Best Air Intake for Harley Davidson Motorcycles (Reviews & Buying Guide)

As far as motorcycles go, it doesn’t get much more iconic than the Harley Davidson. However, while their classic and timeless design is near impossible to imitate and has earned them a legion of dedicated fans around the world, the same might not be said for some of their performance characteristics. 

With that in mind, if you’re looking for an air intake for your Harley Davidson motorcycle, we’ve got some great news for you: we’re going to show you the five best options.

However, no matter how good their design is and no matter how many miles of open road they can give you, what makes a bike truly stand out is its engine. 

That’s why it’s important that any air intake upgrade provides maximum airflow and reduces the number of contaminated particles entering the engine – this will improve your motorcycle’s performance and increase fuel efficiency. 

More than that though, an effective and powerful air intake ensures your ride stays as smooth as possible at all times.

To help you choose an optimal air intake option for your Harley Davidson motorcycle, we’ve made a list of top best-selling Air Filters that you can buy for your motorcycle.

Best Air Intake for Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson motorcycles are some of the most popular and iconic bikes on the planet. But it’s not exactly a secret that these bikes can also be very expensive and if you’re looking for a way to save some money, one option is to install aftermarket air filters. 

These filters allow your bike to breathe easier and maintain its natural performance while reducing wasteful emissions from your engine.

In general, after-market air filters are far more durable than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filters and will reduce turbulence in the airflow. 

They also offer better filtration of harmful elements like dirt, dust, water, and other contaminants which would otherwise find their way into your bike’s motor.

And let’s face it – they just look a whole lot cooler!

Are there any downsides to using an after-market replacement filter?

The short answer is “no” but there are a few caveats you should be aware of:

If you live or ride primarily in areas that have incredibly harsh/dirty conditions then an aftermarket filter may not work as well as an OEM replacement.

When you install an aftermarket filter, there are some subtle differences to how your bike performs compared with a factory original which stems from the design differences between the two filters. 

For example, OEM filters tend to be more restrictive than after-market parts so do keep this in mind!

So if you’re looking for something that will not only save you money but also improve airflow through your engine and give your bike a whole new look – then why not consider buying an after-market air filter the next time you need one?

After all, they just plain work better than stock replacements!

When it comes to maintaining air quality of any kind, there are basically three types of filtration:

• Precipitation (water) – Filters that prevent water from reaching sensitive components.

• Particulate (dust/dirt, etc.) – Filters with a fine mesh to catch large and small contaminants.

• Gaseous (noxious fumes) – Filters like the OEM Harley Davidson remove harmful gasses and biological agents from the air that is sucked into the motor when riding at high speeds.

After-market air filters offer benefits in all three of these areas while OEM replacements tend to only focus on particulate filtration. To be more specific, here are some facts about aftermarket air filters:

• They are far more durable than OEM parts.

• They provide better filtration of harmful elements like dirt, dust, water, and other contaminants which would otherwise find their way into your bike’s motor.

• Aftermarket filters look a whole lot cooler than stock replacements!

There are some downsides to using an after-market replacement filter though:  Areas with incredibly harsh/dirty conditions (e.g., near the ocean) may cause these after-market parts to become less effective or even fail completely when compared with OEM replacements. 

Additionally, when you install an after-market air filter there are some subtle differences in how your bike performs (i.e. more restricted airflow) compared with a factory original which is due to design differences between the two filters.

However, if you’re looking for something that will not only save you money but also improve airflow through your engine and give your bike a whole new look – then why not consider buying an after-market air filter the next time you need one? 

After all, they just plain work better than stock replacements!

1. K&N HD-1717 Engine Air Intake for Harley Davidson

The first product that we have listed is K&N HD-1717. K&N produces a diversified range of air filters that can be for stock use or custom-made. Its distinctive design has high-flow air filters that act as a suitable replacement for your existing air filter. 

