stock filter, without the disasvantages of the pod filters.

[Einyodeler]

Hey Harry
I`ve been running Uni filters on my bikes for years and you can`t beat them,just wash them out and reoil and they are like new.You can buy the foam matting in sheets and make your own,I`ve had to do that quite a few times on some of my older machines that you can`t get parts for anymore.The important thing is to get some chicken wire or likewise and form that along the inside of the matting so the foam doesn`t get sucked in to the carbs,ask me how I know
Cheers,Stephan

[cben750f0]

ok how do you know    

[Dennis]

K&N are available for the 750's, just bought one not too long ago. Don't seem toi be available for the 500's though and I think that Harry has a 500!?
As mentioned UNI is available brand new for the 500/550. Might be exactly what you are looking for!

[fergie]

Harry,I actually tried to do this about 2 weeks ago,I needed a new filter and was going to replace it with a uni or K&N filter,but I did not know if I needed to re jet the carbs or not , I really didn't want the hassle,so I  bought a new filter from honda. Just for kicks, I cut the paper out of the old filter to see if I could replace it with some uni foam I had around the shop.Well, this experiment did not go well at all. After cutting the paper out of the housing what remained was a thick yellow glue that is impossible to get off.If I could get that glue off I could probobly make it work, but with it on, I don't think it would be a smooth enough surface to glue the new foam to.Anyway the new filter works great so it all turned out well.the old filter is in the trash. Good Luck ,Fergie.

[Kevin D]

After my 30 year old foam air filter deteriorated, I went to the local Sears and got a tractor filter that was just a little bit bigger. I cut it to size, glued it with Pliobond contact cement, and fit it over the old frame..  That was about 3 years ago, and it works fine.

[Harry]

Well, I cut out the paper filter element and the housing fell apart in my hands. Obviously, the paper/glue holds everything together. Found a nice thick piece of foam from a parcel I hade received earlier & cut to size. Oiled foam, fitted everything together w/out glue as the airbox is so snug it holds the whole filter together. Seems to work ok.....

[cben750f0]

harry you want to be carefull your motor dont suck up the foam... thas what the mesh is there for.... beware... peace