A Guide to the Best Air Intake for Harley Davidson

best air intake for harley davidson

Are you looking for the best air intake system that is specifically designed for Harley Davidson motorcycles? If so, this article will help you find one. We have researched and found three of the best systems on the market today.

So tell me, what is the best air intake for Harley Davidson?

We are convinced that the K&N cold air intake is the finest air intake for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. There isn’t much of a dispute about it; it effortlessly outperforms all of its competitors.

Top 3 Choices

  1. K&N 63-1125 Harley Davidson Performance Air Intake Kit
  2. K&N Cold High-Performance Air Intake Kit 
  3. Arlen Ness Monster Sucker Air Cleaner for Harley 

Why Should You Get A K&N Cold Air Intake System For Your Harley Davidson?

The K&N cold air intake is the finest air intake for a Harley Davidson for multiple reasons. To summarize, it’s the best quality and performing air intake on the market. If you’re searching for a Harley Davidson air filter, you won’t find any better option.

Best Air Intake for Harley Davidson Comparison

K&N 63-1125 Harley Davidson Performance Air Intake Kit

KN-63-1125-Harley-Davidson-Performance-Intake-Kit

You may improve the appearance, sound, and performance of your Harley Davidson by changing from the factory air intake to this high-performance replacement.

This air intake is an excellent choice for Harley Davidson motorcycles. It comes with a new K&N high-performance filter that will improve the performance of your engine.

With this replacement, you’ll be able to maximize power and efficiency while reducing noise levels by up to 50%. This air intake also cuts out 30% more heat than standard factory air intake.

The installation process is easy and can be done in under an hour. This air intake does not require any additional modifications to your bike.

This replacement includes everything you need for a quick install, including detailed instructions.

It’s also available at a reasonable price point given its high-quality construction and components, which K&N-the leading manufacturer, makes of air filters.

This replacement has received great customer reviews, with many saying it’s noticeably improved the sound and performance of their motorcycle. It also comes with a limited warranty from K&N for added peace of mind.

All in all, this is an excellent choice if you want to improve your Harley Davidson engine’s output while also improving its appearance and sound.

What Bikes Are They Good For?

The performance air intake kit is used on Harley Davidson Touring motorcycles, soft-tail Harley Davidson models, Twin-Cam bikes, and Sportsters.

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Benefits

The air filter is a high-flow air filter, so it does not limit the airflow like other filters put in during production.

Because there are no blockages in the bends of the tube, it has a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube that allows air to flow freely.

Provide your bike with an aggressive appearance.

The horsepower boost might be as much as 7.78 Hp at 4953 RPM.

K&N Cold High-Performance Air Intake Kit 

KN Cold Air Intake Kit High Performance

All of the advantages you may want from an air filter are included in this intake system. When you switch to this filtering method, you gain a longer time interval between cleanings and replacements for your filter. This is because of the material used for this filter and its ability to make sure only clean air gets into your engine. This product comes with a washable and reusable design that allows you to cut back on costs as well as waste in your home or garage.

Several other features come along with this intake system. These include an increase in torque, horsepower, and acceleration. You also get to see an increase in fuel efficiency and a decrease in the number of pollutants entering your engine. This product helps you save money on fuel costs and do your part to reduce pollution in the world.

There are no specific maintenance requirements for the air filter. This filter should be cleaned only after you’ve driven 100,000 miles.

With basic hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers, you can have this air intake filter installed in less than an hour.

What Bikes Are They Good For?

This air intake is ideal for the Harley Davidson Fat Bob, Dyna Low Rider, Switchback, Soft-tail Slim, Heritage models, and other bikes produced between 2001 and 2017.

Standard benefits:

– Longer time between cleanings and replacements for your filter

– Save money on fuel costs

Emotional benefits:

– Increase in torque, horsepower, and acceleration.

