Air Filters

XLMOTO Motorcycle Air Filters:
A Breath of Fresh air for your Bike

For a motorcycle engine to run at its optimum level, it relies on filtered air to complete the combustion process. So whether it's regular maintenance or a performance upgrade, XLMOTO's range of motorcycle air filters is a breath of fresh air for your engine. A motorcycle air filter's role is to trap dirt particles and prevent contaminants from entering the fuel system or combustion chamber. Depending on the type of bike, these filters may be individual pods, cartridge-style, foam or pleated layers of gauze.

What happens if you neglect your air filter?

An air filter is out of sight, so it's easy to neglect its regular upkeep. Over time, dirt, dust, and grime will build up on the air cleaner's surface. This build-up restricts airflow, making the engine burn fuel inefficiently. If the engine receives too much fuel, it will run rich. When this happens, the spark plugs will foul, and the engine will be prone to overheating. Throttle response will deteriorate, and you will experience trouble starting the engine. All these factors affect performance. Plus, you will waste money using excess gas. Besides sluggish performance, a badly clogged air filter will, over time, allow sand and grit to pass unfiltered. This action is bad news for an engine. These small particles can cause havoc with carbs and injectors. Moreover, they can damage valve seats, piston rings and cylinder bores.

Stock versus aftermarket

Original equipment air filters work with the rest of the engine to provide the best overall performance possible. So, does this mean it's impossible to improve an air filter's performance? Through years of research and development, some aftermarket motorcycle air filter manufacturers create products that increase performance over stock levels. Also, even aftermarket filters that match stock performance represent a considerable saving over OEM parts. So, whether you choose a performance upgrade or are looking to save money, with XLMOTO, you can't lose.

Types of air filter

Conical

A conical air filter is an individual unit. It features layers of gauze folded in a concertina pattern protected by aluminium mesh. Being folded multiple times dramatically increases the filter area. It is this that allows for a faster flow of clean air to pass through. These filters have a light coating of oil to trap finer particles. Moreover, they are washable for reuse and provide a longer work life. The conical motorcycle air filter is ideal for single or twin-cylinder engines or regularly used on vintage café racers with four-carb engines. These filters are available in three configurations; conical, oval and oval conical.

Cartridge air filter

This type often uses the same multi-layer filtering system as the conical version. Yet, it's housed within a plastic casing. This casing fits inside the air box. It is similar to a cassette, and its design makes it easy to insert and remove.

Foam

Due to the harsh environment in which they operate, you will often see foam air filters on dirt bikes. Most foam air filters contain two layers of different-density foam and have a light coating of oil. This format is excellent for trapping even fine dust. Due to the oil coating, they will need washing more frequently.

Clean, filtered air is essential to the combustion process and the optimum performance of your motorcycle. Thanks to XLMOTO, whichever shape or style of air filter you choose, your bike's engine will breathe easily