K&N have divided their range of filters into two categories, replacement filters, and pod filters. Replacement filters are directly attached to the stock airbox, leading to improved horsepower. Pod filters, on the other hand, are mainly custom-designed for specific needs.

The manufacturers customize the filters in order to satisfy the user by targeting their specific needs. 

The framework of the air filter is such that it provides minimum restriction and excellent engine protection. The process to wash and re-oil the filter becomes convenient with a K&N 99-5000 recharger kit.

The easy flow of air leads to better combustion, which in turn leads to boosted performance. The designing of the product is in such a manner that it helps to increase horsepower and torque. The hassle-free design is innovated to provide additional air to the V2 engine.

The presence of multiple layers of woven cotton gauze offers fine filtration. These layers are reusable and washable, thereby being cost-effective. These interwoven cotton layers are pre-oiled and ready for installation.

The primary purpose behind the air filter design is to boost horsepower and rate of acceleration. K&N HD-1717 helps the user have a satisfying ride by delivering a splendid throttle response due to a reduction in the intake restriction.

PROs & CONs

2. Vance & Hines Naked VO2 Skullcap for Harley Davidson

Next up, we have Naked VO2 Skullcap by Vance and Hines. This filter is suitable for the audience who are looking to beautify the look of their bikes as well as to boost the performance.

The air filter is curated and manufactured in-house. The air filter provides more power to the motorcycle because a wider inlet backing plate and billet venturi allow more air to enter. The backing plate and a stepped machine piece in the shape of a ring navigate air into the intake.

As the name suggests, the naked VO2 series Slip-on can be used raw, without a cover. But if you wish to have a dashing look for your filter Vance &Hines do have a range of covers in various styles and textures. 

The VO2 comprises performance and style features that exist in the company’s other air intake products. The recently launched limited-edition VO2 Skullcap includes a stars and stripes design displayed on the billet cover. 

The material used to make these filters can be washed time and again, enhancing the bike’s functioning and allowing its power to reach the maximum level. 

The oiled layers of cotton gauze in the filters allow a humongous amount of air to enter. The contaminants stick on the mesh due to the oil and don’t gain entry to the engine.

The shape of the filter helps in better circulation of the air.

PROs & CONs

3. Kuryakyn 9990 Hypercharger Air Filter for Harley

Kuryakyn offers products that are a complete package. The blood groove-style trap door distinguishes Kuryakyn 9990 Hypercharger Air Filter from other filters. Blood groove-style trap doors are a substitute for standard trap doors.

Hypercharger allows the engine to breathe efficiently, leading to increased performance. The hypercharger is designed with a premium quality a-380 aluminum covering that comes in three colors, chrome, black, and a combination of chrome and black.

The installation process is quick however requires technical assistance. The longevity and drivability remain intact once the installation is done correctly. The installation kit carries a hypercharger, mounting kit, and carburetor jetting that help in cleaning and complete installation.

Hypercharger can be a significant distinguishing enhancement that can be made to your bike. The covers are exquisitely plated with trap doors and butterflies accessible in a variety of colors. The presence of a unified server motor provides accurate RPM butterfly engagement.

— Also read: What is a Hypercharger? Does it REALLY Improve PERFORMANCE?

A hypercharger in replacement to a stock air cleaner with no other changes can give a 7-9 increase in horsepower at the rear wheel. A hypercharger, along with a carburetor recalibration kit and a sound performance exhaust system, can give a 12 – 14 horsepower increase.

Hypercharger has a larger surface area that allows ample air to enter the bike and a convenient passage for the exhaust to get out. It is a modern revolution, with the latest technology which delivers excellent performance.

PROs & CONs

4. K&N HD-0800 Engine Air Filter

This product is a perfect fit for bike enthusiasts who love to ride their bikes on empty roads while enjoying a loud vroom!

K&N HD-0800 Engine Air Filter is solely designed to improve horsepower and torque. Its larger filtration area offers long service intervals.K&N provides a long-term warranty on its products.

