I have a pretty much stock 02 carbed Fatboy with SE II pipes. I would like to open up the intake a little and am considering an aftermarket air cleaner. I don't plan any extensive mods to the engine any time soon, but I won't rule it out down the road. I've looked at the AC's from DK Customs, K&N, S&S and SE, and I'm leaning toward the DK unit. I guess my question on it is, do the crankcase vent screens leak oily stuff on the engine, and if you have one, are you happy with it. Any other input on any setup is welcome and appreciated.

 

The breather bolts will not leak oil on a bike that is in good performance with the correct oil level. However, if you already have a problem with oil blow by, then the breather bolts will not solve that problem. Here is the link to a thread where you can read up on the correct oil level and viscosity.

LINK

If you are worried about blow-by, you can always choose the complete breather system seen at this link...
CLICK ME

 

I picked the SE Heavy Breather. When I first saw it, I hated it. But when I found out I'd need to change the AC to get pipes, I wanted an AC that looked like I changed it and not just the cover. Now, I'm glad I have it and I'd do it all over again. It doesn't look anything like the stock school bell I had. And the water sock works!

 

I haven't had a problem with oil blow by with the stock air cleaner, however, I see from some posts that once you don't have it going into the intake, sometimes you see it more.

 

That heavy breather def looks like it moves some air! With the mild tune of my engine, I don't really need that much flow. How does it deal with the crankcase vents?

 

Just don't get something that fits under your stock football, get an ac that stands out.

 

Take a look at the R&R Cycle unit. This backing plate dyno'ed 4-5 more T&H than others tested. Vents to atmosphere, many options for covers.

 

and which part of that unit creates the extra 4-5 t&h? how is that filter doing anything different than any other? i'm going to go out on a limb and say that any filter with the stock TB or carb is going to perform almost exactly the same. most say even the stage 1 filters allow more air than the stock setup can handle. not sure if i'm buying the 4-5....now maybe when combined with all the other R&R equipment as stated in your sig....ok, pretty much an all R&R setup, then you could squeak that out.

 

Im not sure how the aftermarket backing plates are supposed to increase flow. Its not like there is really an airbox to restrict flow, just the filter. Maybe somebody could enlighten me?

 

i wouldnt say they increase, but as u stated there is no airbox to restrict...the filter bolts right to the plate which feeds straight into the intake. just free flowing air straight in.