There are many air filters in the market, but it will be very difficult to pick the stage 1 air cleaner, and that is why we are here to pick the top and best selling stage 1 air cleaners.
If you have been following even the slightest percentage of the biking community, you would have an idea about air filters. But, what we are talking about today, is not just any air cleaner. Here are the best stage 1 air cleaners for Harley Davidson bikes:
- Kuryakyn 9992 Hypercharger Air Cleaner
- K&N Engine Air Filter HD-1508
- Vance & Hines V02 Naked Air Intake for 10-20 Harley XL1200X
- Krator Night Train Aluminium Air Cleaner
- Motor Deep Edge Cut Air Cleaner
- Kuryakyn 9238 Motorcycle Air Filter/ Cleaner
- HTTMT MT226- BK Black Air cleaner
- K&N Engine Air Filter HD-1499
- K&N Engine Air Filter HD-0800
- K&N Engine Air Filter HD-8834
These are the best stage 1 air cleaners. Now, you might think why have we broadened our search for bike equipment to air cleaners and that too stage 1 for Harley Davidson. That, my friend, is an obvious question to ask. The same goes for the answer because air filters, in our opinion seem to be the need of the hour these days.
With the level of pollutants in the air spiraling up and the repercussions following the same road, if you want to experience the true power of your Harley Davidson, a good Harley air filter becomes a must.
We understand a few lines aren’t enough to stress the importance of air filter Harley and that is precisely the reason why we have this article to walk you through the best Harley air cleaner and help you get a deep insight into it. If you want to read more about Harley Davidson Air Filters, then you can read our detailed guide.
| Design | Ratings | Buy Button | |
| Kuryakyn 9992 Hypercharger | Blood Groove Design Trap Door | 4.3/5, 41 Ratings | More Information |
| K&N Engine Air Filter | Semi-Round | 4.7/5, 145 Ratings | More Information |
| Vance & Hines V02 Naked Air Intake | Stock Design | 4.4/5, 73 Ratings | More Information |
| Krator Night Train | Spike (Chrome) | 4.1/5, 101 Ratings | More Information |
| Motor Deep Edge Cut | Stock Design | 4.0/5, 39 Ratings | More Information |
| Kuryakyn 9238 | Round with stylish trim | 4.7/5, 7 Ratings | More Information |
| HTTMT MT226- BK | Spike (Black) | 4.1/5, 17 Ratings | More Information |
| K&N Engine Air Filter HD-1499 | Semi-Round | 4.6/5, 204 Ratings | More Information |
| K&N Engine Air Filter HD-0800 | Round | 4.6/5, 285 Ratings | More Information |
| K&N Engine Air Filter HD-8834 | Rectangle | 4.3/5, 144 Ratings | More Information |
Do you wonder why your Harley Davidson just doesn’t look or sound like the one you saw in the parking last time? You did notice that it was the same model right? But, we guess we know exactly where the difference lies. Do you know what is a Stage 1 Kit?
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What is a Harley stage 1 kit?
A Harley stage 1 kit is meant to do changes outside the engine of your bike while still making sure that it sees some improvements.
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Do I need to tune my Harley if I add an air cleaner?
No, you just changed a air cleaner, but we recommend you to buy only brandable and high quality air filter, which will never harm your engine, and then you don’t need any tuning.
The difference lies in the air cleaner they are using. An air filter apart from its many benefits is responsible for a change in the sound of your bike and that aesthetic vibe. You now might wonder, what are those benefits?
Well, to begin with, an air cleaner or air filter makes helps incomplete combustion of the fuel thus, utilizing the complete worth of the fuel you are spending your money on. Moreover, it prevents the motor from any jamming which may occur if your bike intakes polluted and unfiltered air. I think you might be confused between Stage 1 and Stage Air Filter.
What is the difference between a Stage 1 and Stage 2 Air filter? Stage 1 and Stage 2 are two different upgrades. There lies a difference between the two that stage 2 consists of a 20% larger air filter element in comparison to stage 1. This will slightly improve the air coming to the engine and improves the performance to a minimum extent.
Table of Contents
Kuryakyn 9992 Hypercharger Air Cleaner
This Best Harley air cleaner from Kuryakyn is compatible with both HD and metric cruisers. It is best advised that you do not attempt your inexperienced hands on this air filter and rather go for a professional installing.
A major reason why we say this is because the looks of this hyper charger are a USP and you wouldn’t want to ruin it. It looks powerful and elegant at the same time.