The filtration area is packed with multiple layers of interwoven cotton gauze that provides particulate filtration. These layers are washable, pre-oiled, and ready to use. 

Fine filtration allows a minimal amount of dust and dirt contaminants to enter, which helps in reducing the wear and tear of the parts.

The filters comprise standard air filters, with no necessary changes to the system. The company ensures that its product leads to no loss of performance by optimizing the potential of the air filter box. The use of this filter also enhances the initial pickup. 

Noise and gas emissions are under the stated regulations. The K&N air filters have a similar service life as the engines. The longer life span of filters amounts to significant savings on the filter purchases part. 

K&N filters, unlike OEM filters, which have paper filtration media use cotton gauze materials. The aluminum mesh attached to the filter prevents rusting.

The peculiar filtration system extends the life of engines and completely protects against harmful dirt and dust particles. These are washable and require very little maintenance. The filters can be used repeatedly without any loss in quality of the filter effect and air circulation.

PROs & CONs

5. Arlen Ness 18-803 Big Sucker Performance Air Filter

Arlen Ness 18-803 Big Sucker Performance Air Filter is one of the most popular air filters in the market. This filter is suitable for fast riders who also want a dashing look enhancement of their rides. There is a range of colors to choose from black, ball mill, and chrome is a few examples.

It consists of an all-in-one backing plate with built-in carb support and breather tunnels at each end to reduce crankcase pressure—the exit of the tunnel at the mount of the carburetor, thereby creating a virtually closed loop.

There are two types of air cleaners, stage one and stage two. Stage two filters provide a hike of 21% in horsepower.

The filters can also be custom-made; they could either be a stainless jacketed filter or the standard filter. Stainless filters come with a stainless mesh fitted with another fine mesh without the use of gauze. Standard filters carry aluminum mesh along with pink cotton gauze.

The big sucker air filter kit has an air filter with a billet outer cover for eye-catching style and performance. These kits are curated especially for use with an external air filter cover or on an Arlen Ness custom cover. 

All kits include an aluminum backing plate, Team Ness high-flow air filter, an instructional manual, and required hardware.

The aluminum backing plate carries hidden breather technology; every breather is o-ringed at the heads and exits at the mouth of the throttle body, eradicating the need for any external hoses or hardware for energy-saving engine functioning. 

Each backing plate has a smooth radius air inlet to channel uncontrolled airflow into the engine.

PROs & CONs

6. Vance & Hines VO2 Naked Air Cleaner Kit 71011

Vance and Hines are among the proficient marketers of air filters. Their products don’t necessarily create an impact on the performance of the machinery but surely improve the look of it. 

Vance and Hines VO2 Naked Air Cleaner Kit is among the most efficient kits that enable the proper intake flow. The filters are layered with cotton gauze that helps in better filtration. The filter has a larger surface area as compared to stock filters. 

Stock filters are fitted with paper media filters, whereas VO2 comprises exceptional quality filters protected by an outer mesh layer. This dual protection prevents large contaminants from entering the engine.

It has a washable high flow filter, making its use repetitive. Stock filters, on the other hand, can be used only once. The kit also carries a larger backing plate and CNC machined venturi. 

A large amount of air can flow in with the help of the dual-port venturi. The venturi also helps in transporting air optimally across the engine to increase the speed.

VO2 Naked Air cleaner kit 71011 is suitable for an audience who wants to enhance the bike’s look and is not concerned about its performance. The filter also allows the rider to have the satisfaction of high acceleration sound while riding.

PROs & CONs

7. Black OPS Air Intake for Harley Davidson

Black OPS Air Intake is a very convenient alternative for Harley Davidson users. Its billet aluminum backing plate has internal breathing passages that enable super sanitary installation. It does not require any hoses, oil-catchers, or brackets for installation.