– Enjoy a cleaner engine with fewer pollutants

Arlen Ness Monster Sucker Air Cleaner for Harley 

Arlen Ness 90 Degree Monster Sucker Air Cleaner No Cover Black 81 005

This particular air intake system is designed to fit most Harley Davidson models. It features a built-in heat shield that not only reduces the amount of noise made by this product but also helps keep your motorcycle cool while running on hot days. The filter itself has been designed for high performance and ease of access, making it easy to clean after use.

This system also helps to enhance the overall look of your motorcycle, giving it a more aggressive appearance while increasing performance at the same time. This product is made in America and built with pride by Arlen Ness for over 50 years. It’s easy to install this system on any Harley Davidson model, and however fitting may take up to four hours.

These are reusable filters, which means you may wash and reuse them after a certain amount of miles. These filters don’t need to be oiled; all you have to do is rinse them with clean water. There are no external hoses or attachments required for the filter.

This filter provides increased airflow since it is a 90-degree design with an integrated inverter. The inverter is at the top of the filter and draws air from all directions. It even draws air from the front of the filter. Increased airflow and enhanced bike performance are two benefits.

Most bike riders won’t need a rain sock on their air filter when switching to this one. The filter is manufactured of synthetic and waterproof materials. Airflow is not obstructed by the absence of a rain sock, which keeps it at a maximum.

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Buying Guide: What you need to know before buying

best air intake for harley davidson

Power

The most common reason to purchase an air filter for your Harley Davidson is to improve the performance of your motorcycle. Different air filters will have diverse impacts on the performance of your vehicle. An air filter may raise or decrease the performance of your bike, depending on its quality.

Installation

Many air intakes are made to make the installation procedure as simple and seamless as possible. Some, on the other hand, are not. If you want to install your air intake, you’ll need to ensure it can be done. Otherwise, you’ll need to bring your ride to a mechanic.

Quality

The quality of an air filter is a major factor to consider. Air intake components with a lower grade will not last as long as high-quality ones. They also have drawbacks, such as delivering only a questionable improvement in performance or even damaging your bike. It’s usually preferable to opt for higher quality air intakes to avoid the issues we discussed above.

Emissions

The emissions that an air filter produces are one of the most significant factors to consider. Emitting many pollutants is detrimental to the environment, but doing so may also result in legal problems in certain regions. It’s critical to verify whether the air filter you want to purchase is lawful where you intend to drive it.

Do a quick internet search about the rules in your region to see if an air filter is legal where you live. You can even search for the specific filter on google and get results quickly for some of the more popular air filters. Finally, if neither option is successful, go to a local automobile dealership and inquire.

Looks

The visual element of an air filter is something that is frequently neglected. No one wants to acquire an air filter that makes their bike look worse. Instead, make sure the air intake you choose adds to the appearance of your motorcycle. Of course, looks are always debatable.

Many people overlook this aspect and instead concentrate on how a certain air filter looks on their Harley. Instead, they select an air filter that improves performance and efficiency the most.

On the other hand, an air filter may quickly become stale if it is unsightly on your bike. If you don’t like the appearance of your Harley, this can be a major problem. You might discover that despite providing you with the best performance, the air intake you choose detracts from its appearance and encourages you to purchase

Size

For a few reasons, the size of an air intake is important. For one thing, not every Harley air intake will fit every engine. As a result, purchasing an air filter that is the incorrect size will be a waste of time since it will be inedible.

Even if an air filter fits, it might still appear too big or little on your bike. To correct this, make sure to check if an air intake is appropriate for your Harley Davidson. Companies will generally indicate which vehicles their air filters are compatible with, so keep an eye out for it and double-check that your bike is okay.

FAQ’s

Is it legal to add an air intake on my HD bike?

It depends on where you live. Make sure to check the rules of your region before purchasing an air filter for your Harley Davidson so that it’s not considered unlawful in your area.

What are the benefits of high-quality air intake?

High-quality Air Intakes will last longer than low-quality ones, and they won’t damage or decrease performance on your bike. It’s usually preferable to opt for higher-quality air intakes if you don’t want to deal with any of the drawbacks we’ve discussed.

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What does an air filter’s emissions rating mean?

