Gettin my 4000 mile tune up this week, I've heard I should get a K&N air filter. I've also heard that it will cause your bike to run a little lean. Is that a problem? Will this cost me any power?
Thanks for any help.....and no, I don't have a power commander...

 

No reply's as of yet huh? I was watching for answers here myself, cause i am picking up my K&N today. Well here's what I have heard (take it for what it s worth, i m no mechanic)....your exhaust allows for more air flow, less backpressure, but the stock air filter will only allow so much air in as it s too restrictive. So, to get maximum results you NEED MORE AIR. If the bike is running lean, which sounds possible i guess, just watch your temp, that will be your first indicator. I could be wrong so if anybody wants to jump in here, i m listening

 

Running to lean is a problem.This can cause detonation and hot spots.If you have an exaust and a K&N air filter you will need a power comander to correct your fuel air ratio.You can run it a little lean and be OK.After a good drive check your plugs.If they are completly white then you need more fuel.But if they are a tan color you are alright.The best way to do this is on a dyno where a hard pull can be done and the bike can be shut off immediately.

 

Thanks for the replies. I ordered the K&N yesterday, should be here tomorrow - tune-up with air filter and steering damper go on Friday. What I've read was that K&N doesn't require remapping with a PC (but that didn't take into consideration aftermarket pipes - 2 bros here). The BMC (made by K&N also) has even greater airflow, but states that it needs remapping for the air/fuel mixture.

Sunnuvabich, looks like I'll end up with a PC before too long......

 

Another factor concerning K&N's were not enough oil on the filter causing some issues.

 

g, dont run that filter with out a pc, your bike will run lean and get hot real fast. as it is with the slip on, your running a little lean now, with more air flow your pushing it. plus for some reason when i had my k&n in and i was rolling to a stop and down shifting with a little throttle blip, i was getting some nasty *** backfiring. it dont do it with the stock filter in. so im going to play it safe and wait till i get the pc to put it back in.

 

Never done much wrench turning, but the dealer told me they couldn't get to it before the long weekend, so figured wtf. Pulled out the toolbox, swapped out air filters and put on my steering damper last thursday night. Felt gooood....BUT, that means I ran lean all weekend...now looking to get a PC (on the gb) ASAP! Bike'll sit now until the PC gets here. Is the PC difficult to install?