This model of air filter fits for cable throttle with Delphi Fuel injection or CV Carburettor equipped models. The Black OPS air intake filter has a lightweight aluminum design with rubber breather tubes to eradicate oil leakages. 

Its features include a creative conical shape that improves knee clearance and a power cone design placed on the inside for smooth and unobstructed airflow.

PROs & CONs

8. HTTMT MT227-BK Spike Air Cleaner

BK Spike Air cleaner is a premium quality cone-shaped air cleaner kit. It has an aggressive and adventurous look. The cone-like shape facilitates performance gains. It has an overall slotted spike cover.

The air filter carries washable filters, which can be used time and again. The body is entirely made of aluminum along with its frame. It has an extraordinary bullet design.

The kit will be most beneficial for custom applications.

PROs & CONs

Why you should care about your motorcycle’s air intake system?

Your motorcycle’s air intake system is especially important to ensure your engine receives plenty of clean, cool, oxygen-rich air. 

If this system is broken or otherwise restricts the airflow to your engine, you will experience a decrease in power and performance, and suffer increased wear on internal components. 

Put simply, your motorcycle’s air intake system is an assembly that consists of three main parts. The main components are the air filter, the intake hose/tube, and the airbox (if available).

Note: Depending on what year your bike was produced or what kind of engine it has, there may be different names for these pieces. 

For example, Honda calls their airbox a “fuel tank.” Learn to identify them by looking at pictures of each part online so you’ll easily recognize which part does what when you take apart your own!

The first piece in your motorcycle’s air intake system is the most obvious one – the actual filter that removes dust particles from your incoming airflow.

Depending on where you live where you have frequent storms, this may need to be replaced every few months. If you live in a very dusty area (such as the Great Plains states) or if you drive your bike off-road quite often, it will need to be replaced more frequently. 

Keeping up with changes in your filter is important so that dirt and dust particles don’t build up inside your hoses/tubes, which can lead to clogs and malfunctions.

After this comes the intake hose/tube. This is what draws your air into the engine cylinder. The tube part of this assembly serves as an intake pipe that guides the fresh oxygen-rich air from where it’s most accessible (usually somewhere near the seat) to deep within the engine, right before entering the chamber.

The last part of the air intake system that your bike uses is usually an air box. This piece basically keeps all of the pieces within the assembly together so that everything works smoothly and efficiently. If you have one, don’t forget about it because this holder also helps keep dust particles away from the engine!

Some of these parts are easy to access while some are not, depending on what kind of bike you have. Be sure to stay tuned for our next post where we’ll give advice on how to clean each component in your air intake system! 

How to maintain your motorcycle’s Air Inkate?

For most motorcycles, the air intake occurs through an opening just below either the front or rear fender (see Figure 1). Air is drawn into the engine by either a vacuum created via forwarding movement of the bike or by use of a snorkel attached directly to the engine case. 

This opening may be sealed with rubber tubing, known as a breather hose, which allows air to enter the system when the engine is under vacuum and prevents dirt and debris from entering. These rubber tubes collapse when not in use to prevent sucking dirt into your motorcycle.

To ensure that your motorcycle receives quality airflow, you should clean out any debris from inside this opening every time you clean the exterior of your motorcycle.

If there is excess buildup on the outside of your fender, you can remove it with a wire brush or sturdy steel wool. You can also maintain proper airflow through your system by periodically replacing fragile rubber tubing and keeping the top end of the tube free of obstruction.

The second component in most modern motorcycles’ air intake systems is an airbox or air filter. This is a small container that houses the air filter element which removes dust and other particles from the flow of air to your engine before it enters your engine’s cylinders. 

If you have an older model motorcycle without this feature, installing one from a donor bike will give you better performance and reliability. 

Your owner’s manual should tell you what replacement filters to use, but a general rule of thumb is that high-performance bikes often require more finicky filters.

The final step in maintaining or replacing your motorcycle’s air intake system is to tune your carburetor correctly for weather conditions and the type of riding you intend to do. 

