TOPIC:

This year I rode with no air filter media for a couple months prior to Winter storage, and I'm wondering if that is acceptable for the long term health of my engine.

Previous to that I had a RamAir filter media screen covering the air box opening beneath the seat.

While riding without it, there was very little debris/grit getting into the air box, or any noticeable unusual residue accumulating inside the velocity stacks.


 

It really depends on your definition of long-term.
 

wrote:

It really depends on your definition of long-term.

 

I live to ride in West Michigan where the air quality is pretty clean, and my time spent on gravel roads is very rare.
Guessing the engine may need new rings in the next two-three years, after another 15-20K miles gets added to the odometer.


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I will let the experts comment on running an engine without filters, 
but I would recommend you plug up those openings into each carb during winter storage.
Keep the critters out they can definitely do some damage!

What do you want to accomplish by not running a filter?

I'd run an air filter for sure.  The challenge you will have is figuring out how to get one into that modified airbox.  It will take some inventiveness, but it's a worth project.

wrote:

What do you want to accomplish by not running a filter?

Less restriction = mo powa!




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wrote:

I'd run an air filter for sure.  The challenge you will have is figuring out how to get one into that modified airbox.  It will take some inventiveness, but it's a worth project.

Previously had a RamAir filter media/screen over the air box opening.  Thought I'd have a run without it, and I liked the effect it seemed to have on my recent blast to Zukey Lake and back.  Could have just been imagined, but it sure made that run good...though not unlike otherwise.
 

wrote:

I will let the experts comment on running an engine without filters, 
but I would recommend you plug up those openings into each carb during winter storage.
Keep the critters out they can definitely do some damage!

When stuffed away for the Winter, I remove everything except the kitchen sink.
 
The gas tank gets drained into my truck, and the carbs get disassembled, cleaned and put away in a cabinet.  I keep that stuff at home in my basement, while the bike sits undisturbed in my son's shed.  

I stumbled on a routine that includes fogging the bike cylinders as I do my boat motors.  Makes them all start up real nice in the Spring after a long frigid nap.

 

daveo post=877984

wrote:

What do you want to accomplish by not running a filter?

Less restriction = mo powa!

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I doubt you would feel a HP increase with the small CFM difference you gain from not running filter media, especially the way you have your intake setup thru the air box.
You would gain a lot more CFM without the air box by using the velocity stacks out in the open (a drag bike setup)
Your bike is nicely setup and you have put some work into it, if you want it to last a long time run a filter of some sort.
Even if you say there is nothing in the air box, there is on some level. Dust even at the microscopic level is abrasive.
The place for open intakes is your local track (drag/road race)


 

Running without an air cleaner element will cause the engine to run leaner and hotter.  Neither is good for engine life.  

You may not see anything on your intakes but be assured dirt, moisture, flies etc are getting into your engine.  I find that stuff on my filters all the time and I ride in what I believe is very clean air here in BC.