Another thing that we appreciate about the hyper charger is that it is customizable to a great extent and thus you would not have to stick with just one option for a long time.
Adorned with the latest electronic servo technology this hyper charger does the job of increasing the power horse of your bike perfectly.
Features:
- A hyper charger kit with a Blood Groove style trap door
- Features vacuum-operated butterflies
- Supports engine build up to 90 hp and over 130hp with Stinger upgrade
- Comes in three color
- Has an old-school hotrod styling
- Compatible with a lot of Harley Davidson models.
PROs
- Appearance: The look of the hyper charger is pretty impressive and stylish. Adds an extra touch to your bike making it exceptional than the others.
- Performance: Once fitted properly the change and up-gradation in the bike can be noticed immediately.
- Installation: With the instructions mentioned the installation becomes pretty easy but for people who have never tried their hands on something like this professional help is necessary.
- Design: The concept, design, and thought behind the hypercharges fall into place when it does its job perfectly. Both the intake and the cleaner part works perfectly.
CONs
- Price: The price point of this hyper charger is not the best part about it.
- Compatibility: The Kuryakyn Hypercharger cannot be used with the CA emission models.
K&N Engine Air Filter HD-1508
K&N Engine Air Filter 2008-2014 model is the second in our list of best Harley air cleaner because of various reasons. It comes with 10 years/million-mile warranty.
It has other features as well like it provides 50% more airflow that will increase the power output of bike and it is also a washable and reusable air filter that means you will also save money in changing the air filter.
If you don’t know how to wash air filter, then this might help you.
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How do you clean a Harley Davidson Stage 1 Air Filter?
To clean a stage 1 filter all you need to do is spray some cleaner over it, rinse it with water, let it air dry, and then pour some oil over before you fit it in again.
One of the major ones is that it has got some amazing reviews and a 4.5-star rating on the online shopping website Amazon.
To be honest, this is one of the factors a consumer looks up to while buying stuff online and when the reviews are satisfactory it arouses more interest in the customers.
The features of this particular powersport air filter are:
- Longevity: The K&N Engine air filter comes with a limited warranty for about ten whole years.
- Power: The air filter can provide up to 50% more airflow to the bike than an ordinary paper filter.
- Installation: The filter comes pre-oiled which means you don’t have to buy one initially and ready to install as well.
- Eco-friendly: Recognising the need of the hour K&N came with this air filter that plays its part in decreasing the level of waste that we create every day by lasting longer than approximately 10 disposable filters.
- Made in America.
- Dimensions: 3.35 x 1.43 x 3.35 inches
- Compatible with Cruiser/ Touring, Street Bike, Adventure Biking
- Air Filter weight: 1 pound
- It is affordable, it comes under $70
PROs
- Affordable: The filter is priced fairly considering the features, quality, and reviews
- Eco- friendly: The air filter is amongst the few ones that make it a point to care about the environment as well which in our opinion is a big plus point
- Improves the throttle response is pretty impressive
- Provides amazing power to the bike immediately
CONs
- Despite mentioning that it is compatible with the 2008 models, customers complain it does not
- Very identical to the stock air filter
Vance & Hines V02 Naked Air Intake for 10-20 Harley XL1200X
Up next in our list is one of the best Harley air intake from the house of Vance & Hines, a name which all of us have heard of.
This Air Cleaner looks like a stock cleaner, but it has better performance than the stock air cleaner, because of the VO2 Air Intake system.
You can sue this air filter without cover as well, and it is a reusable air cleaner. It has 4.4 stars out of 5, with 70+ reviews.
If looks are your concern and you have hopped on a Harley Davidson for the same, this air intake can be your savior since a lot of times an aftermarket accessory can disturb the vibe of certain motorcycles.
But, apart from keeping your bike classy and cool, it has some other features as well such as:
- Product weight: 3.95 pounds
- Sleek dual-port venturi
- Larger Backing Plate
- Enhanced airflow overstock
- Washable high flow filter
- Does not fit with the OEM air filter cover
- Reusable and great reviews
PROs
- Has a billet adventure too
- Comes with an inlet backing plate
- Allows you to choose a cover that matches the vibe of your motorbike
- Includes a high-flow filtering element as well
- Improves the sound and performance of bike
CONs
- Price point could have been a bit more affordable
- Installation instructions aren’t very clear
Krator Night Train Aluminium Air Cleaner
Krator Night Train is the next in our list of best air cleaner for Harley Sportster. This kit is great if you cannot compromise with the styling of your bike and yet want something that would give a boost to your bike`s performance.
