WHAT IS AN AIR FILTER?
The Foam Air Filter in your dirt bike is such an important aspect to maintaining your engine’s health and service life. Air Filters provide a physical barrier to keep out dirt, sand, mud, sticks, stones etc. The air intake passage is trying to suck in air continuously so as your air filter gets dirtier you will need to take time out to give it a thorough clean as to prevent inhibited air flow and air cleanliness.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN THE AIR FILTER?
Check your owner’s manual of your bike for cleaning intervals but ideally Air filters should be cleaned after every ride. Different riding conditions can also determine cleaning schedules. If sand riding is your thing then special attention should be made in the way of frequent inspections of air filter and airbox. Sand has such a detrimental effect on your engine and carburettor. There are even extra protection methods in the way of products called filter skins. If you have an hour meter this can make it easier to run a time specific maintenance schedule, like cleaning air filters every 1-2 hours. Try and make a habit of checking your air filter as part of your regular maintenance checks as well.
HOW DO I CLEAN THE AIR FILTER?
There are many videos available on how to clean your air filter. You Tube etc. Take the time to check these out. They have a lot of useful information. But really cleaning your air filter is not too hard. Locate your air filter usually under the motorbike seat. Use hand gloves to protect yourself from the toxins in the air filter oil. Get a clean bucket and fill with water, you will need to add your Air filter cleaning product to the water. Rinse thoroughly but do not over exert with the wringing or rubbing as this can tear your air filter. Let the cleaning solution do its job and squeeze out the remaining liquid and leave out to dry completely. While this is drying check your airbox for dust & grime. Remove any dirt that is stuck in the airbox, degreaser works well.
HOW TO OIL AIR FILTER
Once you have your dry air filter it’s time to apply the air filter oil. Again with gloves on gently massage the filter oil into the air filter, ensure an even coverage, dispose of any excess oil. Another method of oiling is to use a plastic bag and pour some oil into it, then the clean air filter, and just roll the air filter around inside the bag until you have nice even coverage. If using the oil is not your thing you can buy pre-oiled filters. As your re-installing the filter grease around the rim of the air filter to help with the airbox to filter seal. Finally check that filter is seated correctly and firmly in place to airbox.