How often should you change your motorcycle air filter?
When a motorcycle’s air filter becomes clogged with dust, dirt, or moisture, it can restrict the engine’s power output. When the engine doesn’t receive enough air, it can’t create the correct air-fuel mixture, leading to poor fuel economy. It’s important to pay attention to these changes to know when to service or replace your motorcycle’s air filter.
This article serves as a guide to help you quickly understand when and how to maintain your air filter.
Knowing When to Replace Your Motorcycle Air Filter
Visual Inspection: A close inspection of your motorcycle’s engine air filter is essential. If the air filter is heavily coated with dust and dirt, turning it black, it’s time for an immediate engine air filter replacement. A blackened air filter signifies a significant reduction in its ability to efficiently filter air entering the engine, impacting the high-efficiency particulate air quality.
Engine Condition: The health of your engine is closely tied to the condition of your air filter. A due for replacement motorcycle air filter fails to intercept larger impurities, allowing them to invade the engine. This can result in sluggish acceleration, lackluster power, and increased fuel consumption.
Motorcycle Air Filter Replacement Cycle
The recommended cycle for replacing your motorcycle’s air filter is every 10,000 kilometers or annually. However, the necessity for replacement is contingent on actual usage conditions:
Based on Motorcycle Type
- Sport Motorcycles: Position higher on the engine, these air filters have a longer replacement cycle due to less dust accumulation. It’s advised to replace every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers.
- Scooters: Scooters positioned lower to the ground are more prone to dust due to their air filter placement. They often require more frequent replacements, suggesting checks every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers.
- Adventure Motorcycles: These motorcycles, used in dusty conditions, require more frequent maintenance, with replacement air filter recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers.
- Cruisers: With varying travel environments, cruisers fall mid-range in replacement cycles, suggesting air filter replacements every 7,500 to 10,000 kilometers.
Based on the Type of Filter
- Dry Paper Air Filters: These filters offer efficient air filtration but require more frequent replacements when saturated with moisture or oil, suggesting every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers.
- Oil-impregnated Air Filters: Also called wet air filter，Made from sponge-like polyurethane materials, these automatic air filters have a longer service life due to their washable nature. They’re recommended for replacement every 12,000 to 16,000 kilometers.
- CALEPH high quality auto parts brand
Based on Riding Environment
- In Urban Environments: With better air quality, urban motorcycles can extend their filter replacement cycle to every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers, depending on pollution levels.
- In Dusty Areas: The replacement cycle shortens to 7,000-12,000 kilometers in dusty or poor air quality areas, with checks advised every 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers.
How to Replace a Motorcycle Air Filter
Tools Needed:
A screwdriver or socket wrench suitable for your motorcycle model.
A new air filter that matches your motorcycle model.
Compressed air (optional) for cleaning the air filter housing.
Steps for air filter Replacement:
- Locate the air filter box: It is usually near the engine, under the seat, inside the frame, or on the side of the engine.
- Remove the air filter box cover: Place the motorcycle on a stable surface to prevent it from moving during the change. Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to loosen and remove the screws on the air filter box cover, and then take off the cover.
- Remove the old filter: Take out the old air filter and check how dirty it is.
- Clean the filter box: After removing the old filter, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe the inside of the filter box to remove any dust and dirt. If necessary, you can use compressed air to gently blow out the dust inside the filter box, but be careful not to damage the filter box.
- Install the new filter: Place the new filter into the filter box in the correct direction. Make sure any markings on the filter, such as arrows or text, point in the right direction (usually toward the engine).
- Restore and secure: Put the air filter box cover back into place. Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to tighten the screws and make sure the cover is secure. If your motorcycle has an air intake, ensure it is properly connected and tighten the clamp screws.
Air Filter Replacement Precautions
Selecting the Right Air Filter: Invest in a high-quality, model-matching motorcycle air filter to ensure effective filtration and prevent engine oil burning.
When clean air filter, do I need filter oil on my motorcycle air filter, depending on your air filter element.
- Cleaning Paper air Filters: For dry paper filters, a gentle slap or compressed air can remove surface dust without the need for high-pressure air guns that might damage the filter.
- Maintaining Oil air Filters: Clean oil filters with specialized oils, avoiding water or solvents that could harm the filter’s performance. Post-cleaning, apply a thin layer of filter oil once the filter is dry.
Storing Air Filters: Store motorcycle air filters in a dry, clean area, away from sunlight and heat to prevent material degradation.
Recording Maintenance: Keep a record of motorcycle filter replacements and cleanings to track maintenance cycles effectively.