Your Harley 103 is going to experience better intake with this aluminum air cleaner along with that bold and distinctive makeover.
Priced at $90 this cleaner provides better filtration and performance than the ordinary stock filter and also doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. The other features of the Krator air cleaner are:
- Spike Air Cleaner Kit Intake Filter
- High-Quality Chrome Billet Aluminum
- Bold look
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 8.3 x 5.7 inches
- Weight: 3.74 pounds
- Chrome Plated body
PROs
- Provides a good overall look to the bike
- Priced appropriately
- Easy Installation
- Does the job of air cleaning perfectly
CONs
- Not the best quality out there
Motor Deep Edge Cut Air Cleaner
Motor deep edge is the next best Sportster air cleaner in our list a deserves to be featured here as with the reviews and ratings it has.
When investing your money into a product it is always advised to collect good knowledge about the product and then only go ahead and buy it.
That being said, this review right here is all that you need.
Furthermore, this air intake filter from motor deep is going to be ideal for Harley Touring street glide, Road King, Road Glide, Electra Glide (2008-2016) and Softail models from the year 2008-2016.
- Compatible with several Harley Davidson Bikes
- Enhanced and exposed air filter design for better air intake and flow
- Backing plate to promote smooth airflow to the throttle
- Built-in internal crankcase
- Comes with all the mounting hardware needed
PRos
- The fitment is quite precise
- Adds a nice touch to the bike
- Improves motorcycle performance to a great extent
- Aptly priced
- Easy installation
CONs
- No installation instructions
Kuryakyn 9238 Motorcycle Air Filter/ Cleaner
You must have noticed by now that it is the second air filter from the house of Kuryakyn in this loss of ours and that speaks for the quality of these.
Being one of the best Sportster air cleaners there are a lot of features which we will be discussing up next but for now, you must know that everything about this air cleaner is at its best.
The stylish trim featured in this air filter adds an extra touch to your Harley Davidson and makes it reach the peak performance of your bike.
The body of this air filter is made out of aluminium, which comes in chrome, which improved the looks of your harley.
- Aggressive beveled design
- Stainless steel mesh insert
- Brushed stainless steel badge
- Hardware free appearance
- Machined from premium forged aluminum
- Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.7 x 1.7 inches
PROs
- Looks good on the bike
- Aluminum Body
- Comes with stainless steel mesh
- Compatible with a lot of Harley Models
CONs
- Expensive
HTTMT MT226- BK Black Air cleaner
We know a majority of people are in love with the color black and when it’s matte then there are no second thoughts about it.
The next one in our list is something like that too. The HTTMT Air cleaner is all that you want your HD air cleaners to look like.
But, that’s not it. the performance of these is unmatchable too. A 4star rating and some really good reviews on Amazon are evidence of the fact. It comes in three color options.
This has to be one of the best road king air cleaners in our opinion and that is precisely why we want you to check it out. The features of this air cleaner are mentioned below:
- Spike design
- Available in three sizes to choose from namely- classic, bull, and OEM style
- Available in three different colors as well namely- matte black, glossy black, and chrome
- Aggressive look
- Focuses on performance gain
- Washable filter
- Material: High-quality Billet Aluminum
- Filter size: 4.9” diameter and 9” length
PROs
- Available in three different sizes to ensure a perfect fitting
- Three different colors to choose from according to the user’s preference
- Water Washable Air filter
CONs
- Doesn’t come with a guide
K&N Engine Air Filter HD-1499
Following our list of quality air cleaners is another one from K&N. This company made some of the best air filters for the Harley Davidson bikes, as their most of the air filters have amazing reviews and ratings.
Being one of the best road king air cleaners several models of Harley Davidson motorcycles are compatible with this such as Heritage, Softail, Fat Boy, Breakout, Rocker, Fat Bob, Night Train, etc.
If you own one of these you have a fair chance at trying these out and trust us they won’t disappoint you.
Hang on with us since we are going out to disclose some very interesting features of this engine air filter up next.
