K&N Air Filter - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

ELGOLD C50T · 03-15-2006, 08:37 PM

I'm thinking of changing the stock air filter on my C50 to a K&N unit. If anyone has made the switch please post some info and/or feedback. I also would like to know if there are changes to the computer that need to be made by switching over the air filter only. Please let me know if there is any benefit to making this switch over. Thank You.

blackie1491 · 03-15-2006, 11:01 PM

At the first service I added a K&N aircleaner and a Techclusion FI unit.
I have been happy with the results. I now have 9,000 km on the bike and
like the sound of my stock pipes.

If you are going to service it yourself, keep the stock aircleaner, use while the K&N is drying over night. The recommendation is to place the K&N on top of your hot water tank overnight.

Colorado Cajun · 03-16-2006, 12:14 AM

I put a K&N on my C50. It seams like there is a slight increase in throttle response. May also be my imagination at work to justify spending $39.00. I didn't replace the factory FI unit. I really don't think you need to for a K&N filter. I have read that guys with carberators have had to rejet. The FI unit seemed to self adjust and the bike runs great. I still have stock pipes and it seems like more air in, better sound coming out. Might be my imagination again. Was it worth it? I think so.

Blackie, did you find an increase in power with the techclusion FI unit?

v0lusia · 03-16-2006, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado Cajun

I put a K&N on my C50. It seams like there is a slight increase in throttle response. May also be my imagination at work to justify spending $39.00. I didn't replace the factory FI unit. I really don't think you need to for a K&N filter. I have read that guys with carberators have had to rejet. The FI unit seemed to self adjust and the bike runs great. I still have stock pipes and it seems like more air in, better sound coming out. Might be my imagination again. Was it worth it? I think so.

Blackie, did you find an increase in power with the techclusion FI unit?

Be careful with this.... The K&N will make your bike run leaner. If it is too lean for too long then you will burn your valves and cause major damage. I would recommend that you pull the plugs a couple of times and make sure you are not running lean.

blackie1491 · 03-16-2006, 12:08 PM

C C

I can only give you a seat of the pants opinion, YES.
Better response, smoother running.

I am hoping Atlas68 and I will get out in the valley to swap bikes to see the diff.
Mikemc has a C50SE with some klicks that is stock and Tommy Boulevard has a C50T with low Kms, so when we do get together I will be able to give you a better answer.

Atlas68 has an M50 with pipes.

Kingby · 03-16-2006, 12:57 PM

I looked on K & N's site. They don't have a replacment air filter for our bikes, do they? Or are we talking about a complete air intake replacement?

v0lusia · 03-16-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingby

I looked on K & N's site. They don't have a replacment air filter for our bikes, do they? Or are we talking about a complete air intake replacement?

M50 no, C50/Volusia yes

arkieollie · 03-16-2006, 02:10 PM

If you want a k&n for your m50 you have to get an airkit...they do not make a filter only for the m50 like they do for a c50.

Colorado Cajun · 03-16-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v0lusia

Be careful with this.... The K&N will make your bike run leaner. If it is too lean for too long then you will burn your valves and cause major damage. I would recommend that you pull the plugs a couple of times and make sure you are not running lean.

vOlusia,
Thanks for letting me know that. I love this site, I learn something new all the time. What whould you suggest? Would that be why I get black specks on my turn signal from the exhaust? Or is that normal coming from the exhaust? I will check my plugs and refer to the manual for how they should look. I have about 600 mile with the K&N.
Thanks again,

blackie1491 · 03-16-2006, 05:55 PM

The black on your right turn signal is because of the location of the stock pipes.
I use plexus to clean and protecal to polish.
But to be safe I would check your plugs.
Remember a good shop can remap your bike to correct any lean condition.
Or you may have to install an FI unit.

I had mine installed by a shop, you can do by yourself. There were some good install photos in the M50 section. I printed and took in to my shop.

The box is installed behind my right cover for easy access.

v0lusia · 03-16-2006, 08:22 PM

The soot in the turn signal is fairly normal with stock pipes. Here is an article I ran across that talks about how to "read" your plugs.
http://webpages.charter.net/v0lusia/Spark%20Plugs.pdf

Colorado Cajun · 03-17-2006, 11:02 AM

Thanks for the info Blackie and Volusia!

blackie1491 · 03-17-2006, 11:55 AM

I have seen the Techclusion FI unit for as low as $169 USD.
You do not need the harness.

automogul · 05-02-2006, 03:09 PM

Forgive me for beginning what will likely be a flame war, but K&N filters are no good. I've read some bad stuff about them.

Essentially, they flow more air but at the expense of allowing more particles into the engine. What's more, on applications where you already receive more than enough air, allowing MORE air will do no good. Not sure that that specifically applies here, but essentially you are paying for a sound. The money is not worth it. You do damage to your engine and spend more in the long haul on recharging it (which most folks don't do often enough to produce adequate results).

