Need Advice HD Air Cleaner Kit or K and N Filter

I need some advice regarding my air cleaner assembly for a Stage 1 upgrade. I have received some differing opinions, and I really have no idea who to trust... hence I need some advice here.

I have a 2006 HD Sportster XL1200L. I have already changed out the pipes, replacing them with Vance & Hines slip-ons. I am now planning on rejetting the carb and changing the air cleaner/filter to finish the Stage 1.

Here is my problem. I have been told by some that putting a K&N filter on my bike, using the stock air cleaner kit, is really all I need. However, the Harley reps tell me that I need a whole new Screamin Eagle Air Cleaner kit, which will provide a new backing plate... they say that the stock air cleaner kit will not allow enough air through and that installing the K&N filter with the stock kit will have little effect.

I am sure that changing out the entire kit would be better, but how much better? Is it actually worth the significant price difference with just putting a K&N filter on?

Any advice/opinions would be appreciated. Cheers!

The K&N backing plate does away with the restrictive HD plastic housing with only limited air inlet areas. Have you removed any of your breather assembly to have a look?

I am not aware of a K&N backing plate, just the K&N filter to attach to the HD stock backing plate. Either that or buy the whole new Screamin Eagle kit. I have looked at the stock kit... not sure if this is good or not, as this is my first Harley.

good info

sounds to me that the steeler gave you some dead on correct advice. I'm of the impression that the screaming eagle air clearer kit is as good as it gets when it comes to air flow. they go for about 140.00 and are simple to put on. make sure when you get the kit it comes with the re-useable (pinkish) K&N filter and not the paper one.

Thanks... so I guess that it is worth the cash, eh?


See my bike and accessories at
www.CruiserCustomizing.com - Peyts

You might want to check on ebay, you can get the HD screamin eagle kit cheaper than at the steeler. Or you can go with the Arlen Ness Big Sucker breather kit, which is cheaper than HD. You should be able to find both on ebay.

i have the screamin eagle intake with a k&n filter on my 02 sporty,you wont be dissappointed..........although i like the look of an ss cleaner better.

TRG

Thanks for all the info and advice that I have received thus far... it certainly seems overwhelming that I should get the Screamin Eagle kit. If there are any other experiences with this, I would love to hear them. Cheers!


LARRY

Thanks, bro. I have started looking on eBay for the SE air cleaner kits... I don't mind spending the $$$, so long as it is actually worth it. Appreciate the info and advice!

My 1st HD was a sporty and I was getting the 5K check up, when I asked the service Manager if I needed a SE air cleaner kit. I was told that with the newer ones (2000-on) they already have a high flow air cleaner. Purchasing anything else would just be overkill. So I went without and all was well. I thought why waste the money??? He did give me some straight up advice. Was an independent repair/custom shop. In fact the owners are pit crew members for one of the NASCAR drivers. Can't remember which one though.

Pey, "the HD backing plate that fits the K&N filter"!! No, K&N only makes filters for the Harley, no backing plates or bolts to hold them on. Your awareness overwhelms you! I think you knew what I meant....

I personally like the early version backing plate that was sold by HD that DID NOT include the breather ports. The breathers were through chrome bolts spaced away from the heads and rubber tubes (still available from HD) routed through the backing plate to the throttle body. Looks old school and works just fine - steel parts chrome plated...

K&N does make a kit that includes a new backing plate. I put the SE air cleaner kit on my wifes sporty (It had a K&N filter), but I understand that the new SE Air cleaner kits do not have a K&N style cleanable filter, so I put a K&N kit on her Heritage.

On the K&N web site for a ultra they have 2 filters RK3909 is 1 5/8 tall and the other one comes with a backing plate RK3910 is 2 1/4 tall. that seams to make a lot of difference surface aria.

Maybe that will help Later Ole Ted