What is the max number of hours you have ridden between air filter cleaning? I ride strictly off road. This early summer we have had a lot of nice weather, but brief periods of rain almost daily. So the trails have generally been perfect, tacky, no dust. My air filters look just fine. In general my rule of thumb has been to clean the air filter about every 10-12 or so hours of riding. It sure looks like I could go longer in these weather conditions.
I just keep an eye on them,if conditions are good ,or you're out front,you get by longer. Also some bikes just seem to get dirty quicker. Cleanings cheap.KP
I'll ride as long as the filter keeps looking relatively clean. One dusty day out and it's time for a cleaning, or a few months of solo riding or riding when there isn't dust.
On our winter (rain season)i clean my filter only few times. During summer usually one longer ride is enough dirt to clean it. Thats why i always have 2 filter elements. I dont worry about hours, i simply look at it when i park the bike, and if its dirty its time for cleaning.
Thanks for the replies! Can you tell I am trying to avoid cleaning my filter before riding this weekend?!
My past changes show a max of about 15 hours in the winter time, it varies from 2 hours to 10 hours... It depends on conditions, I change it out based on how it looks and I have 3 filters so that makes it simple. Later,
That's funny! I'm not quite that bad, but there's some technical merit to not "over-cleaning". About a year or two ago, I read a pretty compelling technical paper on oiled-foam filters. The gist of the article was that filtration was "optimized" when a certain percentage of the foam cells were partially filled with trapped contaminants... i.e. a dirty filter cleans better! Obviously there is a point when too much is bad (airflow is restricted too much) but the data shown in the article was very clear. A freshly cleaned and oiled filter allowed significantly more particle passage than a partially dirty filter. Now... I only wish I could remember the source and where I found it. It may have even been a bike forum... I just can't remember.
I read that about K&N gauze filters, but I think those are too capable of passing dirt most of the time anyway.
I clean mine when they are good and dirty(ie. the filter is varying shades of brown/grey/black), regardless of how long it takes. I use Belray air filter oil and a layer of grease on the rim. The inside of the filter is always clean, even though the outside may look like it has a layer of dried mud on it.
I use Belray to oil my air filters (have three).. At the same time I also Belray oil up a pack of PC Racing Filterskin (sold as a 3 pack).. When the Filterskin is dirty.. You peel off the Filterskin and you still have a clean air filter underneath.. When the air filter is dirty.. Remove it and then install a clean air filter and clean Filterskin combo.. Once I'm done using all three sets.. Wash the three air filters and three Filterskins in kerosene at the same time (once or twice a year)..
Thanks again for all the replies. I rode about 3 hours today, so I figure I have about 17 hours on this filter. Again, no dust today. The filter actually still looks good! It is due for an oil change, so I'll clean the filter this time. Fat Tire Flyer, I like the Filterskin method. It sure sounds like it would simplify maintenance. Since it decreases the number of filter changes there are less opportunities for me to get crud in the intake system.
On my son's 65sx some days I change it 2 times in the same day. 10 minutes in and it has changed color. We have 6 ready in a bag just for him. It's all about conditions. On the huskies I use the ktm pre-filter and can go 3-4 rides before it needs changing. Even in wet conditions the filter may need drying. Having more than one ready is best.
Which product are you using as a pre-filter? http://www.ktmcyclehutt.com/ktm-par...lters-Air-Filter-Accessories&fitment=bigbikes http://www.ktmcyclehutt.com/ktm-par...lters-Air-Filter-Accessories&fitment=bigbikes
For those that are using twin air filters, Twin air now has prefilters for Husky's. http://shops.hookit.com/dominus/ViewCategory.aspx?Category_ID=1392
Interesting! But it looks like the picture is a Honda air filter complete with hole for the mounting screw.
I use a hospital grade air net with motul filter oil as a pre filter during summer. I take it of at the end of the day.and have a clean (ish) filter for the next days ride. Does not seem to make my bike feel starved etc.