As I said, there have been countless debates over the K&N topic. This is one of the best I've found:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t108237.html

If you want to use a K&N filter, go for it. My experience and the experience of many other out there has been that it's far better to run a paper filter and simply replace it when it's due. You save your engine and your money.

I used to be SOLD on K&N and this thread turned me off completely. Look at the charts and graphs that show particle flows. That alone is enough.

I'm not trying to spark a war and I'm sure I'll get flamed into a 20 ft deep BBQ pit, but at the risk of all of that, I'd like to make sure that this info gets posted so that folks can make their own decision.

MYC50T · 05-03-2006, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by automogul

I'm sure I'll get flamed into a 20 ft deep BBQ pit.

Sizzle, Sizzle, who's got the KC Masterpiece

The obligatory flame

Looks like toyotanation is still working the "bugs" out of the airfilter debate, common sense dictates, if it flows more air, it most likely flows more dirt also, the one thing that is for sure, many, many, many posts on many forums about the airfilter charge oil building up on the air sensor and causing all kinds of problems in the long run, in many circles it's a common practice to take HP increase claims and slice them in half and your probably closer to the truth

Colorado Cajun · 05-03-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v0lusia

Be careful with this.... The K&N will make your bike run leaner. If it is too lean for too long then you will burn your valves and cause major damage. I would recommend that you pull the plugs a couple of times and make sure you are not running lean.

Update: I finally checked my plug after about 1500 miles with the K&N. They looked good.

automogul · 05-03-2006, 10:50 AM

Thanks for being gentle MYC50T. I can respect that.

I'm a performance hog myself. I'm always after bigger badder, faster, and more. I don't think most folks live in an environment where the added dirt will do significant damage during their time of ownership of their vehicles. I'm the type of person that likes to hang on to something for a really long time. I've got a 66 mustang and my first car - an 88 toyota pickup.

To me, it's becoming important to balance power with longevity. On something like my old Mustang, I can rebuild the engine over and over again. I'm happy with doing that. The motor isn't original and the car is over 40 years old now. No sweat. On my other vehicles, I want them to last as long as possible without needing rebuilds and extensive maintainence. That's why I'm going to play it safe and opt out.

I'm going to go for some more radical modifications and stick with the chrome for now. I figure on the performance front, a set of pipes and a new fuel controler will set me strait for a while.

I'm not tripping on those that like K&N. If you like it, use it. I just wanted to make sure that some additional information was available to people who might be asking questions (as I once was). Thanks again for being respectful. Sorry if I'm thread-jacking.

MYC50T · 05-04-2006, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by automogul

Thanks for being gentle MYC50T. I can respect that.

No problem, the spare ribs were good

, I must have gotten that odd ball in the bunch, you know that one in a thousand that just seems to have more power than the average C50, I am just not looking for more power, I have yet to ride with anyone that I couldn't keep up with, yippeee for meeeee!

mikenredding · 05-16-2006, 02:02 AM

Does anyone know if the K&N filter is available for the c90 and what kind of performance increase to expect...

wracing · 05-16-2006, 07:15 AM

K&N SU-1598 $74.99 at J&P cycles.

willie

03-15-2006, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
ELGOLD C50T Ditch Magnet Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2007 HD STREET GLIDE Location: TORONTO, CANADA Posts: 189	K&N Air Filter I'm thinking of changing the stock air filter on my C50 to a K&N unit. If anyone has made the switch please post some info and/or feedback. I also would like to know if there are changes to the computer that need to be made by switching over the air filter only. Please let me know if there is any benefit to making this switch over. Thank You.

03-16-2006, 12:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
Colorado Cajun Sprocket Pilot Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 C50 Silver and Gray Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 851	I put a K&N on my C50. It seams like there is a slight increase in throttle response. May also be my imagination at work to justify spending $39.00. I didn't replace the factory FI unit. I really don't think you need to for a K&N filter. I have read that guys with carberators have had to rejet. The FI unit seemed to self adjust and the bike runs great. I still have stock pipes and it seems like more air in, better sound coming out. Might be my imagination again. Was it worth it? I think so. Blackie, did you find an increase in power with the techclusion FI unit? __________________ 2006 C50 Silver and gray, Cobra Tall Sissy Bar, K&N Air filter, Suzuki bags, Custom Driver's Back Rest, Memphis Fats 19" windshield with lowers, added a 2nd horn, Power Commander PC3 USB, and Cobra Freeway bars. Mitch

03-17-2006, 11:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
Colorado Cajun Sprocket Pilot Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 C50 Silver and Gray Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 851	Thanks for the info Blackie and Volusia! __________________ 2006 C50 Silver and gray, Cobra Tall Sissy Bar, K&N Air filter, Suzuki bags, Custom Driver's Back Rest, Memphis Fats 19" windshield with lowers, added a 2nd horn, Power Commander PC3 USB, and Cobra Freeway bars. Mitch

