So, I cleaned the stock aircleaner. I ask myself, what is the real air flow rate of this thing vs. aftermarket? In my signature is how my bike is set up now. Should I consider the aircleaner or just live with stock? I am a bit hesitant, because I have an old and very nice CX500 and decided to put a K&N on it.Ssince everything was stock, it ran lean. My fix was cheap (wrap 1/2 the filter with duct tape (its a barrel filter)) runs fine now. I don't want to deal with the KLX that way.

 

The whole idea in the better air filter is more air flow, which requires more fuel which gives more horsepower (however slight). If you don't want to mess with jetting I wouldn't worry about the filter. jmo.

 

I'd ditch the oem and buy a good aftermarket filter. They are made of better materials, flow more air and last longer. I had a Uni on my '06 and then a Twin-Air on my '09. Both are good and do the job. For around $20 or so it's a cheap and effective mod that will be there in the future if you do decide to rejet/exhaust it as it's fine to use in an otherwise stock bike.

 

I think you'll spend around the same amount of money for an aftermarket filter vs. stock filter. Correct me if I'm wrong..

 

If you plan to Rejet, get the aftermarket filter. Taping it off to richen-up the mixture would just put you back to stock filter air flow.

On another note, can we hi-jack the thread just for one post? I'd like to see a pic of your CX500. That brings back memories. I used have standard model with aftermarket air forks and cafe style faring. The forks really transformed its handling. Loved that bike.