New air filter for '84 KZ440

I just got this sweet little bike....the first that belongs to me. She's not the oldest but not the newest either, but she's in almost perfect shape. Only 20,000 km and almost no rust, plus a perfect leather seat. BEAUTIFUL! (you wouldn't believe how much I got her for!) So as one always does, I had a list of things to check when I first bought her. When I got to the air filter it made my heart hurt. I swear it was the original filter. I washed it out and it disintegrated. (asbestos?) So I rigged something up to make sure she wouldn't get fouled air (poor student!) It's October in Canada so there won't be much more riding I can do. I'd like to replace her filter with a hi flow type that would increase her horse power and acceleration but I honestly have no idea where to start with respect to new parts on such an old bike. I've tried to buy a stock air filter and the parts people can't even find my model type (it seems she's a limited edition). I've done a little research and I'm fairly certain the '84 and '85 KZ550 is the same mount type (terminology?). With this in mind does anyone have any suggestions about air filters, suppliers, or similar models that I could go track down for next season? Would it help for me to go take a picture of the air intake?

There are a few members with 400s or 440s or experience with them so a picture would probably help.

Kawasaki.com is a great source of information. Go to www.kawasaki.com , owner info, parts diagrams, motorcycle, year etc etc until you get right down to your model. I had a quick look and could not see an 84 KZ440. If you can find yours or your airfilter you will get a part #. By clicking on the part # you can find what models it was standard on.

also have a look at www.kz400.com

I'm sure someone with the right answer will be along soon.

A picture would help. The diagrams at Kawasaki.com don't show a 1984 440, but there's one for 1983, so you could check to see if its air filter element looks the same. And you could ask at Z1Enterprises.com - I didn't see one listed for your bike - but maybe they have a solution. If you can't locate an element, I'd guess that perhaps the foam filter material could be purchased, then you could cut out one to fit your application. The Kaw diagrams show that the 83 element appears to be a foam type: Is yours supposed to be oiled?

As for increasing horsepower n such, I'd forget about that & simply focus on getting an element.

Here's an 83 filter element listed on ebbaayy:
NOS Kawasaki 1979-83 KZ400 Air Cleaner 11013-1027 .

Edit - PS: By the way the above element is listed as Active at Kawasaki.com, so maybe there's one available in Canada.

First, welcome aboard! I took a look at Kawasaki.com and oddly, they don’t list a 1984 KZ440 even though Kawasaki did make 1984 KZ440 LTD. The picture below is the Kawasaki.com drawing of the KZ440 air filter assembly that was used from 1979 – 1983. If yours looks the same there’s a very good chance it uses the same air filter element. It is shown in the drawing with the number 11013 but the full part number is 11013-1027. Kawasaki.com lists this part as “active” which means it should still be available from the dealer or other Kawasaki parts suppliers. I looked up the price at RonAyers.com and it’s only $5.56 although the dealer will charge more. Oh, and we need pics; the one in your avatar looks nice, but it's so small. Ed

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Malichi wrote:

I'd like to replace her filter with a hi flow type that would increase her horse power and acceleration but I honestly have no idea where to start

That's just going to screw it up. Measure the core size (length and diameter) and try to buy a replacement filter core with a foam cover if available. Most any bike shop sells them, Z1 Enterprises does. Then treat the foam with Notoil oil, install it and you are set. Wash and reoil every few thousand miles with notoil cleaner and you will have no worries. It will last for many years and save you a lot of $$$ over buying the throw away filters.

H1Vindicator wrote:

At RonAyers.com 11013-1027 is priced at $4.95.

Really, they must have 2 sites with different prices. Interesting.

Oh wow, I had not thought you all would respond so quickly and effectively, Thanks! Yes that is my air filter. I thought I thought I mentioned that the engine and such were the same as the '83 as well but I forgot to add that. It seems the filter is as well. Thank you all for the work you went to get me this answer. I will go get an oilable filter as soon as possible.

And I will upload more pictures soon.

Thank you all again for all your help. I'm sure I'll be asking bunches more questions as the months progress.

P.S. you guys gotta tell newbies like me that there's an old ron ayer site and a new one, the old one makes SO much more sense!