For motorcycles, having the right upgrades can make a huge difference in performance gains. Part of achieving optimal performance levels on your bike includes finding the right aftermarket air filter. Though filters may not seem essential to performance, they actually play a key role in the functioning of your motorcycle.
With the right air filter, you'll be able to improve in areas like horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. However, there are many different types of aftermarket air filters on the market. So how do you know which option is right for you?
Finding the right air filter comes down to your needs. Each type of filter has its own distinct advantages that may specifically aid your unique needs and goals. We'll guide you through the process of choosing the right air filter. We'll also explore helpful tips about maintenance and cleaning.
The Importance of an Aftermarket Air Filter
What purpose does the air filter serve on your motorcycle? The air filter serves an important function in the overall smooth running of your bike in addition to protecting your engine from damaging dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Clean air is essential to the health and function of your engine. It needs oxygen to flow into the combustion chamber for the bike to run properly.
How important is it to upgrade your air filter from the stock filter? If you're a serious rider, chances are high that you'll want to consider upgrading your filter to an aftermarket option due to the many performance benefits. Typically, stock filters are made out of paper. Though this material works well for blocking particulates from entering the internal engine and causing damage, it doesn't provide the best airflow.
When you upgrade to an aftermarket air filter, you'll have improved airflow. Since there will be more airflow into the combustion chamber, you can see an increase in overall horsepower. You'll also notice a difference in throttle response, torque, and fuel efficiency when you switch to an aftermarket filter. However, you'll likely need to upgrade your exhaust system to an aftermarket option as well. When you complete these modifications, they'll work together to achieve performance gains.
The Different Types of Air Filters Available
There are several different types of air filters available on the market. Depending on your bike and your needs, the best option may vary. Each filter comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so you'll need to think carefully about your options. For performance motorcycles, the best options are often oiled cotton gauze filters or polyester filters. These types of filters are designed for maximum airflow which brings a lot of benefits to performance motorcycles. For off-roading, you might want to consider a foam filter instead.
Paper Filters
The stock filter is usually a disposal paper filter. Though it does an adequate job of keeping out particulates, it isn't the most ideal option for airflow. For this reason, many motorcycle owners prefer to upgrade their filters for something a bit more high-quality. The most common filters used to replace these stock filters are fabric or foam filters. They have a winning combination of keeping out undesirable debris and dirt, while also allowing more air to flow freely through the filter.
Foam Filters
For dusty conditions, foam filters are one of the best options. They are made out of foam that can easily trap tiny dust particles while still allowing plenty of airflow. This advantage makes foam filters ideal for off-roading. Dirt bikes commonly use foam filters as they are used in dusty off-road conditions.
Though this filter is particularly adept at catching dust, it's not usually used in road bikes. Why aren't foam filters used for everyday motorcycling? They aren't typically used in road bikes because they are a pain to clean and maintain. Foam filters will generally need to be cleaned after every use. This situation may work for dirt bikes since you likely won't ride them every day. However, this kind of maintenance will likely not be doable for road bikes.
Cotton Filters
Oiled cotton filters are more porous, therefore they allow more airflow than the typical stock filters. This feature makes them particularly advantageous to those looking to improve their bike's horsepower or torque. They are able to still allow air into the engine while blocking out debris due to the oil coating. The oil traps particles in the fabric, leaving the air to move freely. But one of the main reasons why they are so popular for road bikes is their easy maintenance.
Compared to foam and paper filters, these options are much easier and more convenient to clean and maintain. They can be washed and re-oiled every once in a while, which means that the fabric won't need to be replaced. In contrast, paper filters need to be thrown out and replaced every so often.
The right time to clean cotton filters varies by bike, riding conditions, and other factors. You may be fine cleaning it with every oil change or you may need to change it sooner. It's a good idea to check out your air filter frequently when you first start riding with it. This way, you'll get to gauge how long it takes to get dirty.
Polyester Filters
Like cotton air filters, this type of filter uses a polyester material to trap debris while maintaining maximum airflow. However, polyester filters, like the ones from Sprint Filter air filters, are easy to clean. You won't need to spend time washing and waiting for the filter to dry. Instead, you'll be able to use an air jet to get any debris off of the filter. In some cases, your filter may be more clogged than usual. If your filter is really dirty, you can use a simple household detergent to wash and blow dry it quickly with compressed air.
