Do you need to change the Air Box to run a K&N Air Filter?

[Bonzo]

are they as good as the hype?

[Tundra]

No, same airbox.
Just remove the old o-ring/gasket (save it). The K&N is designed to fit the box, no gasket needed.
  I'd do an archive search, there's lot's of information that has been posted including some recently posted regarding the K&N filter. This subject can get a little sticky, kind of like oil, or tires.

[Bonzo]

I appreciate it.

[Jess from VA]

The K & N is a good filter but you should use the prefilter that comes with it if you have not rejetted;  the k & N without prefilter can lean out a stock Valk all by itself. 

Does it add power? Probably not (or one HP).

The caveat is that since it's under the tank, unless you are willing and able to pull it out to clean and oil it at intervals (10K/one year?), you are better off with the OE filter for three-year intervals.

[f6john]

The K & N is a good filter but you should use the prefilter that comes with it if you have not rejetted;  the k & N without prefilter can lean out a stock Valk all by itself. 

Does it add power? Probably not (or one HP).

The caveat is that since it's under the tank, unless you are willing and able to pull it out to clean and oil it at intervals (10K/one year?), you are better off with the OE filter for three-year intervals.

3 years on a stock air filter?????

[humshark]

The caveat is that since it's under the tank, unless you are willing and able to pull it out to clean and oil it at intervals (10K/one year?), you are better off with the OE filter for three-year intervals.

Second That!  ?? Three years

I run my K&N and service it as I would my normal paper filter.  I usually did this ONCE a year.  BUT - I'm putting more than 10k on in a year.  This year should see well over 20k! 

[BamaDrifter64]

From the K&N website:

"How often do I need to clean my K&N air filter?

If you have not experienced a decrease in mileage or engine performance, chances are your filter is fine and does not yet need cleaning.  To be more specific, the filter does not require cleaning if you can still see the wire screen on the entire air filter regardless of how dirty it may appear. When the screen is no longer visible some place on the filter, it is time to clean it. When used in normal paved road, street or highway conditions, our replacement air filters that fit in the factory air box should require cleaning every 50,000 miles and our large conical filters on an intake system should require cleaning every 100,000 miles. When used in dusty or off-road environments, our filters will require cleaning more often. We recommend that you visually inspect your filter once every 25,000 miles to determine if the screen is still visible." 

[Jess from VA]

I was not advocating filter change intervals of one or three years.....I was saying the K & N needs cleaned and oiled sooner than an OE filter needs changed, and that the OE is probably a better choice for those who won't get the tank off and clean/oil the K & N at least every year.

When used in normal paved road, street or highway conditions, our replacement air filters that fit in the factory air box should require cleaning every 50,000

I don't care what K & N site says, I would not trust any filter for 50K.

[Tundra]

Ditto Jess I've got three vehicles with K&N filters and or intakes. They all come off the same day every year for cleaning and oiling. Usualy on or around my birthday for ease of remembering.

[B]

Ditto Jess I've got three vehicles with K&N filters and or intakes. They all come off the same day every year for cleaning and oiling. Usualy on or around my birthday for ease of remembering.

It's easy to  remember up here ... all that once-a-year maintenance takes place when the snow's on the ground

[Tundra]

What is that snow stuff? I've heard of it, thought it was just a story, like Santa Claus. 

[B]

What is that snow stuff? I've heard of it, thought it was just a story, like Santa Claus. 

They're both real, here in the north ... neither go very well with 2 wheelers ... I'll probably have to head to the dark-side and put a snow tire on the Valk!