Performance upgrades come along with the passion for Harleys. Roaring sound of Harley Davidson, classic design, and unmatched ride quality make it a favorite of both casual riders as well as an enthusiast biker. One of the simplest, yet most effective upgrades you can do to a Harley is installing a high flow air filter for Harley. The upgrade lets more air into the engine, thereby resulting in a higher combustion rate, bringing out the horsepower, and increase overall performance. We’re going a little deeper into how the high flow air filters work for Harley, what the benefits and varieties available are, installation, and much more.
The Basics of a High Flow Air Filter for Harley
This implies an air filter will allow clean air into the engine while rejecting all such harmful particles, dust, debris, etc. In an internal combustion engine, it is just the air mixed with fuel that is what provides the explosive force; hence the force moving the pistons and advancing a motorcycle. The cleaner the combustion of the engine, the more air it will be able to ingest. That’s exactly where the high flow air filter for Harley comes in.
Standard Harley-Davidson air filters-they are good for keeping out contaminants, but they do limit airflow because they use the densest material they could possibly get and just have a very small surface area. A high-flow air filter for Harley is engineered to allow more volume through while still filtering-out contaminants with excellent quality. The outcome will be an efficient engine that can produce more power using the same amount of fuel.
Several Benefits of High Flow Air Filter to Harley
First of all, a high flow air filter for Harley enhances airflow. Apart from this factor, a high flow air filter to Harley boasts several other advantages. Here’s the list of major benefits one can enjoy by having replaced this performance-enhancing component:
- Horsepower and torque booster
The short-term gains of the high flow air filter to Harley include increased horsepower. More air allowed into the engine improves the air-fuel ratio, and combustion is very efficient. Therefore, it comes with higher horsepower as well as torque, especially when working at higher RPMs in improving the engine’s air requirement. This can make all the difference for spirited riders, in terms of how the bike then goes to accelerate and carry its handling. The engine has to do less work in order to produce power; hence the ride will be smoother and more snaps-like.
- Improved Throttle Response
A high flow air filter for Harley offers your engine more air with less effort, so improving throttle response. You will feel your bike respond quickly to throttle twists at acceleration, both from standstill or when overtaking on the highway. It is this quick throttle response that brings a lot of benefit for riders who like to be in control of their motorcycle.
- Better Fuel Efficiency
Most performance upgrades actually decrease gas mileage, but a high flow air filter on a Harley-Davidson is not one of them; in fact, your gas mileage may improve. The logic here is pretty simple: you’re allowing the engine to burn fuel more efficiently if it receives an increase in air because this allows for better combustion with less waste of that fuel. The benefits, under normal riding conditions, would include a high flow of air filter, which will offer you more miles per gallon; naturally, this is always something extra for long-distance riders.
- Cleaner and Cooler Engine Operation
Their engines tend to overheat since they have to work harder to produce power while running under restricted airflow. You reduce the amount of workload on your engine, making it operate cooler and cleaner, by installing a high flow air filter for Harley. Thus, this can make your life longer in terms of engine longevity, wear out fewer parts inside, and make it run smoother.
- Long-term Durability
Most Harley high flow air filters come as reusable products. Unlike the paper-type filters that are to be replaced often, most high flow filters are made of cotton gauze or synthetic fibers that can be washed and re-oiled. This, therefore, makes it more of a durable option for Harley riders who want lengthy performance without having to replace the air filter quite frequently.
How does a High Flow Air Filter Work
A high flow air filter for Harley will improve the intake of air using materials that provide lesser resistance to airflow. Unlike tightly packed paper in standard filters, these ones use cotton or synthetic fibers in an oiled design. The oil-based coating traps dirt and particles but allows a higher volume of air to pass through.
The more the air, the better the burn. The higher the rate of oxygen into the combustion chamber yields higher combustion efficiency and therefore higher power. This may prove especially useful for Harley-Davidson since these engines are boomerangs for large displacement and enormous potential for output.
Oiled vs. Dry Filters
Most Harley high-flow filters come in two designs: oiled and dry.
- Pre-oiled is the most common and effective. Air filters are pre-oiled to trap dust and debris while allowing maximum airflow. On reaching a certain mileage, you clean the filter, apply oil, and continue to use it. The perfect type for riders wanting to optimize performance and are willing to undertake regular maintenance.
- Dry oil air filters do not have to be oiled, and are actually easier to care for, but they may not filter nearly as well as their oiled siblings. They are a good option for riders who want a maintenance-free solution, but are looking for a small improvement over the stock filter.
Both types of filters will flow better than the standard filter, although oiled filters tend to offer better performance improvements for the rider who enjoys the Harley.
Types of High Flow Air Filters for Harley
When choosing a high flow air filter for Harley, it is important to understand the types available and what each type does to performance. Here are some common types:
Cone-Shaped High Flow Air Filters
Cone-shaped filters maximize the surface area and allow for the maximum airflow possible. The conical design means that they provide a huge filtering area without consuming much space. Cone filters are one of the most popular choices among performance-driven Harley riders who feel maximum gains in horsepower and throttle response.
