Indeed motorbike air filters play a critical role in motorbike engine performance, and that’s why the question arises, does the air filter size affect performance?
Motorbike air filter size affects the motorbike’s performance hugely as increasing the motorbike air filter size increases the engine power by 2-5 horsepower. It’s mainly because the large air filter allows better airflow, which makes the air-fuel mixture in the engine.
Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it.
While writing for this post, I leave no stone untrained so you can know everything about how the air filter size affects performance.
Table of Contents
Does the Air Filter Size Affect Performance?
Indeed motorbike air filters play a crucial role in motorbike performance. But have you wondered if the air filter size affects performance?
Motorbike air filter size affects the motorbike’s performance hugely as increasing the motorbike air filter size increases the engine power by 2-5 horsepower. It’s mainly because the large air filter allows better airflow, which makes the air-fuel mixture in the engine.
And because of the increase in the size of air filters, you’ll experience more power while riding the motorbike. However, it comes with a major problem that you’ll read about in the next section.
How Does Small Air Filter Affect Performance?
Indeed air filters affect the motorbike engine performance; now the question arises, how do air filters affect performance?
Small air filters have small pores, which hinder the passage of dust air and block the dust and debris entering the engine. Because if you minimize air passage, the small air filters slow down the air passage rate causing less air-fuel mixture.
And because of the less air-fuel mixture, you’re likely to not experience the engine power. However, your engine health won’t decrease and will last for years.
Major Problem with Large Air Filters?
So far, you understand that large air filters increase the power, and thus the size of air filters affects performance. Now the question arises, what’s the major problem with the large air filter?
A large air filter means more large pores that supply more air to the motorbike engine. But because of huge pores, the unfiltered air containing dust and debris enters the motorbike engine, which affects the motorbike engine’s health. And these unfiltered air filters likely start to make gunk in the motorbike engine.
This gunk of moisture, dust, and gas will block the engine, and your motorbike will suffer from various engine problems in the long term.
Should You Use a Large Air Filter for a Dirt Bike?
Indeed with large air filters, you get better engine performance; now the question arises, should you use a large air filter for a dirt bike?
If you do off-riding too frequently, installing air filters with large air pores would be a huge mistake. It’s because filters with large air pores will allow air passage with dirt and debris, and off-road, the amount of air containing dust increases substantially. And that’s why experts always recommend avoiding installing air filters with the huge filter in the dirt bike.
Instead, you can use multiple small filters with large air pores to get pure air passage every time.
Should You Use a Large Air Filter if You’re a City Rider?
So far, you understand that you should avoid installing large air filters on your dirt bike. Now the question arises, should you use a large air filter if you’re a city rider?
You can use the large air filters if you’re an average city rider. Still, it would be worthless for you as you hardly experience the extra power through huge air filters. Huge filters can also bring high maintenance requirements, which average city riders would hate.
It would be best if you don’t change your default motorbike air filters with the large one.
Should You Use a Large Air Filter if You’re a Racer or Professional Rider?
Indeed you shouldn’t go with the huge air filters if you’re an average city rider. Now the question arises, should you use a large air filter if you’re a racer?
Although ordinary high CC motorbikes come with huge air filters, you can increase your motorbike power by 2-5 horsepower by installing large air filters. However, you’ll have to avoid riding your motorbike on roads with dust and debris.
Also, with the huge filter, you’ll have to limit the motorbike usage to minimize entering dust and debris into the motorbike engine.
Is Big Air Filter Worth Money?
So far, you understand that you can use the large air filters if you’re a racer or a professional rider. Now the question arises a large air filter worth the money
However, modifying your motorbike with the large air filters isn’t necessary and doesn’t cause a hole in the rider’s pocket. But suppose you’re an average city rider who doesn’t like modifying the motorbike then, you’re good to go with your ordinary motorbike air filters.
And suppose you’re a motorbike freak who loves modifying the motorbike and enjoying the extra power and smoothness then, you should go with the large air filter.
By modifying your motorbike with the large air filters, you’ll get a good motorbike experience and smooth experience, along with a 2-5% increase in the motorbike’s horsepower.
Benefits of Cleaning the Air Filter for Improved Performance
Regularly cleaning the air filter can indeed boost motorbike performance. Experts typically recommend cleaning the air filter every 10,000 miles, but if you frequently ride in off-road conditions, it may be necessary to clean it every 5,000-6,000 miles. Clogged pores in the air filter restrict airflow, leading to decreased performance.
If cleaning the air filter doesn’t restore optimal function, it is advisable to replace it altogether. Ensuring a clean air filter is essential for maintaining engine health and performance.
Key Points to Remember When Cleaning the Air Filter:
- Avoid Gasoline: Using gasoline to clean the air filter is not recommended as it can dissolve the adhesive holding the filter together. Gasoline is effective for removing mud and debris but can cause damage to the filter structure.
- Use Recommended Oil: It is best to use the oil specifically recommended by the motorbike manufacturer for cleaning the air filter. These oils have low viscosity, allowing them to penetrate the filter’s pores efficiently. Consult your motorbike manual or contact the manufacturer for the recommended oil type.
When to Replace the Air Filter:
Changing the air filter is crucial for maintaining engine health and preventing dust from contaminating the motorbike engine oil. It is generally recommended to clean or replace the air filter every 10,000 miles. However, if you frequently ride off-road, consider changing the air filter more frequently, around every 6,000-8,000 miles. Consult your motorbike manual for more precise information on maintenance intervals.
Also, read my previous post where I discussed more air filters working and how they protect your motorbike engine from dust and debris, CLICK HERE to read.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does a small air filter affect performance?
Small air filters have small pores, which hinder the passage of dust air and block the dust and debris entering the engine. Because if you minimize air passage, the small air filters slow down the air passage rate causing less air-fuel mixture.
What’s the major problem with large air filters?
A large air filter means more large pores that supply more air to the motorbike engine. But because of huge pores, the unfiltered air containing dust and debris enters the motorbike engine, which affects the motorbike engine’s health. And these unfiltered air filters likely start to make gunk in the motorbike engine.
Should you use a large air filter for a dirt bike?
If you do off-riding too frequently, installing air filters with large air pores would be a huge mistake. It’s because filters with large air pores will allow air passage with dirt and debris, and off-road, the amount of air containing dust increases substantially. And that’s why experts always recommend avoiding installing air filters with the huge filter in the dirt bike.
Should you use a large air filter if you’re a city rider?
You can use the large air filters if you’re an average city rider. Still, it wud be worthless for you as you hardly experience the extra power through huge air filters. Huge filters can also bring high maintenance requirements, which average city riders would hate.
Should you use a large air filter if you’re a racer or professional rider?
Although ordinary high CC motorbikes come with huge air filters, you can increase your motorbike power by 2-5 horsepower by installing large air filters. However, you’ll have to avoid riding your motorbike on roads with dust and debris.
Final Verdict:
Does the air filter size affect performance? Motorbike air filter size affects the motorbike’s performance hugely as increasing the motorbike air filter size increases the engine power by 2-5 horsepower. It’s mainly because the large air filter allows better airflow, which makes the air-fuel mixture in the engine.
If you’re a motorbike freak who enjoys every motorbike modification, installing large air filters would be worthwhile for better performance and motorbike power.
John, this side! My passion for motorbikes started when I was 12. I experienced many accidents and even lost some friends too. And it inspired me to create this website so that no parents in this world would lose their child while enjoying riding.