1) Have extra filters serviced and ready to go when you go riding for more than one day. Cleaning, drying and oiling air filters in the field is an ugly job. Having spare filters will save time and aggravation and will allow you to take your time at home to properly service them.

2) Basic Air Filter Selection and Trade Offs

K&N Air Filters, CT recommends K&N air filters always be used in conjunction with an Outerwear or K&N pre-charger. K&N air filters are best for sand only. Unfortunately K&N's will pass fine dust particles, so we don't recommend them for desert racing or all conditions. K&N air filters have very good airflow characteristics and will keep out the big stuff just fine.

Foam air filters such as Dura-Blue are recommended for desert racing and any dusty conditions. The staff at CT doesn't recommend foam filters for sand because they tend to load up with sand and will eventually pass some sand into the intake tract. Dual stage foam is generally the best all around air filter but doesn't flow air quite as well as the K&N or oiled gauze type air filters.

A) Gently knock all the crud off the filter before you apply K&N filter cleaning solution, most motorcycle chemical manufacturers have a suitable product for cleaning air filters. B) Apply the appropriate cleaner and let it work for a few minutes, rinse it off from the inside out with warm water.

C) Gently wash the filter twice in a solution of dish soap and warm water, this will remove the remaining dirt as well as clean off the oily residue left by the first cleaning solution.

D) Dry your K&N air filter by spinning it between your hands and tossing it up in the air as you spin it. This centrifugal motion will fling a lot of the water off right away. Never use compressed air to dry out a K&N, this will separate the filter fabric and ruin it. If you think your K&N has ever been "blown", throw it away and start over. Let the filter air dry in the sun for an hour or two.

E) Apply fresh K&N or "oiled gauze" type air filter oil from an aerosol can rather than the squeeze bubble applicators, the aerosol gives a more even application of the oil. Don't forget to put an Outerwear over your K&N for maximum engine protection.

A) Gently knock all the crud off the filter before you apply an air filter cleaning agent. Most motorcycle chemical manufacturers have a suitable product for cleaning air filters.

B) Apply the appropriate cleaner and let it work for a few minutes as you knead the filter with your hands, don't "wring" the filter just massage the cleaner in thoroughly. Rinse the filter from the inside out with hot water.

C) Wash the foam filter three more times in a solution of dish soap and hot water, this will remove the remainder of dirt as well as clean off the oily residue left by the first cleaning solution.

D) Dry your foam filter by first squeezing the excess water out and then by blowing the rest of the water off with compressed air. Never wring or stretch your foam filter as it could tear at the seams. Let the filter air dry in the sun for an hour or two.

E) Apply fresh foam filter oil to the inside and outside elements as well as the sealing flange or lip, do not use K&N or fabric filter oil on foam filters this will result in dirt inside the engine. Squeeze out any excess oil as necessary. Apply a liberal amount of wheel bearing grease to the sealing flange before you install the filter. If your foam filter doesn't have a rubber grommet around the eyelet where the hold down bolt passes through, then apply some grease there as well.