Do Motorcycle Air Filters Need Oil?

Motorcycle filters are probably the only motorbike part that keeps your engine healthy by restricting the entry of foreign particles. Now the question arises, do motorcycle air filters need oil? 

Air filters need oil to keep working because the oil helps to trap foreign particles, including dust and sand, from entering the motorbike engine during air-fuel mixture combustion. And that’s why you need to oil these motorcycle air filters for the proper working mechanism of filters.  

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about motorcycle air filters. 

Do Motorcycle Air Filters Need Oil? 

Motorcycle air filters are the only motorbike part you need to care about a lot to make your engine healthy. And that’s why the question arises, do motorcycle air filters need oil? 

Oiled air filters need oil to keep working because the oil helps to trap foreign particles, including dust and sand, from entering the motorbike engine during air-fuel mixture combustion. And that’s why you need to oil these motorcycle air filters for the proper working mechanism of filters.  

These air filters may not work correctly without oil, which can be bad for your motorbike engine. 

Why Do Motorcycle Air Filters Need Oil? 

Indeed your motorcycle air filter needs oil to work correctly without any problems; now the question arises, why do motorcycle air filters need oil? 

At the time of combustion, your motorbike requires a proper supply of clean air-fuel mixture to generate power which is responsible for making your motorbike move. And thus, it’s crucial to protect your motorbike engine from foreign particles, including dust and sand, from entering it; therefore, the requirement for oil arises. 

Without oil, your motorbike air filter won’t trap the sand and other foreign particles, which could damage your motorbike engine permanently. 

What Happens if There’s No Oil in the Air Filter? 

So far, you understand that motorbike oil is the prime requirement for your motorbike air filters. Now the question arises, what happens if there’s no oil in the air filter? 

Suppose there’s no oil in your motorbike air filters. In that case, your motorbike air filter won’t work correctly because the oil is responsible for trapping its foreign particles. Also, foreign particles will enter the engine, combined with motorcycle oil, and increase the oil viscosity. 

And once the oil becomes viscous, your motorbike engine will starve for the proper circulation of motorbike oil, raising the friction between the piston and the walls. 

In simpler words, the oil in your motorbike air filters protects your motorbike engine from various damages. 

Do Motorcycle Air Filters Need Oil Replacement? 

Indeed your motorbike oil filters need oil to work correctly; now the question arises, do motorcycle air filters need oil replacement? 

Your motorbike air filters need regular oil replacement because, after everyday use of the air filter, the oil is combined with the dust, including sand particles that block every pore. These air pores blocking starve the motorbike engine of the rich air-fuel mixture.

In simpler words, your motorbike engine won’t give the best performance. 

Do Every Motorbike Air Filters Need Oil? 

So far, you understand that oil is essential for motorbike oil air filters to keep the engine in good condition. Now the question arises, Does every motorbike air filter need oil? 

Not every motorbike air filter needs oil; some other air filters, like OEM filters, are disposable and are replaced every two months. 

If you don’t want to mess up with the oil and air filters, it would be best to use OEM air filters on your motorbike. 

When Should You Change the Oil in the Air Filters? 

Indeed not every motorbike air filter needs oil and some work without it. Now the question arises, when should you change the oil in the air filters? 

If you’re using oil-based air filters, you should change the oil in the filters every 13,000 miles. However, if you’re using a dirt bike and do a lot of off-riding, it would be best to change the oil every 7,000 miles. As off-riding causes sand or foreign particles to enter the motorbike engine. 

Dirt bikes also require a lot of air to generate enough power to do off-riding, and that’s why experts recommend inspecting the motorcycle air filters every two months. 

Are the Oil Air Filters Good? 

So far, you understand that motorbike air filters need regular inspection. Still, now the question arises are the oil air filters good? 

Oil air filters are considered the best in the industry because it traps almost all foreign particles from entering your motorbike engine. Oil air filters have better efficiency than any other air filters out there. However, it may require a lot of maintenance, like regularly changing the oil in them and inspecting them every two weeks. 

In simpler words, you can only go with the oiled air filter when you’re ready for messy work and maintenance. 

Additionally, if you own a dirt bike, you should use oiled air filters because of their efficiency. The dirt bike needs a lot of clean air-fuel mixture to work fine, so you should go with the oiled air filters. 

