Now, that the air cleaner cover with a hole in the front. How has rain riding been working out for ya? Seems that the filter will get saturated.

 

no problem for me. can't speak for everyone. besides a little water won't hurt anything. it will clean the combustion area and keep down any detonation that may happen..

 

Um, not necessarily the best way to look at water entering an intake as it could cause major problems.When talking about rain while moving. First the cotton filter will absorb most of it, between the water and the air movement it will wash the oil off the filter. Not a huge deal but it will affect the filter's performance and you'll need to re-oil your filter more frequently. Any water that passes the filter will vaporize immediately upon entering the combustion chamber. It is however a good idea to use the sock to keep the IAT and MAF sensors dry as water will cause an issue eventually. Now large amounts of water, and especially when not moving (like washing the bike) could cause serious issues like hydraulic lock which will crack heads and bend connecting rods. Therefore, in my opinion it is in no way a positive thing to have water entering your intake.

 

Has not been a problem for me interestng to see who else chimes in -

 

I just don't like that hole in the front of the air cleaner. I'm leaving on a long trip(8,000 to 10,000 m) and think I'll change the cover off my old glide.

 

key word was "little"..

 

I have the SE big air on two of my bikes. I ride in the rain all the time. Never misses a beat. Runs fine. The only problem with open air cleaner is when you are parked for any length of time it will get saturated. Then it will not run. Have to pull it off and blow it dry. I usually keep wal-mart bags with me to cover it up if I am going to be parked for any length of time. Looks cheap/stupid but it works...

 

I've never had a problems with an air cleaner that has an intake hole in the front. I'm guessing about 25,000 miles of testing. All kinds of rain from mist to downpours. No ill effects to my knowledge.

Your breather is well tucked behind the fairing and also shielded with your knee. Realistically it might get damp at the most with a greater concern should be when you are washing the bike.

Just enjoy the ride and don't worry about moot stuff like this. Get your ride ON!

 

No issue. Enjoy the ride.

 

Rode thru tropical strom bill last june in texas with no issues at all. 4 of the 9 days was raining on me. I rolled about 80 when possible and not a issue one. Road spray was about the worst issue on me but bike was fine.

Batman