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[Happnin]

Was going to post this in the cleaning area, but this part is specific to this model.

How do you, if you even do, protect the breather on this bike when pre-soaking or rinsing?

My first reaction was to just go easy at it, but you really need to wash the front plate which collects bugs like crazy.

Thanks,

Happ

[rainierexpress]

I can't really answer your question, but I have a funny story about the heavy breather on my bike. So I was cruising along at about 30 mph when I felt something hit my right ankle. I looked down and there was the air filter assembly resting on my ankle! It must have been a little loose when I picked up the bike (I've only got about 250 miles on it to this point). I very carefully slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road, trying to keep the filter assembly from falling on the road and getting run over or whatever. Luckily, I always carry a Leatherman in my pocket, so I was able to make a quick repair and off I went. It's held on the the intake with a pipe clamp, so I guess it's just something to check periodically.

[Fired00d]

Isn't this filter like/or a K&N (has oil on it)? If so I would be concerned about constant washing it (removing oil) then having to reapply oil. I think I would cover it w/a plastic bag when I was washing the bike, and use a wet microfiber to clean the chrome end. If it got really dirty I would probably use some chrome cleaner/polish.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[InfernoSE]

I tie a Wal-Mart sack over the filter when I wash the bike.  A wet sponge seems to be sufficient to clean the front of the breather.  Hit it with the sponge daily to keep it easy.

[Gone Fishin']

I have that part on my Road King, and it came with a little bag, which is supposed to be used when riding in rain. However, I never cover it when washing the bike. No problems so far.

Ride safely,
Louis

[Hoist!]

Get a K&N filter maintenance kit. Consists of a bottle each of filter cleaner and filter oil.

Hoist!

[the barber]

sometimes it gets washed and sometimes it gets washed and oiled

[IRyde]

I can't really answer your question, but I have a funny story about the heavy breather on my bike. So I was cruising along at about 30 mph when I felt something hit my right ankle. I looked down and there was the air filter assembly resting on my ankle! It must have been a little loose when I picked up the bike (I've only got about 250 miles on it to this point). I very carefully slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road, trying to keep the filter assembly from falling on the road and getting run over or whatever. Luckily, I always carry a Leatherman in my pocket, so I was able to make a quick repair and off I went. It's held on the the intake with a pipe clamp, so I guess it's just something to check periodically.

I have one of these on my Dyna.  This same thing happened to me except JUST when I was about to get a grab on it it fell to the road and I ran over it.    I found to ensure the inner part of the filter is free from any fresh oiling before slipping it on and tightening the hose clamp.

Oh, one other bit of advise.  I put a canvas bag over the filter the first time I cleaned it., forgot it was there and started the bike.  It ran for about 10 seconds then died.  Found out why.  The motor sucked so hard it anlmost swollwed the filter.  Looked like an accordian! 

BUT, if you want that filter to clear the lowers on a bagger that's the way to do it.   

[mrmagloo]

sometimes it gets washed and sometimes it gets washed and oiled

I've been running K&N filters for many years, and it's important to re-oil the filter every single time you clean it. It's the oil on the cotton gauze that traps the dirt.

I can't tell you how many times I see guys running white heavy breather filters - In fact, I wonder if they come from the factory w/o oil and the dealers simply don't realize this during prep.

Everytime I get a chance to warn riders I see running them unoiled, I often get a deer in the headlights look and they seem to think I'm nuts. Somewhere along the line, MOCO has to do a better job of highlighting this.

Also, for those who bought the HB kit for those models that don't have them, note that the kit does not include the composite support frame that you insert into the tube prior to the filter. I was kind of shocked that MOCO doesn't include that as that's the only thing to support the filter itself. I was able to look up the PN and it's only a few bucks. Although I know you FXSTSSE/2 guys got them stock, but everyone else really should add this piece.

I hope this helps.

[the barber]

HD dealer says to clean and oil every 2500 miles. I do mine every 1500 or as needed.

[mrmagloo]

This is going to sound weird, but I read one of K&N's many tests, and they claim that not only does the filter work better in cleaning debris when it's slightly to moderately dirty, but it also flows better. I thought that second part didn't make a lot of sense, but I probably wouldn't exceed 2,500 and clean it sooner if necessary as well.

[shafe]

out of curiosity, does it harm anything leaving the "rain sock" on it?  That's what i have been doing...

[rheiner]

I'm not sure where you people are coming up with the idea to oil the filter. The FXSTSSE2 owner's manual specifically says (p. 103): "The paper/wire mesh air filter element should be washed in luke warm water with a mild detergent." On the next page (p.104) it reads: "Do not use an air cleaner filter oil on the Harley-Davidson paper/wire mesh air filter element." I'm choosing to follow the manual's directions.

[rheiner]

In response to my previous post, it is clear HD is contradicting itself. In the owners manual it says do not use oil on the filter. Yet in the service manual supplement, it gives exacting details about applying K&N air filter oil on the air cleaner. I think HD needs to clarify this but my guess is that oiling the filter is proper.

[Hoist!]

In response to my previous post, it is clear HD is contradicting itself. In the owners manual it says do not use oil on the filter. Yet in the service manual supplement, it gives exacting details about applying K&N air filter oil on the air cleaner. I think HD needs to clarify this but my guess is that oiling the filter is proper.

If it's a "linen" type material, it gets oiled. If it's paper, it doesn't.

Hoist!