ness of the filter. Foam filter oil is
used not only to catch dirt, but is es-
sential to maximizing air flow through
the foam pores."
While we prefer liquid, foam filter
oils do also come in aerosol form. If
using these, be sure to coat both the
inner and outer surfaces of the filter
generously. Let the filter set for three
to five minutes and then massage the
oil into the foam. If your filter has two
elements, be sure to oil both layers
with oil. TwinAir does not recommend
leaving any part of the filter dry. Twi-
nAir and Filter Skins also offer outer
covers that slip over the entire foam
element to help keep debris such as
sand from building up.
When reinstalling the filter, clean
the inside walls of the airbox first.
And check the intake tract one last
time. If you feel any kind of grit, then
it is very important to wipe it
completely clean. And don't
forget to remove the rag!
Some prefer to coat the
base of the air filter that
rests against the airbox
with grease to form a dust-
proof seal, but if the foam
filter is fully submerged in oil,
the sealing ring portion of the filter
will have oil on it, and once mated to
the airbox will form its own oil barrier much like
grease. After reinstalling and tightening the filter
cage fastener(s), run your fingers around the en-
tire perimeter of the base to make sure the filter is
flush with the air boot.
Cotton-gauze filters (usually found in street
bikes) require different cleaning methods.
Degreasing solvents shouldn't be used to clean
these kinds of filters. Instead, specially designed
cotton-gauze filter detergents should be used.
After thoroughly cleaning the filter with detergent
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
P74
HOW-TO
and letting it dry naturally, filter oil
should then be applied by applying
oil on the filter and letting it soak
in. Cotton filter manufactur-
ers are the best source of
detailed instructions here as
they vary slightly in recom-
mendations.
If your motorcycle has a
paper-type filter, maintenance
is greatly simplified—just throw
away the old filter and install a new one.
That's it. There's no proper way to clean a paper
filter. Although many people believe that blowing
high-pressure air through it will do the trick, this is not
true. Even though some of the dirt does become dis-
lodged, the high-pressure stream of air also enlarges
the filtering holes, thus reducing its effectiveness.
How often should you inspect your filter? Often.
Especially for dirt bikes. Riding in dry and dusty con-
ditions, you probably should just go ahead and clean
the filter after every ride, otherwise keep a close
eye on it. When in doubt, clean your motorcycle's air
filter often. Better safe than sorry. CN
(Right) No-Toil offers a
biodegradable option
to traditional oil. It is
a non-petroleum oil
and cleaning system
that does not use
solvents, just hot
water and cleaning
product. If you choose
this option, it is best to
start with a new filter
that has never had
traditional oil on it.
(Below) If you don't
want to deal with the
hassle of cleaning
your air filters, Maxima
Profilter offers Ready-
to Use foam filters
for $10.95 to $14.95.
They are pre-oiled with
Maxima FFT filter oil
and designed to just
be replaced.
