Author Topic: What AIR Filters do you use?  (Read 4664 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Six

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 26
  • Lucy - CB750F Cafe Racer
    • Motorcycle Diary
What AIR Filters do you use?
« on: April 19, 2005, 10:08:28 PM »
I just did a quick comparison of what's available on E-bay to put in the stock airbox and here is what I found:

Stock filters: $15 - $25
UNI Foam Filters: $25 - $35
Reusable "Power filter" - K&N type $25 - $35

Presumably, the UNI or K&N cost more because they are a Premium brand that can be reused and give better air flow.

My question is this: if it flows better, does it not also mean it filters less?  Second: if it's reusable, do I really want to bet my motorcycle performance on my ability to clean things?

All experienced opinions are welcome - Six: Minneapolis.

Offline Einyodeler

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,029
  • Midnight bugs taste best!!!
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2005, 11:45:32 PM »
I`ve been using Uni foam filters on my street and dirt bikes for years now.Very simple maintenance, just wash out with warm  soapy water then let dry and reoil with filter oil from a spray can.They actually flow more and filter better :)
1972 CB500 - 1973 CB500 - 1974 CB550K - 1975 CB550F - 1975 CB750F - 1976 CJ360 - 1983 CR480 - 1970 BSA A65T Thunderbolt



Download Motorcycle Shop Manuals here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=17788.0

Offline Harry

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 387
    • CB500F
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2005, 12:24:21 AM »
Foam cut to fit stock filter.
Harry Teicher, member #3,  Denmark....no, NOT the capital of Sweden.

Offline mick750F

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,395
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2005, 02:00:43 AM »
   I've been using a K&N filter but after stumbling onto some testing of filters while researching air intakes for my truck I'm switching back to the stock filter. The testing showed that the K&N allowed a lot of particulate matter to pass through. Could be why the oil in my old truck always seemed dirty after 3,000 miles.

Mike

  
« Last Edit: April 20, 2005, 02:33:41 AM by mick750F »
'
Glosta, MA
It's not the heat...it's the humanity.

Offline mcpuffett

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,354
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2005, 02:13:49 AM »
hi, i use a filter same as k&n's you wash off in petrol blow through with air line and re oil,also had to up jet can't remember to what size and i also run a straight through pipe found it breathes a lot better with this set up,  been like this for ten years or more ;D mick.
Honda CB750 KO 1970,   Honda VTX 1300 2006, Lancaster England.

Ibsen

  • Guest
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2005, 06:44:03 AM »
I'm using the stock filter, assuming that the bike will run best the way it was set up by Mr. Honda. ;D

Offline cben750f0

  • nothin draws attention like a classic bike!!
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,612
  • '75 CB750F0 Gladstone NQLD OZ
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2005, 06:57:13 AM »
uni filter.. and had to change the jetting... its one of those things... want to get more performance... there has to be sacrifice somewere....peace
you are never to old, to act like a kid... be safe
funny thing,chasing someone down hill on a bike 30 years older than theirs..
he said \\\\\\\'it was like watching a 250kg unguided weapon getting stuck up you bum\\\\\\\ http://www.bikepics.com/members/trixtrem/

Offline mcpuffett

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,354
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2005, 08:22:08 AM »
when mr honda built these bikes he left a little power hidden ,ha ha but with the help of bolt on goodies you can find it  ;) mick.
Honda CB750 KO 1970,   Honda VTX 1300 2006, Lancaster England.

Ibsen

  • Guest
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2005, 08:51:25 AM »
Indeed Mr. Honda did leave a little to play with for those who want's to follow that route.
But the stock set up is more suited for my commuting. :)

ThomasJ

  • Guest
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2005, 10:01:29 AM »
l. The oil is what gives you the protection on uni foam and K&N filters. Without it they will pass a ton of dust and dirt. If you use them make sure you ALWAYS use oil. Hope this helps. 
« Last Edit: April 20, 2005, 10:04:08 AM by ThomasJ »

thirdman

  • Guest
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2005, 10:04:11 AM »
What Mr. Honda left out, Mr. Yoshimura makes available.

