I'm just curious -- not intending to get one since I already have the K&N filter setup. I've searched the forum for info about it but didn't find an answer to my question: What's with the butterflys on the front of it? Do those replace the choke?

 

No - the butterflies do not replace the choke. I'm not sure they serve any practical purpose other than "wow". They open on the carb's vacuum when running and IMHO they are simply for show. I wouldn't want that A/C on my bike in the rain, and I think it's an ugly A/C to boot!(IMHO)

The Hurricane, Big Sucker, and S&S Teardrops are all good high performance A/C's without the sideshow of the Kuryakyn.

Thumper26

 

I haven't ever seen them, but everytime they are mentioned, I hear the same thing - they are fluff, nonscence, usless and of no performance value. - Here it quite a bit as a matter of fact

 

The hyper unit is attached to the vacuum and the butterflies open to allow more air into the airbox at higher RPM. It is not a ram air device as air escapes through vents in the rear. I have not seen any comparisions between this and the K&N but I have seen charts that show there is more airflow with the hyper than with the stock air cleaner, but that happens with most aftermarket units.

I too have the K&N on my bikes, daughters hot rod and my 63 Mini Cooper. Proven to be the best time and time again.

 

Thanks ya'll, appreciate the responses. I was just wondering, those butterflys didn't make any sense to me. I had read that there was no real performance gain with it. Chrome whiz-bang; don'tcha love it? I wouldn't change my K&N, though it does make the cover hang out there a little farther than stock.

 

ronn39,

I've been feeling a little guilty since my first post in response to your question. I guess you can tell I'm not a big fan of the Hypercharger!

The Kuryakyn is definitely an upgrade over the stock AC, and I didn't mean to disparage it in that area. It will pass a far greater volume of air to the carb than what the MOCO put on the bike to satisfy the lean run for the EPA. Almost any aftermarket AC will pass more air than stock, and a K&N media filter can be had for just about all of the aftermarket AC's. I just don't like the idea of those butterfies being wide open when I get caught in the rain, and unfortunately that seems to happen too often.

Thumper26

 

The butterflies act as an enrichener for cold starts, then as you work the throttle, they open and close. I've got a hypercharger, and they are very cool looking. I overheard some people talking about the "supercharged Sportster" parked outside.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Holds for wimmens, dogs, and air cleaners.

 

From Kuryakyn themselves:
"Vacuum-controlled "butterflies" open and close, helping to keep debris and water out of the filter at normal cruising speeds. The butterflies open wide at full throttle to provide maximum airflow when your engine needs it most."

They're better than stockers, but others claim to provide even more flow. Myself, I have an S&S and love it. The Hypercharger seems to appeal to those who really like its looks. If you want it, get it!

Good luck!

 

Why is there alway animosity toward the hypercharger? Sure it's expensive and just bling, but isn't that what chrome is about and that's ok? It's more for the looks and has a hefty price tag but it does work; it comes with a K&N filter if I am right. I say if you like it and you are willing to pay the price; go for it.