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K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 5:43 pm
by Rguinn1207
I just put 60 miles on my new to me crf450x. Went to wash it so I took the air filter out and put on the boot (talk another a pain in the a**). It made me wonder if I should switch to a K&N? The carb is jetted for altitude and the air box has been opened on each side of the body panels. What do you think?

Re: K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:47 pm
by JimDirt
Though i have used K&N filters on cars , i have never tried one on a dirt bike , i guess it would depend on what type of riding you do , i have been riding on a real dusty track lately and have been struggling with dirt getting past the filter (2 stage foam filter) , i was actually using K&N Filter Oil and the dust was still getting thru , (on both inner and outer filter) , i am now trying other filter oils (No-Toil , Maxima , etc) trying to find a way to keep the fine dust out , that can eat the valves in these bikes when it happens frequently

With that said , No , i have not tried a K&N filter , but the thought is crossing my mind if i can't find a solution with the different oils to see if they work any better than the K&N oil does on a foam filter , as i have tried several different brand filters with no positive results with the fine dust getting past the filter , i like the K&N Oil because its water cleanup capabilities , just clean it in the bathroom sink (i'm single , so no one else to worry about yelling at me when cleaning stuff) and i'm done , i guess the No-Toil stuff is similar , but still messier than K&N oil to clean up

Not sure if anything i babbled about makes much difference for you , but to somewhat answer your questions , yes i tried and use the oil , but i have not tried their filter yet , "yet" being the key word here............. 8-[

Re: K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 5:28 am
by Rguinn1207
Thanks for that. Yes I too have used the k&n filters on many cars. My 2013 f150 says not to use any oil type filter, I put one on it till I found that out on a forum. I guess I'm looking more at the ease of removsl/replacement and cleaning,but don't want to jeopardize the bike (engine) either. I'm just now back to dirt after 37yrs. Not use to all the maintenance.

Re: K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 9:30 am
by JimDirt
Yea , like i said , i am "thinking" about going that route , but for me it would be for catching fine dust rather than ease of maintenance (on my 450R) , for my X , i really don't have too much issue with getting the foam filter in and out thru the side door , yes its a little messy , and a tight fit , but unfortunately with the design of the airbox and door , your kind of limited to filter removal options , i personally do not see any issue with the K&N , they are a great company that does a lot of research , Ken sells them here , but they are not cheap

https://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/produc ... ts_id/3500

Re: K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 9:12 am
by Rguinn1207
Does anyone else have any thoughts on the K&N setup?

Re: K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 11:54 am
by Leardriver
Here come my thoughts....

The only negative thing I have ever heard about K&N is that they are slightly less functional in the filtration department, in the interest of more flow, and that is exactly the thing that the Honda valves can't tolerate.

I have used K&N in many vehicles, I like them just fine, but I draw the law on dirt bikes, because I want the engine to last longer in the dusty environment that they operate in.

Thoughts completed...

Re: K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 4:52 pm
by Rguinn1207
Great point.
Thanks for your thoughts.

Re: K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 4:54 pm
by Rguinn1207
So on ward and upwards....
Does anyone here use them or know anyone that does or has used them,
(post results of use) ?

Re: K&N filter or stock foam?

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 11:36 am
by crfsonly