How well your engine runs depends on how much fuel mixture reaches each cylinder when the engine is running. 

You should have your carburetor professionally tuned to match riding conditions, but you can also improve its performance by adjusting it yourself to account for the weather and the kind of riding you are doing.

For example, if you are riding your motorcycle in low humidity or at a high altitude where there is less oxygen available during combustion, then increasing the size of the main jet will make sure that enough fuel reaches each cylinder to prevent stalling. 

On the other hand, if you are traveling at higher speeds on a hot day through the humid air, then decreasing or even removing your airbox’s snorkel may help ensure good engine airflow. 

If every component of your motorcycle’s intake system is in excellent shape and still does not meet your performance needs, you may want to consider installing an aftermarket air intake system instead of replacing your original equipment. 

Aftermarket systems often provide more airflow at the cost of less reliability and require professional installation.

A properly maintained or replaced air intake system is essential for proper engine function, power, and fuel efficiency on any motorcycle. Follow the steps in this article regularly to ensure that your bike’s engine consistently receives cool, clean air so it can run efficiently for years to come.

Do air intakes make a difference?

So you might be wondering, do air intakes really make a difference?

The short answer is yes. Air intakes are very important on motorcycles because of the importance of keeping the engine properly cooled so it can operate efficiently. 

“Why cooling?” you may ask. Well, let’s take a look at what happens when your motorcycle isn’t properly cooled.

When the engine of your motorcycle is overheated it can cause serious damage to internal components, making them more prone to failure. This means that running without an air intake could create problems in the future with other parts on your bike if you don’t get the overheating under control. 

“Why cooling intakes?” you may ask. Well, let’s take a look at what happens when your motorcycle isn’t cooled by taking a look at some common types of air intakes on motorcycles today.

1) Air Boxes 

An airbox is exactly what it sounds like: A box that holds or houses air before it gets to the rest of your engine. These are frequently mounted onto bikes either the front fairing or onto the frame of the bike. 

This is one of the most common types of intakes on today’s motorcycles because it provides good cooling and can be easily removed for cleaning.

2) Side Mount Air Intake Kits 

Side mount air intake kits are a great choice for riders who don’t want to have their intake mounted onto their bike in a visible area, or for those who have plastic side covers over the engine which would block an installed airbox from being effective at cooling. 

A major drawback with these systems, however, is that they’re often not designed very well and they allow dirt into the system, making them difficult to clean properly. 

Due to this fact, it’s especially important to make sure your side-mounted air is made with high-quality materials.

3) Heat Wraps 

Heat wraps work by wrapping a heat-resistant insulation around the engine on your motorcycle to prevent it from cooling properly. This keeps the engine from being able to pull in as much air, which can lead to overheating problems if not taken care of immediately. 

The only way to fix this would be to add on an intake system that works with the heat wrap in order for it to function at all so you might have to replace your old heat wrap with a new silicone or fiberglass version if you want more airflow going into your bike.

4) Intake Filters 

This is one of the most common types of intakes on motorcycles today and they come in many different shapes and sizes depending on what kind of air filter it is. The most common types of intake filters are cone filters, cotton gauze, foam, and oiled-cotton gauze.

Cone Filters 

Cone filters are typically made with aluminum or plastic (or both) and they’re very popular for street bikes because they can be easily cleaned and don’t require the use of oil to operate properly. 

Cone filters work by sucking in air through one end of the filter which passes straight through an extremely fine layer of the metal mesh before reaching the engine, where the larger particles (dust, dirt, etc.) get stuck on the outside layers instead. 

Some motorcycle owners like to remove these smaller particles that have passed into their engine because this will allow you to have better and more efficient gas mileage and overall performance.

Cotton Gauze Filters 

Cotton gauze filters are made from a material that absorbs liquids, oils, water and other harmful substances within the air before it reaches your engine. 