- 10 year Million Mile Limited warranty
- 50% more airflow than disposable paper filters
- Pre-oiled and ready to install
- A washable and usable product for your bikes
- Protects your engine from harmful contaminants capable of doing permanent damage
- Made in America
PROs
- 10-year warranty period
- Washable
- Eco-friendly
- Easy installation
- Aptly priced
CONs
- Does not fit some of the older models
K&N Engine Air Filter HD-0800
For those of you who own a Harley Davidson Screamin Eagle, Dyna, Road King, Ultra Classic Electra Glide you have to try this one from the house of K&N since it is one of the best Harley air intake available out there.
Most of the features of the 0800 model are the same as the 1499 model. We will be repeating the same for you.
- 10- year limited Million-Mile warranty
- Pre-oiled and ready to install
- Can easily replace the disposable filters by having a good price point
- Made in America
- Eco-friendly
- Cost-effective upgrade
PROs
- A good warranty period
- Good airflow
- Eco-friendly
- Affordable and worth every penny you spend
- Round Shape
CONs
- Still not compatible with a lot of Harley Davidson models
K&N Engine Air Filter HD-8834
But, not because we ran out of good recommendations from this brand but because we are bound to discuss only 10 of our best picks and unfortunately, we reached the last one.
So, this one is also compatible with a lot of models such as XL1200C, XL1200X, XL883L, XL883N, XL1200N, XL883R, XL883C, XL883L, XL1200R, XL883, XL50, etc.
To remind you once again of the wonderful features this air filter from K&N has to offer we have a list mentioned below:
- Rectangle Shape
- 10- year limited Million-Mile warranty
- Pre-oiled and ready to install
- Can easily replace the disposable filters by having a good price point
- Made in America
- Eco-friendly
- Cost-effective upgrade
PROs
- Takes very little time to install
- Directions for installation are pretty helpful
- Enhances the performance of the bike
- Worth the money and affordable too
CONs
- Lacks bolt holes
- Does not come with a gasket
Things to keep in mind before buying a Harley Air Cleaner
There are many factors to keep in mind before buying an Air Cleaner for you Harley Davidson and to make the process easy for you you can read some of the points that you need to consider before buying a Stage 1 air cleaner for Harley Davidson.
- Price, Company, Ratings, and Reviews: Now, this must be the most basic advice one could ever give but we cannot stress enough on its importance.
All four factors- price, company, ratings, and reviews are equally important and give you an idea about the quality of the product. After all, quality is what matters. Moreover, it also reduces the chances of buying the wrong product.
- Looks: We understand looks might be a secondary concern but they are a concern after all and if you are spending good money on a product it better be pleasing to the eyes.
- Airflow: Mechanics of the air cleaner are also something that cannot be ignored at any cost. The price of the various air filters varies on the fact that how good they perform or what results they give. Thus, better airflow is also something to look out for.
- MPR: You might know about all the technicalities behind the air filters but the best air cleaner has MPR or Microparticle Performance Rating in the range of 1500 to 1900.
The term refers to the ability of the filter to catch airborne particles with a size of less than 1 micron. If you want to read more about this term then you can read this article.
- FPR: Filter Performance Rating abbreviated as FPR is also a way to judge the capacity of the air filter to let only pure air pass through. It can lie within a range of 1 to 10. You can read more about FPR from this article.
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Is a stage 1 upgrade worth it?
Since a stage 1 upgrade is equally promising than any other stage upgrades and offers what it promises a stage 1 upgrade is worth it. It will increase the performance of your bike.
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What does a stage 2 kit do for a Harley?
A bike with stage 2 upgrades along with stage 1 becomes more powerful than ever and makes the complete use of the fuel.
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How much is a Stage 2 on a Harley?
A stage 2 on a Harley would vary from $800 to 1250. It also depends the brand that you are opting.
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What is a stage 4 Kit Harley?
Stage 4 in one of the best air cleaners can supposedly increase the torque and power of the engine and give some great results.
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Can you wash a Harley air filter?
There are many air filters that are washable, and some of them are not, so we recommend you to read the box before washing your air filter. If it mentions the feature then you can do that otherwise don’t do it.
With this, we come to the end of listing some of the best air cleaners their features, PROs, and CONs, and giving you a somewhat good insight into their working and how they have been received by the consumers so far.
Hope this will be helpful when you decide to buy the best air cleaner for yourself and you don’t have to rummage around for some information rather you get it all under one roof. Below are some of the best selling Harley Davidson air cleaner from Amazon:
[amazon bestseller=”Harley davidson air cleaner” items=”5″ template=”table”]