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BMC Air Filter - Spray Oil?

Clyde

Clyde

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I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get a BMC Air filter. I'll probably order the cleaning/oil kit with it. Better to go with the spray oil or the bottled oil? I've never used a "resusable" filter before. Any other special considerations? I thought about the K&N, but after reading several stories of poor fit on the FZ1 with K&N, I'm a little put off on that brand.
 
Oil for air filters is basically just glue that never sets. For foam filters that can be removed from a frame or at least compressed into the frame, bottled oil is good. For cotton/cloth filters, if you do oil them (recommended), you are better off with the spray.

The K&N filter cleaner and oil will be fine for any brand of cotton filter. For foam filters clean them with kerosene.

Like a chain, don't over-oil. The oil can foul air-flow or air pressure sensors for fuel injected vehicles.

Don't let foam filters get dry or they will catch fire if your bike backfires. Happened to me on a car once. Side-draught Webers love to spit fuel and lumpy cams with a lot of overlap sometimes spits the wrong way.

The principle of air filtration is to make the air turn corners. Dust and dirt is heavier than air and doesn't turn as quickly. Instead it is collected on a nearby surface designed to trap it. Filter Oil really helps trap it.

Disclaimer: A friend owns and runs Unifilter in Australia. I used to use Unifiter foam filters on my carburettered rally and track cars.
 
Thanks for the responses. Now I'm questioning the logic of getting a "reusable" air filter at all. From a performance standpoint, my bike is stock other than a smaller front sprocket.

Here's the argument going on in my head... I'm planning on an Iron Butt (Bun Burner 1500) from Detroit to Denver this Summer. To that end, I thought it would make sense to put an automatic chain oiler on. The difference in cost between a "regular" air filter ($20) and a BMC ($60 + $20 for the cleaning/oiling kit) is pretty significant, and makes up a large portion of the cost of an auto-oiler.

I'm not in a huge rush, so I can mull it over a bit.
 
I *think* combination of higher capacity air filter with aftermarket exhaust makes a bit of a difference.. air filter on its own: no way you'll feel it.

In terms of cost, if you keep the bike for a looong time, it may save you a bit of money.

I'm one of the people who had poor fit with K&N and no issues with BMC.

Another thing to keep in mind: BMC comes pre-oiled and does not need to be cleaned/re-lubed for a good long time.
 
Meh...save your money.

All a K&N or BMC does is let more dirt in so you need to change your oil sooner. Go OEM, go by the book, you're good to go, and dollars ahead.

Disclaimer...my grandfather was an auto engineer for Hudson and Chevrolet in the late 20's, 30's and early 40's. Until his dying day he said the "3,000 mile" oil change was nothing but a marketing scam.

If you use a good air filter you don't need to change your oil as often.

K&N Air Filter Review - Debunking the Myths (and why OEM is better)

Now back to our regularly scheduled broadcast...:)
 
Hellgate said:
Meh...save your money.

All a K&N or BMC does is let more dirt in so you need to change your oil sooner. Go OEM, go by the book, you're good to go, and dollars ahead.

Disclaimer...my grandfather was an auto engineer for Hudson and Chevrolet in the late 20's, 30's and early 40's. Until his dying day he said the "3,000 mile" oil change was nothing but a marketing scam.

If you use a good air filter you don't need to change your oil as often.

K&N Air Filter Review - Debunking the Myths (and why OEM is better)

Now back to our regularly scheduled broadcast...:)
Click to expand...

Thank you for posting this :)
 
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