Ibsen

  • Guest
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2005, 11:01:19 AM »
Sorry about the joke in my first post. 8)
What I should have said is that I don't disagree about improving the power, and using air filters that gives a better air flow.  :)
But the way I use my bike, commuting is one of them, with a lot of cold weather starting, and with all the fine dust we have on the roads in the spring, I prefer the stock airbox and filter for maximum protection against the dust.

Offline n9viw

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 160
  • Floyd, '76 CB550k
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2005, 11:36:07 AM »
I spent the big bucks and got the K&N pod filter kit for my 550k. I use K&Ns in all my Jeeps, and there IS a difference. As for the "particulate matter", it's usually owing to one of three things: 1) not oiling the element, 2) OVER oiling the element (oil droplets are pulled off the media and deposited as "particulate" in the intake), or 3) Using pressurized air to dry them, which blows holes thru the media thru which dirty air can pass.
I've never had a problem with mine, and do notice a difference in performance. I've rejetted to compensate, and don't mind the little extra maintenance once every month or so.
Nick

'76 Honda CB550k
'73 Honda CB750k

eldar

  • Guest
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2005, 02:04:35 PM »
has anyone used the honda power filters that are supposed to be like the K&N?

Offline heffay

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,874
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2005, 06:33:34 PM »
have used all said filters on various bikes (yz250, ktm/exc125, ex500, sho)

you! are your filter's best defense!  take care of it and it will take care of your engine. 
Today: '73 cb350f, '96 Ducati 900 Supersport
Past Rides: '72 tc125, '94 cbr600f2, '76 rd400, '89 ex500, '93 KTM-125exc, '92 zx7r, '93 Banshee, '83 ATC250R, 77/75 cb400f

Offline Six

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 26
  • Lucy - CB750F Cafe Racer
    • Motorcycle Diary
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #15 on: April 20, 2005, 06:43:33 PM »
Thank you all for your comments!  I'm going to stick with the stock for now, I don't trust my ability to clean and oil properly, and it sounds like that is the key to making reusable filters work.

Six - Minneapolis.

Offline heffay

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,874
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #16 on: April 20, 2005, 06:52:10 PM »
what!  six... come on now.  go out there and yank those filters if you wanna.  follow directions and thats all there is to it.  it really is in your best interest to know what makes your bike go and what doesn't.  if you tune your bike... you are in tune with your bike.
Today: '73 cb350f, '96 Ducati 900 Supersport
Past Rides: '72 tc125, '94 cbr600f2, '76 rd400, '89 ex500, '93 KTM-125exc, '92 zx7r, '93 Banshee, '83 ATC250R, 77/75 cb400f

speedy550

  • Guest
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #17 on: April 21, 2005, 06:35:45 AM »
   I've been using a K&N filter but after stumbling onto some testing of filters while researching air intakes for my truck I'm switching back to the stock filter. The testing showed that the K&N allowed a lot of particulate matter to pass through. Could be why the oil in my old truck always seemed dirty after 3,000 miles.

Mike

  
Just an added note, particles let in my a airfilter should not dirty your oil.... if it is you have major issues.-darren

Offline mick750F

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,395
Re: What AIR Filters do you use?
« Reply #18 on: April 21, 2005, 10:31:39 AM »
   I've been using a K&N filter but after stumbling onto some testing of filters while researching air intakes for my truck I'm switching back to the stock filter. The testing showed that the K&N allowed a lot of particulate matter to pass through. Could be why the oil in my old truck always seemed dirty after 3,000 miles.

Mike

  
Just an added note, particles let in my a airfilter should not dirty your oil.... if it is you have major issues.-darren

   I can't agree with that statement Darren. Any product of combustion is a source of oil contamination whatever the condition of the engine. The only source? Not at all, but definately a contributing factor. As for what filter one uses...it's all a matter of personal choice.

Mike

   
'
Glosta, MA
It's not the heat...it's the humanity.