Selecting the Ideal Air Filter to Meet Your Performance Needs
For serious motorcyclists, finding the right air filter to meet your performance needs is essential. You'll want to find an option that works for your specific bike and personal needs. You may be interested in certain air filter factors such as filtration efficiency, airflow, installation, and motorcycle model compatibility. These features are important to consider when trying to choose the right filter. Some air filters may have specific advantages over others, so you'll need to consider your options carefully.
The Sprint Filter Air Filters Collection
The Sprint Filter air filters collection of air filters offers some of the best options on the market. It's a great option for performance motorcycles that race due to its polyester filter. With the latest in cutting-edge technology, these filter options have a lot of advantages over the competition.
In general, all of the filters from this collection allow for maximum airflow, which is much needed for racing bikes looking to gain extra horsepower. You'll also enjoy better fuel efficiency with filters that have high airflow. When there is less oxygen in the combustion chamber, the engine will have to use up more fuel to make up for this loss. So, having an air filter that allows for more clean air will help improve your bike's fuel efficiency.
Additionally, the polyester material has great filtration efficiency, keeping out harmful debris. This filtration efficiency helps to preserve the longevity of your engine. Without proper air filters, debris, dust, and other contaminants can harm your engine parts. This can lead to serious damage or even failure over time. That's why it's important to choose the right filter, carefully install it, and maintain it regularly for optimal performance.
If you're looking for one of the most versatile air filter options, then you might want to consider going with the P08. With this option, you'll have great air filtration and airflow capacity for riding your motorcycle on the road. It has a filtration degree of 80 microns, which is decently efficient for a road bike.
However, if you're looking for the highest-performing air filter, you'll want to consider the P08 F1-85. This option has a filtration degree of 85 microns, which is incredibly efficient. This option is perfect for serious riders who do racing since more airflow means there can be more power capabilities.
Another option from the Sprint Filter air filters collection includes the innovative P037-EX. This air filter has the unique advantage of being water-resistant, which makes it the best option to use in environments where there is a lot of mud, dirt, and water. If you're planning on taking your bike out on dirt roads or you live in a dusty environment, this option will be the best one for your conditions.
Motorcycle Model Compatibility
Before deciding on an air filter, you'll need to double-check that the air filter is compatible with your motorcycle's model. Luckily, there are many different aftermarket options available that cater to a wide range of models. If you're unsure about whether the air filter you would like to purchase is compatible with your bike, you can always get in touch with our knowledgeable team. We can help you figure out the best option that fits your bike.
Understanding the Lifespan of an Aftermarket Air Filter
Aftermarket air filters typically have long lifespans thanks to their reusable nature. In comparison, the stock paper filters will have to be thrown out and replaced every so often. However, to enjoy this long lifespan, you'll need to perform proper maintenance and cleaning that you wouldn't have to do with a paper filter.
For cotton filters, you'll simply need to wash and dry the filter thoroughly. This takes place roughly every 5,000 miles. However, this number is subject to change based on a number of different factors, including road conditions. If you're frequently driving on dusty dirt roads, you'll need to clean your filter more often.
For polyester filters, like the ones from the Sprint Filter air filters collection, you won't need to clean as much as cotton filters. Instead of washing and drying your filter every time, you can use compressed air to blow across the filter, getting rid of the debris and dirt stuck onto the fabric.
With proper maintenance and care, aftermarket air filters can last much longer than stock paper ones. However, even high-quality aftermarket air filters won't last forever. It's important to regularly check up on your filters to both clean and inspect them.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Choosing the right air filter for your motorcycle can have major benefits. From a performance standpoint, you could potentially improve your horsepower, torque, throttle response, and fuel efficiency. For racers looking for that extra power, opting for the best air filter could give a slight advantage to improve your performance.
However, choosing the right air filter can be difficult with so many different options available. It's critically important to select the air filter that fits your needs and motorcycle model. The Sprint Filter air filters collection offers many great options that cater to different needs. Perhaps, you're looking for an efficient filter for your road bike. Or, you may want an air filter that will improve your performance on the race track. You may even prefer a filter that can stand up to harsh riding conditions. Whatever your needs may be, there are options for you. Check out our full selection of air filters to find the product that's right for you.