This is important because it prevents your bike’s engine parts from being coated in oil which could be dangerous if you’re out on the road or track riding with an oiled-up system. 

Cotton gauze is typically used with foam filters, but depending on how they were constructed some can also use another type of filter for catching larger particles like cone filters do.

Foam Filters 

Foam filters are most commonly used together with cotton gauze to provide better filtration when they’re put together. They work by trapping dust, dirt and other larger particles in the foam while still allowing clean air to pass through to your engine. 

Because they’re easy to clean (simply rinse with water) these are popular for off-road motorcycles where keeping the bike running properly without any issues is more important than gas mileage or horsepower.

Oil Cone Filters 

Oil cone filters are some of the most common types of intakes on today’s street bikes because they offer some of the best protection you can receive from an intake system. 

They also require oil in order to keep working effectively so it’s important that you use ones that are meant for your specific year, make, and model motorcycle. Oil cone filters have a hollow spike that runs down the middle and works by drawing air into the intake. 

This spike has a tiny filter on it that catches dust, dirt, and other particles as they pass through, which eliminates any issues with your motorcycle’s performance. 

The oil then coats these surfaces to protect them from rust or corrosion so that you can continue using your motorcycle without worrying about any damage that could occur otherwise.

5) Programmable Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) 

Programmable fuel injection is becoming more and more popular for street motorcycles today because of its ability to make small adjustments to how much gas goes into the engine depending on what’s happening during operation (things like temperature and atmospheric pressure). 

PGM-FI intakes typically consist of parts: a throttle body, ECU, intake air sensors, and other parts depending on the year, make, and model of your motorcycle. 

The sensors monitor various conditions such as throttle position, airflow volume, and air/fuel ratio while the ECU makes small adjustments to how much gas enters your engine at any given time. 

For example: if your engine goes through a lot of changes in atmospheric pressure while riding because you’re going up or down steep hills then PGM-FI intakes will recognize this and increase the amount of gasoline that gets sent into the system so that it can compensate for all of these changes to keep you running properly without any issues.

6) Fuel Injectors 

Fuel injectors are another type of intake which is typically paired with fuel mapping (programmable fuel injection) because the two work together to provide clean and efficient gas mileage and performance. 

The main difference between them and PGM-FI is that they inject raw gasoline into your intake system rather than programming it to send specific amounts of gas into your engine depending on how much you need.

Fuel Injectors vs PGM-FI

How do I find a Harley Davidson air intake which will work with my bike? 

If you have a Harley Davidson Sportster, Dyna Glide, Softail or others you can typically look under the seat by removing any panels around it which are covering up this area. 

If you want to be sure that you’re purchasing one that’s meant for your model then you should look at the VIN number which is stamped onto your bike. 

The numbers won’t always perfectly match up because some parts are interchangeable, but it’s a good place to start if you need to be 100% positive.

Does a Better Air Intake Increase Horsepower?

The air intake of a Harley Davidson motorcycle is an important part that can increase horsepower, create a smoother ride and help the engine breathe easier. 

There are many ways to tell if your intake needs replacing, including repairs to your exhaust systems, engine noise or lack of acceleration after driving for a while. You may want to consider upgrading your current intake or buying one from Harley Davidson.

Every cylinder in a Harley motor displaces 492 cubic centimeters (or about 78 cubic inches). Since each cylinder fires independently, this means four pistons moving up and down at precisely timed intervals with everything rotating at 3,000 rpm together. 

This type of architecture makes tuning extremely difficult for engineers because it’s hard to fine-tune 1/4-inch increments here and there for each cylinder.

The air-intake system of any engine is responsible for drawing in ambient air and feeding it to the cylinders at a regulated pace. To achieve this, throttle bodies are connected by intake manifolds in order to evenly distribute air to each cylinder. 

The problem with this approach is that when you accelerate, the throttle body isn’t able to provide enough air to the motor in a short amount of time which will cause some cylinders not to get enough air while others get too much. 

