When is it necessary to clean the K&N air filter?
Cleaning a K&N air filter will extend its life and improve the performance of your motorbike. To do this, use the K&N Cleaner + Grease maintenance kit containing a cleaner and a grease spray.
In order to ensure optimum air permeability of the filter, we recommend that you clean and oil your filter approximately every 80,000 kilometres (estimate varies according to use) before replacing it in the engine, i.e. approximately once a year depending on your riding style. It will be as good as new!
The function of air filters is to block access to impurities and other dirt. It is therefore normal for the filter to become dirty with use. K&N recommends cleaning its products only when the filter is covered with a thick layer of dust. A quick visual inspection of your filter will suffice to know when to clean it, especially if you ride off-road.
Some recommendations before cleaning
K&N air filters consist of four to six layers of cotton gauze media. They should not be cleaned with oil, steam, detergents, washing powder, etc.
When cleaning the filter with Power Kleen (355 ml), wear protective gloves, as the product is particularly aggressive. If possible, wear protective glasses and work clothes.
Do not rinse the filter with high-pressure water or clean or dry the filter with compressed air, as this will damage the cotton and permanently damage your K&N product.
Maintenance guide for your K&N air filter
Step 1: Apply K&N Air Filter Cleaner to both sides of the filter when it is double sided, then soak for 10 minutes to remove the dirt. Do not let the cleaner dry on the air filter.
Step 2: Wash the filter by rinsing it with fresh water at low pressure in the opposite direction of the air flow to remove the dirt. Continue rinsing until all traces of the cleaner have been removed.
If the filter is very dirty, it may be necessary to reapply the cleaner as in step 1 and rinse again.
Step 3: Once rinsed thoroughly, gently shake the filter to remove excess water and allow the filter to air dry for a few hours, naturally. Do not apply oil until the filter is completely dry.
Step 4: Apply K&N air filter oil along the crown of each pleat. Leave the wick in the oil for about 20 minutes, then touch up the light areas on each side of the filter until you get an even red colour all over the filter.
You can also use the spray and spray the filter grease by holding the product 8 cm away from your filter.
Your filter is now ready to be reassembled on your motorbike and you can ride again!
