I have a 15FLTRUSE, another thread in the intake exhaust section talks about the stock air cleaner reducing torque across the rpm band, and recommends the SE Heavy Breather. Anyone put this on the road glide? Problems with fit to fairing or Knee? What other breather have you used to improve flow?
Thanks
Is the engine stock, or nearly stock? If so, I don't think I'd worry about a couple ft-lb of torque. Trust me, you will never be able to tell the difference with your seat-of-the-pants dyno in normal riding. The Heavy Breather is not recommended for your bike by Harley, due to the Twin Cooling system as well as the lowers. Yes, you can make it fit with the compact filter element, but you will have to remove it every time you want to access the coolant bottle. And all bets are off if you've installed speakers in the lowers.
If you're determined to find a higher flow air cleaner, look to the aftermarket for things like a larger (wider) element for the Ventilator, one of the old style round filters in a high flow version, or similar ideas. Be aware you will give up leg room with anything wider. In other words, there is no free lunch, there will always be trade-offs as long as Harley insists on hanging the throttle body and filter off the side of the engine sharing space with your leg.
JMHO - Jerry
PS. If you don't mind rebuilding the engine on a regular basis, I suppose a short velocity stack with a gravel strainer screen on the end might work

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