The air filter on your dirt bike or ATV plays a crucial role in maintaining the engine life of your machine.
The air filter prevents sand, dirt, pebbles, and small sticks - really just about anything that the air intake sucks in as you ride along - from entering the engine. A dirty air filter not only inhibits the rush of air to help cool your engine down but it can no longer adequately stop dirt and debris from getting into your 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine.
The air filter on your dirt bike or ATV doesn't have to be cleaned or replaced after every ride, unless you ride in the dunes or other sandy conditions. (Use a filterskin in sandy conditions.) Check the owner's manual of your ride for the standard interval in hours for when to clean the air filter. It helps to log your riding hours and/or use an hour meter while also checking the air filter as part of your regular maintenance routine. If you race, the cleaner the air filter the better. Failing to clean the air filter can damage the piston and block up the carburetor.
Step-by-Step: Cleaning an Air Filter (Dirt Bike & ATV)
Cleaning the air filter actually takes little effort especially compared to other maintenance tasks. Those new to riding or if you end up mired in filter oil and soap and a filter that just doesn't get cleans, we can help.
First, identify its location. If you already know, jump ahead. Find the air filter under your seat on a dirt bike and on an ATV. Most riders use a foam filter though some prefer a paper aie filter like a K&N.
Cleaning a Paper Air Filter
When cleaning paper air filters only use water and a cleaning solvent. Don't use abrasive brushes, harsh cleaning or forced air drying like a compressor. This can cause unseen damage to the filter and harm your motor. Air dry thoroughly, i.e. let it sit out overnight.
Cleaning a Foam Air Filter
The foam filter requires a bit more work. First, wash it by hand. Use gloves to prevent unnecessary exposure to toxins and other carcinogens. Fill a bucket with water and the appropriate cleaning solution. Some soaps and detergents can ruin the filter so use a safe cleanser to avoid damaging the foam/glue. Some air filter cleaners may work for one filter but not another. (For example: This Twin Air Preoiled Air Filter uses the Twin Air Bio Filter Cleaner.) Might we suggest the No Toil Filter Maintenance Kit or the Maxima Air Filter Kit. Yes, it costs a bit more than a tablespoon or two of existing dish soap in your kitchen, however these air filter cleaning kits contain everything you need to get back on the trails or Motocross track. Additionally, you don't have to worry about the efficacy or safety of unknown cleaners. Just buy the kit!
Once you decide on an air filter cleaner (like the one in the kit!) get scrubbing. Actually don't! Treat the air filter like your mom's Thanksgiving linens. Hand wash it well but don't wring or rub overly hard. Let the cleanser work for you. You can squeeze out excess water but no more. Rinse well. Once cleaned, let the air filter air dry COMPLETELY. Don't put in the laundry dryer or use a heat gun or hair dryer. Keep in mind, this means you can't clean the air filter a few hours before riding.
Clean the Air Filter Air Box
On to the air box. If the air filter needs cleaning so does the air box. Expect a sticky hard to clean environment as you clean out residual dust and any pebbles, sticks or other debris the air filter caught. Use a solvent to remove residual grease or oil. We also suggest investing in an airbox cover like the Twin Air to prevent water, cleaner and left-over debris from getting into your engine through the air intake as you wash the bike.
How To Oil an Air Filter
Once COMPLETELY dry, oil the air filter. If you took our advice and bought the No Toil or Maxima kit then you already have air filter oil. Many methods to oiling an air filter exist. You can massage the oil around using your gloved hands. Another less messy option and probably more thorough is combining some oil along with the filter inside a plastic bag and rolling/squishing/massaging the filter around until completely covered in air filter oil. Make sure to spread the oil evenly without resulting in heavily oiled spots.
Squeeze out excess oil and let air dry for 30 minutes or when it gets tacky. Apply rim grease which you already have since you bought the air filter kit or use an air filter gasket around the rim of the filter and pop it back on to your dirt bike or ATV.
If you'd rather not deal with the grease, oil and clean-up mess, buy a pre-oiled air filter. Use this ready to go filter and skip the initial DIY oiling step. Many riders have one of these on stand-by in the event of an emergency or when time doesn't allow for the cleaning and drying process of the filter in use.
A final note on air filters. If you race or just like equipping your dirt bike or ATV with higher end parts then check out the No Toil Super Flow Air Filter Kit when you buy the maintenance kit we suggested earlier. The Super Flow kit replaces the stock filter and cage assembly and allows the maximum amount of air through the intake while maintaining the highest in engine protection. It includes a two-stage, flame resistant foam air filter too.
Additional Air Filter Tips:
- Plan ahead and take your time
- Buy multiple air filters and have them oiled in a bag and ready to use
- During installation ensure to seat filter correctly and firmly mated to airbox surface
- Consider an air filter bolt for easier install
Watch how to clean and oil a dirt bike (or ATV) air filter:
