If you don’t get the right Air cleaners for your Harley, you might end up spending a lot more on the repairs and maintenance. The relative performance of your vehicle will take an upward surge if you can manage to install the right air cleaner.
Its collaborative work with the exhaust will bring your buddy to life, enhancing the motor’s induction response. If you are a Harley Davidson fan, you’ll know how marvellous it is to ride on the beast! But to make sure the experience lasts, you need to get the Best Stage 1 Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson.
source: denniskirk.com
Best Stage 1 Air Cleaners Comparison Table
Product Name | Type of Filter | Requirement of Hoses, Banjo Fittings | Compatibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kuryakyn Motorcycle Air Cleaner | Reusable | Yes | 1999-2017 HD Models | |
 Kuryakyn Alley Cat Air Cleaner | Reusable | Yes | 1999-2017 HD Models | |
 K&N Harley Davidson Filter | Reusable - Cotton | Yes | 1999-2017 HD Models | |
 Arlen Ness Big Sucker Stage I Air Filter Kit | Reusable - Cotton | No | Maximum Sportster models | |
 Arlen Ness Performance Air Filter Kit | Reusable | No | Maximum Sportster models |
Best Stage 1 Air Cleaner For Harley Davidson Reviews
#1. Kuryakyn 9238 Motorcycle Air Cleaner/Filter Component
This is the ideal choice for those who are looking for elegance and style along with efficient performance. The aluminum build along with stainless steel mesh is resistant against rust and corrosion.
It comes with lowest loosening instances and hardly weighs anything. It is compatible with the Harley davidson filters and conceals the mounting bolt to give a proper finish, reducing the hardware display.
The hardware kit is a blessing for those who are planning to make the installation by themselves and a proper guide in the form of text or video is all you need to get going. It is an ideal choice for the ones who are looking to grab the best at a decent budget.
#2. Kuryakyn Alley Cat Air Cleaner/Filter for Harley-Davidson
This chrome colored Air cleaner has a metro look that will impress a Harley Davidson owner. It is designed specifically for your beast. It has a radiant appearance and won’t look out of place on your bike. ALso, it has a strong aluminum build that protects it from harsh wear and tear, rust and corrosion.
It's light in weight and does not add up to the burden of your bike, making the travel journey easier and hassle-free. WIth hundreds of meshes, it is a breeze to trap the unwanted foreign particles before they could enter the engine. The hardware kit set of wrenches come along with a stay ring. Even a beginner can slowly carry out the installation.
#3. K&N RK-3932 Harley Davidson Filter Kit
This is a purchase that won’t disappoint you because of the proper action of the filters and the subsequent effect that shows on improved motor function and fuel efficiency. They filter out air much better than the stock filters that come with the bike. You can travel up to 50,000 miles before you can think of changing it.
Though it is more expensive than the normal discard filters, you will find that the Horsepower gain and motor response are impressive. The installation process is a breeze and you can do it by yourself. It is made in the US and backed by a strong K&N warranty, that shows their immense belief in their products
#4. Arlen Ness Big Sucker Stage I Air Filter Kit with Cover
Even if this product doesn’t show its magic right away, you will notice the positive influence on your motor and horsepower gain on the go! It improves the fuel efficiency and reduces the exhaust from the vehicle.It also gives your vehicle a better look compared to the stock fit that the factory provides.
All the hardware that you need is provided within the kit and it's easy to navigate your way through the overall installation. It has a radius air inlet that sucks in quite a good amount of air, filters it and the engine breathes with relief. The outer steel design is resistant to environmental degradation, wear and tear.
#5. Arlen Ness Big Sucker Performance Air Filter Kit
This is one of the most appreciated Stage 1 filters for the Harley Davidson models. It's hard to ignore the terrific sound that your vehicle makes once you install this one. Thanks to the filter that supplies ample air for better fuel efficiency and a good motor rumble.
It comes with a cotton filter that has a high performance review from the bike enthusiasts. If you are planning on travelling off-road or for a longer distance, this filter is the best to go for. The design has a close-loop approach that maintains the engine performance at a high spot.
Also has a silver painted backplate for support. To top this all, the convenient installation process will make it the customer favorite.
Buyer’s Guide Of Best Stage 1 Air Cleaner
There are several factors that you need to consider while buying the Best Stage 1 Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson. Depending on the mileage, modifications, duration of travel and other specifications, you have to make the pick. Here’s what you should look out for -
Type of Filter
There are paper, foam and cotton filters in the market. Paper filters are disposable and you have to discard them once they are clogged. However, Foam filters can be cleaned and reused. The same goes with Cotton filters. For bikes that go off-road or if you are planning for a long duration ride, cotton filters are the best choice.
CADR Rating
The CADR rating depicts the efficiency of your Air filter. The higher the CADR rating, higher will be the filter’s ability to block particles and supply ample air for the engine’s function. A higher CADR rating favors long rides.
Heat resistance
Your air filter must be able to tolerate the temperature created in the engine. Based on the horse power, model of the bike and heat generated on the run, go for ideal air filters that still work under stress.
Surface area
A larger surface area means more air is being filtered and a better barrier is created to block foreign particles. Always go for the largest surface area that works for your vehicle.
FAQ's
#1. What is a Stage 1 Air Cleaner?
Stage 1 air cleaners are the ones that can be installed into your Harley Davidson without disturbing the Engine’s moving parts.
#2. How Do You Clean A Motorcycle Air Cleaner?
For a Paper filter, you simply discard it. For a reusable filter - use mild detergent, dishwash soap and normal to lukewarm water. Cotton reusable filters have special filter cleaning sprays - spray - leave for 10 minutes - rinse off with lukewarm water.
#3. Can You Clean A Harley Davidson Air Filter?
Yes, you can. Use mild detergent and lukewarm water.
#4. What Does An Air Filter Do?
Cleans the air of dirt, dust particles or debris before it enters the motor.
#5. What Kinds Of Air Filters Are There?
2 kinds - Paper Filters (Discard after use) and Reusable Filters (Wash and reuse).
If you are looking for a better vehicle performance then changing your stock filter will be the ideal thing to do. The process is convenient, easy and will benefit you in the long run. Choosing the best Stage 1 Air cleaner for Harley davidson is important to not end up at a mechanic’s garage quite often because of the disappointing vehicle efficiency.
A little before-hand investment will save you a lot of dollars in the future. And then, you will see your carburetor and EFI systems levelling up their game too!