05-02-2006, 03:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
automogul In Training Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: k6 C50 & K5 M50 Location: Holly Hill, SC Posts: 141	Forgive me for beginning what will likely be a flame war, but K&N filters are no good. I've read some bad stuff about them. Essentially, they flow more air but at the expense of allowing more particles into the engine. What's more, on applications where you already receive more than enough air, allowing MORE air will do no good. Not sure that that specifically applies here, but essentially you are paying for a sound. The money is not worth it. You do damage to your engine and spend more in the long haul on recharging it (which most folks don't do often enough to produce adequate results). As I said, there have been countless debates over the K&N topic. This is one of the best I've found: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t108237.html If you want to use a K&N filter, go for it. My experience and the experience of many other out there has been that it's far better to run a paper filter and simply replace it when it's due. You save your engine and your money. I used to be SOLD on K&N and this thread turned me off completely. Look at the charts and graphs that show particle flows. That alone is enough. I'm not trying to spark a war and I'm sure I'll get flamed into a 20 ft deep BBQ pit, but at the risk of all of that, I'd like to make sure that this info gets posted so that folks can make their own decision. __________________ My Bike - Black 2006 C50 - C50 & M50 Pictures Wife's Bike - Black 2005 M50 - C50 & M50 Pictures ------------------------------------------------ Teal 1966 Coupe Deluxe w/ Modified 302 - 1966 Pictures

05-03-2006, 10:50 AM	#17 (permalink)
automogul In Training Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: k6 C50 & K5 M50 Location: Holly Hill, SC Posts: 141	Thanks for being gentle MYC50T. I can respect that. I'm a performance hog myself. I'm always after bigger badder, faster, and more. I don't think most folks live in an environment where the added dirt will do significant damage during their time of ownership of their vehicles. I'm the type of person that likes to hang on to something for a really long time. I've got a 66 mustang and my first car - an 88 toyota pickup. To me, it's becoming important to balance power with longevity. On something like my old Mustang, I can rebuild the engine over and over again. I'm happy with doing that. The motor isn't original and the car is over 40 years old now. No sweat. On my other vehicles, I want them to last as long as possible without needing rebuilds and extensive maintainence. That's why I'm going to play it safe and opt out. I'm going to go for some more radical modifications and stick with the chrome for now. I figure on the performance front, a set of pipes and a new fuel controler will set me strait for a while. I'm not tripping on those that like K&N. If you like it, use it. I just wanted to make sure that some additional information was available to people who might be asking questions (as I once was). Thanks again for being respectful. Sorry if I'm thread-jacking. __________________ My Bike - Black 2006 C50 - C50 & M50 Pictures Wife's Bike - Black 2005 M50 - C50 & M50 Pictures ------------------------------------------------ Teal 1966 Coupe Deluxe w/ Modified 302 - 1966 Pictures

03-15-2006, 11:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,319	At the first service I added a K&N aircleaner and a Techclusion FI unit. I have been happy with the results. I now have 9,000 km on the bike and like the sound of my stock pipes. If you are going to service it yourself, keep the stock aircleaner, use while the K&N is drying over night. The recommendation is to place the K&N on top of your hot water tank overnight.

03-16-2006, 12:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,319	C C I can only give you a seat of the pants opinion, YES. Better response, smoother running. I am hoping Atlas68 and I will get out in the valley to swap bikes to see the diff. Mikemc has a C50SE with some klicks that is stock and Tommy Boulevard has a C50T with low Kms, so when we do get together I will be able to give you a better answer. Atlas68 has an M50 with pipes.

03-16-2006, 12:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
Kingby Seat Tester Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: Black M50 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 78	I looked on K & N's site. They don't have a replacment air filter for our bikes, do they? Or are we talking about a complete air intake replacement?

03-16-2006, 02:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
arkieollie Kickstand Operator Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: Sold my m50 and got a 07 street bob Posts: 285	If you want a k&n for your m50 you have to get an airkit...they do not make a filter only for the m50 like they do for a c50.

03-16-2006, 05:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,319	The black on your right turn signal is because of the location of the stock pipes. I use plexus to clean and protecal to polish. But to be safe I would check your plugs. Remember a good shop can remap your bike to correct any lean condition. Or you may have to install an FI unit. I had mine installed by a shop, you can do by yourself. There were some good install photos in the M50 section. I printed and took in to my shop. The box is installed behind my right cover for easy access.

03-16-2006, 08:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
v0lusia TurtleWax Taster Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Central MA Posts: 555	The soot in the turn signal is fairly normal with stock pipes. Here is an article I ran across that talks about how to "read" your plugs. http://webpages.charter.net/v0lusia/Spark%20Plugs.pdf

03-17-2006, 11:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,319	I have seen the Techclusion FI unit for as low as $169 USD. You do not need the harness.

05-16-2006, 02:02 AM	#19 (permalink)
mikenredding Where Am I ? Joined: May 2006 Bike: C90T Location: Redding, Ca Posts: 48	Does anyone know if the K&N filter is available for the c90 and what kind of performance increase to expect...

05-16-2006, 07:15 AM	#20 (permalink)
wracing Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 VS1400 (S83) Location: Stockbridge, Ga Posts: 74	K&N SU-1598 $74.99 at J&P cycles. willie __________________ Retired, But still working!

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