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Freedom45 Big Brick Rider
Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 71 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 2:02 pm Post subject: Opinions, K&N air filter |
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Comments sought about your experiences with K&N air filters on K11s. Bottom line, is it worth it for you? _________________ 1996 K1100RS SE, K1100K, K75S, Laverda 1200
MOA 9900
IBA #70 NRA |
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Jim Site Admin

Joined: 17 May 2003 Posts: 3841 Location: WHERETHEFUNNEVERENDS
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 2:20 pm Post subject: |
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The stock filter is more than sufficient for your K bike. It filters better than the K&N, and lasts a long time. It's a bit of a pain to change the filter, but not that bad once you get it figured out. My advice (since you asked for it) - stick with stock. _________________ Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000
"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed." |
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RAL88 Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 736 Location: New Mexico Land of Enchantment and 365 days of riding USA
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 2:23 pm Post subject: |
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I put one in mine and took it out after about 500-600 miles. On a car and where the filter is placed it stays relatively cool. On our bikes and where the filter is housed it gets way to hot and the oil drys out too quickly. _________________ Rich
"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R |
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Klinker Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 876 Location: SD I-90
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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.02:
Had one in my ST1100 - I think it helped with performance a bit, but for the reasons listed above and others (like research that suggests K&N filters don't remove enough damaging particles - help me out with a source here, Old Geezers), I'd stick with stock. _________________ tlp
1994 K1100RS
Only the Reasonists. They believe in an evidence-based world, something called Rationalism. But it's a tiny group, not so influential.
- Page Griffin |
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Phil Marvin Rider in the Sky
Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 1389 Location: El Paso, Texas, USA
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 3:11 pm Post subject: |
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I used one many years ago on my first K1100LT. Then I read some of Tom Cutter's comments, especially the part about when he looks into the intake ports of bikes which use(d) K&N air filters and always finds a lot of dirt and crud (technical term) which he doesn't find on bikes with stock filters. I no longer use them and advise not using them and, if on your bike, replacing with a stock air filter. Even though BMW says to replace the stock filter at 12k miles, on the K75/100/1100 bikes, the stock filter is good for 50k+ (My OPINION, based on results of tests I have read). _________________ Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP |
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supercat1 Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 458 Location: Hoboken, NJ
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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well mine came with a k&n. maybe i should have a look see at it. _________________ (formerly) 1993 k1100rs |
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Scott_Anderson Site Admin
Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 3122 Location: Central Iowa, USA
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 5:48 pm Post subject: |
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The only time I would waste on a K&N is to remove it and replace it with a stock one as well. _________________ Ride safe.
1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold) |
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Flying Duck PsyKotic Waterfowl

Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Posts: 10102 Location: Bumf***, WA
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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But they have great marketing hype and you get a sticker!  _________________ 93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE |
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old guy old bike Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 373 Location: Lisbon, OH
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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I took mine out this winter and replaced it with stock. It was apparent that it wasn't the cat's ass based on the crud in the bottom of the air box.
Jeff _________________ 1993 K1100LT
2003 K1200GT Gone but not forgotten
2014 Victory Crossraods |
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abreeze Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 671 Location: atlanta
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 10:07 pm Post subject: |
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| they did dino tests and found no benifet using the k&n.. |
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Freedom45 Big Brick Rider
Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 71 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 10:32 pm Post subject: |
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OK OK as such,
For Sale: - two K&N stickers, $.05 each, New
- one used K&N filter, $5.00
used only 100,000 miles
- one used K&N filter cleaning/oiling kit $5.00
or, will trade for new OEM air filter.
Ah, the power of the forum!! _________________ 1996 K1100RS SE, K1100K, K75S, Laverda 1200
MOA 9900
IBA #70 NRA |
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Flying Duck PsyKotic Waterfowl

Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Posts: 10102 Location: Bumf***, WA
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 12:44 am Post subject: |
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I heard K&N is coming out with a deer whistle soon.
(I'm just having fun here. Freedom and I have been PMing and there's no bad blood between us.) _________________ 93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE |
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robleyd Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Posts: 398 Location: Murbko, Australia
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 5:24 am Post subject: |
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| Flying Duck wrote: | I heard K&N is coming out with a deer whistle soon.
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And I'll bet it won't use the standard K&N oil, but you'll have to buy a very deer alternative. _________________ David, owner of:
1996 K1100 LT |
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Beachcomber Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 350 Location: Redditch UK and Reichenau [ Saxony ]
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 4:52 pm Post subject: |
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I fitted one to my K100RS project - absolutely no problems.
Ahh, maybe a different type of K&N ! never the less, works well and is cheap / simple to replace.
I've got a whole new system planned for my k1100RS Race Rep project where the filter housing is buried in the nose intake of the Yam R6 fairing.
[img] [/img] _________________ Beachcomber '93 K1100RS / '93 K1100LT and several K100's |
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Freedom45 Big Brick Rider
Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 71 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2010 1:15 am Post subject: |
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Beachcomber: thanks for the pic of that interesting K. I hope to see more.
I've decided to retain the OEM air filter based on posts here and recommendations from several BMW service personnel in our area. The SW, especially here in Phoenix and The Valley, has an ultrafine powderlike dust that seems to permeate the K&N but is filtered by the stock filter.
I've looked at torn down K bike engines, high mileage ones, at two shops and the Nicasil (sp?) crosshatch pattern is still evident on two of those engines using stock filters, whereas, on one that was using K&N it is significantly less.
May not be a scientific conclusion, but, enough visual evidence for me.
Thanks for posting your comments and experiences. _________________ 1996 K1100RS SE, K1100K, K75S, Laverda 1200
MOA 9900
IBA #70 NRA |
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blue95lt Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 230 Location: Franklin In.
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 2:50 pm Post subject: k&n |
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I feel if it can let more air in so can anything else
Stock has to be better tofilter out fine dust.
To the filters'capability.I'm.02centsw _________________ 1995 k1100lt daily ride(22953)when I got it
1982 cb650sc blue nighthawk (38000)(crashed)
1974 kz400(sold to get nighthawk) |
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Phil Marvin Rider in the Sky
Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 1389 Location: El Paso, Texas, USA
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 4:04 pm Post subject: |
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Hi,
I think it was Don Eilenberger who did dyno testing with air filters on K-bikes. The runs were done with a new (stock) filter, NO filter, and a filter half blocked with plastic wrap. The dyno results were the same, showing that a filter (or lack of one) which can flow more air will not increase horsepower on the stock engine. I've also read where a well-respected mechanic (Tom Cutter comes to mind, but it may have been someone else) wrote that every time he looked into the intake tract of K&N equipped engines, there was a lot of fine dust/sand/abrasive particles which was not present with engines equipped with stock air filters.
I used a K&N for a while on my first K1100LT - maybe 20k miles. When I read of the dyno testing and the mechanic's comments, I removed the K&N and replaced it with a stock filter. What you do with your bike is your business; after all, it's your bike. My bikes have stock air filters on them and will continue to use the pleated paper air filters as long as I own them. _________________ Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP |
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m1ks Mad Brick Rider
Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 122 Location: Skye, Highlands
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Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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| Beachcomber wrote: | I fitted one to my K100RS project - absolutely no problems.
Ahh, maybe a different type of K&N ! never the less, works well and is cheap / simple to replace. |
I assume you mean from your comment and pic that your K&N is the pod on the intake tube?
In which case it's very different, but certainly way easier to change , i'd be wary of the feed tube connection if your running an empty airbox though, i've noticed on mine though it clips in and is bolted to the front tube it's not the tightest fit there. _________________ I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, de-briefed or numbered! |
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John Clauss Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 732 Location: Robesonia, PA
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Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 9:12 am Post subject: |
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| Phil Marvin wrote: | Hi,
I've also read where a well-respected mechanic (Tom Cutter comes to mind, but it may have been someone else) wrote that every time he looked into the intake tract of K&N equipped engines, there was a lot of fine dust/sand/abrasive particles which was not present with engines equipped with stock air filters.
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I know Tom quite well and I know his feelings about K&N filter. He hates them, with a passion. One of his favorite expressions about them is that it is a fine way to destroy a great engine. _________________ 1997 K1100LT
1975 R75/6
It will bring you so close to nausea, it will make you sick! - Big Al |
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Beachcomber Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 350 Location: Redditch UK and Reichenau [ Saxony ]
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Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 4:36 pm Post subject: |
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| m1ks wrote: | | Beachcomber wrote: | I fitted one to my K100RS project - absolutely no problems.
Ahh, maybe a different type of K&N ! never the less, works well and is cheap / simple to replace. |
I assume you mean from your comment and pic that your K&N is the pod on the intake tube?
In which case it's very different, but certainly way easier to change , i'd be wary of the feed tube connection if your running an empty airbox though, i've noticed on mine though it clips in and is bolted to the front tube it's not the tightest fit there. |
Exactly that. Seemed to make sense to me - and at £6.95 a pop [ or is that pod??!!] exceedingly cost effective.
The air box itself is sealed with silicone bath sealer !! As is the connection from air intake to air box.
Just out of curiousity I pulled it apart after a Summer's riding - absolutely no debris inside - as there was when I pulled it apart originally!
On my Race Rep project, the stock BMW air intake goes up inside the modified Yamaha R6 fairing and collects the air from the original Yam nose air intake via a larger version of the cone filter.
However, this one's based on a K1100 so I've also done away completely with the OEM air box and have a tubular collector plenum directly off the intake hoses - which dives off to the Yam nose intake.  _________________ Beachcomber '93 K1100RS / '93 K1100LT and several K100's |
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