This imbalance can create problems with power delivery or engine stability due to leaning or over-filling the combustion chamber with fuel/air mixtures.

When Harley Davidson engineers design an intake system, they want all four pistons in your motorcycle’s V-Twin engine to fire at the same time with no hesitation. 

One of the most common problems in Harley models is hesitation when accelerating from low speeds which lead to decreased power and poor performance. 

Many riders become aware of this when they are cruising along at a steady speed but start to hear strange noises or feel their acceleration diminish after driving for a while. The problem usually starts with an intake kit because it’s normally placed between the throttle body and intake manifold.

There are several symptoms that indicate your air intake requires replacement, including troubles with your exhaust system, motor noise or lack of power when you accelerate after driving for some time. You may want to consider replacing your current intake or buying one from Harley Davidson.

Every cylinder in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle displaces 492 cubic centimeters (or about 78 cubic inches). Each cylinder fires independently, so tuning becomes extremely difficult because it’s hard to fine-tune 1/4-inch increments here and there for each cylinder.

The air intake system of any engine is responsible for drawing in ambient air and feeding it to the cylinders at a regulated pace. To achieve this, throttle bodies are connected by intake manifolds in order to evenly distribute air to each cylinder. 

The problem with this approach is that when you accelerate, the throttle body can’t provide enough air to the motor in a short amount of time which will cause some cylinders not to get enough air while others get too much. 

This imbalance creates problems like power delivery engine stability due to leaning or overfilling the combustion chamber with fuel/air mixtures.

When Harley Davidson engineers design an intake system, they want all four pistons in your motorcycle’s V-Twin engine to fire at the same time with no hesitation. One of the most common problems in Harley models is hesitation when accelerating from low speeds which lead to decreased power and poor performance. 

Many riders become aware of this after cruising for some time but hear strange noises or feel their acceleration diminish as they continue driving their motorcycles. The problem usually starts with an intake kit because it’s normally placed between the throttle body and intake manifold.

There are several symptoms that indicate your air intake requires replacement, including troubles with exhaust systems, motor noise, or lack of power when you accelerate after traveling for some time. You may want to consider replacing your current intake or buying one from Harley Davidson.

Every cylinder in a Harley-Davidson V-Twin displaces 492 cubic centimeters (or about 78 cubic inches). Each cylinder fires independently, so tuning becomes extremely difficult because it’s hard to fine-tune 1/4 inch increments here and there for each cylinder.

There are several symptoms that indicate your air intake requires replacement, including trouble with exhaust systems, engine noise or lack of power when you accelerate after driving for a while. You may want to consider replacing your current intake or buying one from Harley Davidson.

Almost every model has its own unique air intake system which is designed by the manufacturer to meet certain specifications. In many cases, you will not be able to change the air intake system, however, it varies between models. Harley Davidson motorcycles are designed to use airflow beyond the throttle bodies in order to control their fuel metering systems. 

When you cycle your motorcycle’s throttle bodies, excess air can be routed into engine components like intake manifolds which contain butterfly valves that direct airflow into your V-Twin’s cylinders. 

These valves work like a check valve and open up when there is no vacuum pressure present on them so they do not interfere with the motor’s idle speed.

Typically, this revised manifold system means that riders will often experience increased noise levels because of all of this excess air being forced through the motor. One way to reduce noisy intake sounds is by replacing your current intake system with one from Harley Davidson because it will greatly help the motor operate more smoothly.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles’ intake systems are designed to provide an uninterrupted supply of air throughout your motorcycle’s entire powerband. 

Since every model is different, it’s important to get a custom manifold that was built for your specific motorcycle. This way you can be sure that you’re getting the right parts and maximizing your engine performance.

When you experience any of these symptoms, consider replacing or upgrading your air intake system because it could potentially create an issue and also significantly increase horsepower and acceleration.