However, suppose you’re an average city rider. In that case, you can go with ordinary OEM air filters as they don’t require much maintenance and carefulness. 

The Function of a Motorcycle Air Filter?

The motorcycle air filter holds significant importance as it requires regular cleaning or replacement.

Motorcycle air filters are designed to effectively capture and prevent unwanted particles from entering the engine. They are constructed using materials specifically chosen for their ability to trap and retain these undesirable particles.

Types of Filter: How Does Different Air Filter Work:
OEM filters.OEM filters, including modern variants, feature tiny pores and a viscous liquid within them. This design allows air to pass through quickly while effectively blocking dust particles.
K&N motorbike air filters.K&N motorbike air filters utilize oiled cotton gauze and a more porous material. These features enable the air to flow more easily compared to OEM filters. Additionally, K&N filters effectively trap nearly all dust particles, providing excellent filtration capabilities.
Oiled foam motorbike air filters. Similar to K&N filters, oiled foam motorcycle filters employ a porous structure. However, the key difference lies in the thicker oil used in oiled foam filters. This design promotes increased dust-capturing properties by causing the airflow to oscillate, effectively capturing a greater amount of dust. These filters are often referred to as “deep filters” due to their enhanced filtration capabilities.
Table Explaining Some Types of Air Filters Along with Differences Between them.

Different types of motorbike air filters offer varying characteristics and performance. Let’s explore the distinctions between OEM filters, K&N filters, and oiled foam filters.

OEM Filters:

OEM filters, including modern variants, feature tiny pores and a viscous liquid within them. This design allows air to pass through quickly while effectively blocking dust particles.

K&N Filters:

K&N motorbike air filters utilize oiled cotton gauze and a more porous material. These features enable the air to flow more easily compared to OEM filters. Additionally, K&N filters effectively trap nearly all dust particles, providing excellent filtration capabilities.

Oiled Foam Filters:

Similar to K&N filters, oiled foam motorcycle filters employ a porous structure. However, the key difference lies in the thicker oil used in oiled foam filters. This design promotes increased dust-capturing properties by causing the airflow to oscillate, effectively capturing a greater amount of dust. These filters are often referred to as “deep filters” due to their enhanced filtration capabilities.

Each type of filter offers distinct advantages and suitability for different riding conditions. Choosing the appropriate filter depends on factors such as desired filtration efficiency, airflow requirements, and specific environmental conditions.

Also, read my previous post where I discussed whether you can leave your motorbike battery charging through the trickle charger or not, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do motorcycle air filters need oil? 

At the time of combustion, your motorbike requires a proper supply of clean air-fuel mixture to generate power which is responsible for making your motorbike move. And thus, it’s crucial to protect your motorbike engine from foreign particles, including dust and sand, from entering it; therefore, the requirement for oil arises. 

What happens if there’s no oil in the air filter? 

Suppose there’s no oil in your motorbike air filters. In that case, your motorbike air filter won’t work correctly because the oil is responsible for trapping its foreign particles. Also, foreign particles will enter the engine, combined with motorcycle oil, and increase the oil viscosity. 

Do motorcycle air filters need oil replacement? 

Your motorbike air filters need regular oil replacement because, after everyday use of the air filter, the oil is combined with the dust, including sand particles that block every pore. These air pores blocking starve the motorbike engine of the rich air-fuel mixture.

Does every motorbike air filter need oil?

Not every motorbike air filter needs oil; some other air filters, like OEM filters, are disposable and are replaced every two months. If you don’t want to mess up with the oil and air filters, it would be best to use OEM air filters on your motorbike. 

When should you change the oil in the air filters? 

If you’re using oil-based air filters, you should change the oil in the filters every 13,000 miles. However, if you’re using a dirt bike and do a lot of off-riding, it would be best to change the oil every 7,000 miles. Off-riding causes sand or foreign particles to enter the motorbike engine. 

Final Verdict:

Do Motorcycle Air Filters Need Oil? Oiled air filters need oil to keep working because the oil helps to trap foreign particles, including dust and sand, from entering the motorbike engine during air-fuel mixture combustion. 

And that’s why you need to oil these motorcycle air filters for the proper working mechanism of filters.  

Because of regular maintenance, some riders don’t prefer using oiled air filters. Still, if you do off riding a lot and riding a dirt bike, then you should use the oiled air filters.