Round Air Filters
High-flow round air filters are one of the most popular Harley-Davidson motorcycle air filters. In fact, they fit directly in the stock airbox or aftermarket housing and balance out increased airflow with good filtration efficiency. The perfect choice for most Harley riders who want a simple, effective performance upgrade.
Custom Air Filters w/ Housing
Some high flow air filters for Harley come with custom housing that targets better performance with a great aesthetic appeal on the bike. Such air filters may have a chrome or black finish and may make the Harley stylish while at the same time imparting better airflow.
Panel Air Filters
Less often seen on Harleys, panel air filters come in some models. These are rectangular and square in shape, and fit directly into the stock airbox without any need for modification. While not as flow friendly as cone or round filters, they still provide an important performance change from stock filters.
How to fit a high-flow air filter on Harley
High flow air filter for Harley installation is not really complicated and most riders can complete it inside their workshop. Here’s the step-by-step process in installing a high flow filter.
Tools You Will Require:
- Screwdriver
- Allen wrench, only if the design will necessitate its use to open the air filter cover
- Shop towels, for cleaning
- Air filter oil, if using an oiled filter
Steps:
- Remove Stock Air Filter Cover: This involves the removal of the air filter cover for your Harley. Mostly, covers are held in place with one or two screws and a few bolts. Use proper tools to remove them and put the cover aside.
- You should now see the stock air filter since you took off the cover. Carefully take it out and you should be able to inspect for some dirt/debris inside the airbox. Use a shop towel to clean it up.
- Install High Flow Air Filter: Put your high flow air filter for Harley in the airbox and make sure it fits in there very tightly. Make sure if you will be using an oiled filter, enough oil is applied before installing.
- Install the Air Filter Cover: Once the new filter has been installed into place, install the air filter cover. Ensure that all screws or bolts are well tightened.
- Perform an Engine Test: Start the bike. Listen for unusual sounds. Immediately, throttle response will improve, especially if you take the bike out for a short test ride.
Maintenance and Care of Harley High Flow Air Filter
One of the benefits that a high-flow air filter for Harley owns is its durability. But to keep it in good shape and ensure your bike delivers its best performance, proper and regular maintenance is called for. Here are some tips:
- Clean the Filter Regularly
You must wash your high flow air filter at least after every 10,000 to 15,000 miles; but this depends on the riding conditions. The more time you spend riding in dusty or dirty environments, you may have it cleaned a little frequently. Cleaning is taken after you have dismounted the filter, and then washed it with a cleaner that is specialized for air filters, plus applying oil to it before remounting. - Damage Check
While high-flow filters are tough, they can’t be completely immune. Inspect your filter often for damage, such as tears or holes. If the filter is damaged, you need to replace it immediately to prevent letting unfiltered air into the engine. - Apply Filter Oil
If one uses an oiled filter, then remember to replace the oil as well after cleaning. It is the oil that catches dirt and debris so it’s extremely important for filtration.
Some high-flow air filters for Harley known brands
Other notable brands offering high flow filter for Harley include: Some of the most recognized brands that offer high flow filter for Harley. Ensuring a reliable brand is the way you are guaranteed to get a good quality product that is designed with qualities to enhance performance and durability. Here is a list of some top brands :
K&N Filters
K&N is one of the air filter market leaders, since the company manufactures cleanable and washable filters. Harley-Davidson motorcycle air filters use its high performance. The filters come highly renowned for excellent airflow and filtration, which it makes popular for numerous riders in terms of performance and durability.
Screamin’ Eagle
Screamin’ Eagle is Harley’s in-house performance brand. It sells high-flow air filters for a variety of Harley models. They come with a more flowy air and are designed with the intention of working extremely well with Harley engines. They ensure good quality OEM-grade results for enthusiasts.
Arlen Ness
Arlen Ness provides Harley-Davidsons with high-performance air filters and custom air cleaner kits. They are in high demand for their designs, and what really attracts people to use Arlen Ness filters is the combination of performance and style added to your Harley with its custom houses. Their materials are of good quality that ensures excellent airflow and durability.
Conclusion
One of the best performance upgrades you can do for your motorcycle is to add a high-flow air filter for Harley. This enables the intake of more air into the engine, which enhances combustion, thereby giving you more horsepower, easier throttle response, and better fuel efficiency. There are a lot of them in the market today, so you would easily find the right one that will suit well with what your Harley needs as well as your riding style.
The installation and maintenance of a high flow air filter for harley are simple and can be carried out by most riders. Ensuring you keep your filter clean and well-maintained will ensure your bike runs at its top performance for years to come.
Whether you are a performance enthusiast looking to squeeze out the last drop of power from your Harley or just a casual rider seeking a smoother, more responsive ride, upgrading to a high flow air filter for Harley is definitely something you’ll not regret.
