Thought I'd take a moment to inquire about air filters as I'm looking to change my 010 model to a possible aftermarket filter.I've used K&N filters in the past,but now with other good options I'm looking for some suggestions. Minimum mods at this time include a set of Two-Bro Slips and I'm looking to do a ECM Blast also in the near future. So any suggestions of a good balance of quality & price would be appreciated. Thanks,DeWayne

Hey Dewayne.
I used a K&N in my 06 and 08 bikes with great results. The price was about the same as a stock one. Each time I traded in my bike, I switched the filter back to stock, and am now running that same filter in my '10 Connie.
I love being able to clean my filter and be done with having to buy a new one. Just be sure to use the supplied grease around the edges of the filter. They like to stick in there, and removal can be a bitch.

Go with a BMC Race filter, flows way better then K&N. Completely washable.

The BMC looks like it it should flow best. I think the Pipercross is the one made out of foam and it is very lightweight. I don't use my BMC much. +2 peak hp at best and I doubt it filters nearly as well as OEM. Haven't heard of any trouble using them but to me, not really worth the risk.

My 2 cents
I know this has been discussed on various threads already with different opinions.
What I understand (and do) is that standard oem filter is still the best. The only advantage from aftermarket is that you can wash and reuse them.
Used K&N on my Hayabusa but saw/felt no difference to the oem.

I never heard that OEM was the best on Gen 1 bikes. I ran a BMC race filter on my Gen 1 for 10,000+ miles with no issues. As far as I know the current owner is still using it and the bike has over 20k miles on it now. All you had to do was take it out and blow it out with air. If it was real dirty I would wash it with soap and water gently and let it dry.

On the Gen II's they say that the OEM flows as well any aftermarket filter after the metal screen is removed from the OEM filter. I currently have 13K on my BMC race in my Gen II. All is well. Heres a pic of the BMC vs OEM.

* Last updated by: zx14rider345 on 1/2/2015 @ 8:19 AM *

I suppose overall it's a cost thing. 2 OEMs is about the cost of 1 BMC. So the 3rd year the BMC will have paid for itself. As far as air flow, that's pretty much my understanding there's no advantage to aftermarket filters. I have wondered if this is one reason K&N doesn't have a Gen 2 filter (at least when I ordered my replacement and was looking into the issue).

I never heard that OEM was the best on Gen 1 bikes. I ran a BMC race filter on my Gen 1 for 10,000+ miles with no issues. ..... I currently have 13K on my BMC race in my Gen II. All is well.

Those are both pretty low miles. If anyone had a compression test after 30-40k miles, I would trust that as gospel truth that aftermarket air filters are just fine (or not). So far, only hear aftermarket air filter users saying same as you and me, "bike still runs GREAT!" Others surmise that it has to cause some accelerated wear. ...but no hard evidence. Looking at my Hayabusa BMC race filter, the fabric between the mesh is so thin that light penetrates very easily. Then again, light also penetrates an OEM filter. The difference is that the OEM filter has shaper zig-zags in the folds of the paper. More surface area, I guess.

LOL, I have not used my BMC enough to ever have needed to clean it. I think I trust it for times of year when the air is relatively clean and also I would rather NOT ride in a heavy rain with it.

* Last updated by: Rook on 1/3/2015 @ 10:20 AM *

I agree with Rook. As said I never noticed a difference in my Hayabusa in performance or anything between the BMC and OEM, and sold the bike at 35k and the new owner is still using the same filter with no hassles. Its pretty dry and dusty here in winter so it was easy to pull out and clean, however It's also a preference thing I suppose.

hummm, I have oem and my friends have bmc filters and they always run lower on fuel much quicker then I. Could be nothing tho.....or could it.

Some Great replys guys.Having ran the K&N on my ZED I felt this may be my option for the 14. But I've gotten a little more picky with the 14 so I thought it a good idea to get some input from others.Still being a little undecided at the moment as I'm preparing to do a little TLC on the bike. Jimmy,... looking forward to the riding this year and maybe crossing paths again somewhere! Thanks guys for the sharing some info,appreciate!

OEM here, what's $30 every few years? I stay as far away as I can from aftermarket. Ivan did a dyno test using OEM and various aftermarket filters and there was no discernible difference in power output or throttle response but the OEM was much better at filtering out dust. I'm not going to pay to have my bikes innards sand blasted. Just my .02, take it or leave it.

I put in a DNA filter just for the option of cleaning and reusing instead of replacing...

I've been running the same BMC in mine since the bike was new, previous owner installed it at initial break-in service. He sold me the bike in early '09 with about 5k miles and its close to 28k now and I've only had to wash it 3 times. Sure it's saved me some money, and no ill effects to the engine thus far. Valvetrain was still well in spec and clean as a pin. But, engine internals are only as good as they are treated/maintained and conditions their exposed to, but to each his own. I'm a believer in BMC's product

If anyone is looking I just posted a group buy for DNA air filters ....
It's on the 1441r.com site...

I ran a BMC filter for a short while...until I realized they have like two different models for the 14.I went with the 'race' model....found out they aren't 'recommended' for everyday use...unless that's changed.OEM has been upgraded in the 2012's and up...40% more flow rate..to match better with the intake volume.Even Brock said it's very good(meaning..no need to use something else).

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/29/2015 @ 10:50 AM *

IDK??? The BMC race looks awful skinny. Light shines through but then again, light shines through the OEM as well. Just harder to see cuz the pleats are bent sharper for more folds.

I was informed...with the race filter...it allows dust to enter pretty easily.Though it flows somewhat easier than the then OEM filter(for the 07 zx14 that is).

If you remove the metal grid from the OEM does this not let the air flow better/faster. I could feel a difference or at least my ass tells my head it's so. (Or vice versa)