The emissions that an air filter produces are a substantial factor to consider when purchasing one for your Harley Davidson. Having too many pollutants can harm the environment, and doing so illegally may result in legal problems. Verify whether or not it is lawful to drive your Harley Davidson in the area you live.

How can I find out if a specific air intake is legal where I intend to ride my motorcycle?

It would help if you researched whether or not an air filter would be legal for use where you plan to drive it before purchasing one for your bike. If that doesn’t work, go to a local automobile dealership and inquire about it.

How long will an air intake last?

An air filter should last anywhere from 10,000-15,000 miles before it needs to be replaced; however, if you live in a region where air quality is lower than average or drive your bike more often than an average driver, expect your filter to wear out sooner.

What are some common materials used in making Air Intakes?

There are various materials used in making air intakes, including aluminum and plastic. Aluminum is relatively inexpensive but stronger than most other materials, whereas plastic tends to be more fragile yet cheaper.

How does an Air Intake work?

An air intake functions by allowing clean air to flow into your engine to generate power. With a dirty filter or one of poor quality, your bike won’t run as efficiently.

Will an air intake make my bike shoot flames?

A caked-on layer of dust could choke your engine and force it to work harder, which would make your car shoot flames, too. That doesn’t mean you should use a dirty air filter! Air filters might become clogged very quickly, essentially choking the engine that they’re protecting. The result? Your bike will be difficult to start and maintain a stable speed because the intakes aren’t flowing freely.

To avoid this hassle and ensure a long life for your motorcycle air intake system no matter what kind of environmental conditions you ride in, invest in high-quality components from trusted brands like K&N or Spectre to improve the flow rate as well as provide unbeatable resistance against wear and tear to keep you protected from everyday driving hazards all season long.

Will an air intake filter out bad odors?

No. Air intakes are designed to provide your engine with the best airflow possible, not protect it from smells or other environmental factors like rain and UV rays. If you’re looking for a product that will help reduce smell while driving, go with an activated carbon cabin air filter kit instead!

Is it safe to ride my motorcycle with an air intake?

If you plan on using your Harley Davidson for riding in cold weather, there are special considerations that should be taken into account. You will want to make sure that the filters and tubes do not come loose or get damaged when they’re exposed to extreme temperatures. Also, consult with your mechanic to see if the intake will cause any problems with other parts of your engine.

Is an air intake worth the money?

No question buying high-quality parts from trusted brands will provide you with more benefits than low-quality components or knockoffs, so if you can spare some extra cash, we highly recommend investing in aftermarket intakes for your Harley Davidson!

Which air intake gives the most horsepower?

All of the intake kits that are on the market will provide some increase in horsepower. A K&N air filter can offer more horsepower by providing a larger surface area for clean air to flow through. If you’re looking for an air intake system that will increase performance, go with a K&N or Spectre intake kit. They both can increase airflow without sacrificing power.

Do I need to tune my Harley after I add an air cleaner? 

No. You don’t need to tune your Harley Davidson if you install an air cleaner. Still, it is recommended that you have a dyno run done before and after installation so that the mechanic can determine if anything else needs to be adjusted or replaced for optimal performance.

Conclusion

An air intake system is an important part of the bike’s engine. If you’re looking to enjoy a smoother and more efficient ride, consider investing in high-quality aftermarket parts from trusted brands like K&N or Spectre. These intakes will provide better airflow, increased protection against wear and tear, and improved resistance against environmental hazards such as extreme temperatures. And don’t forget that not all filters are created the same; if you plan on riding your Harley Davidson during cold weather this season, make sure that the filter doesn’t come loose or get damaged when exposed to frigid conditions!

By Jacob - The Rider

Hi, my name is Jacob. I'm the founder of Backyard Rider Mag - a blog about motorcycles. I've studied engineering in college but decided to make blogging my career because it really aligned with what I wanted to do creatively - talk about bikes! I've been riding for 16 years now- everything from sportbikes to cruisers, dirtbikes or even dual sports. And after all these years on the road, there are still new bikes that excite me just as much as when I first started riding.

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