What's everyone running for air cleaners and does it make a difference between styles? The Ultra seems to block of the wind going directly into the intake. I have a DK Custom on my '10 Soft tail with the big long K&N filter, but I don't think the same model will fit with the lower fairings? Their M8 elbow looks pretty puny compared to their twin cam model too. Does a cone filter + elbow vs flat filter provide any more power between them?

The screamin eagle has a stubby model that says it will fit and looks pretty good.



or just something traditional

 

I think you're over-thinking it. Unless you're having some significant motor work done, any of the above will work fine. In fact, your stock intake will work fine. Or the SE filter kit will also work fine.

 

I got caught in a cloud burst Saturday. 5 miles on a country road and no where to take cover. I had 3" of water in my boots. I don't see how it would be possible for an open filter to keep all that water out.

 

I run the Stage 1 K&N filter behind the stock football cover and it works fine. Not everyone does but I like the look of the football cover. To each his own.

 

I'm looking at a change for the 2017 Ul as well because I want to see more of the motor.
I like the V&H, but there seem to be a bunch available.

 

They make socks for some of them. If it starts raining, I would just pull over and put it on--but ya--I hear ya.
I know guys that have open units that say it hasn't been an issue on Ultras.

 

Ditto...

I run the SE washable filter, behind a football cover. I have that set-up on 3 twin cams: a Stage I, Stage II, & Stage III... no tuning/airflow issues...

I actually like the way the football cover looks, but I admit I put the Screamin' Eagle trim ring on them for a little color.... They hide most of the external breather lines on all 3 of my bikes, and the ugly throttle-by-wire plug on my newest bike...

 

I put headers on this weekend and it's running way too rich with the stock intake because the header tune automatically puts in an intake too. I was hoping I could get by with the stock intake but apparently not.

I have a sock as mentioned below for my open element for my Fatboy. I don't ride in the rain intentionally. The cone filters look pretty sick imo. Just wasn't sure if there was a difference between different styles.

 

A little water will never hurt your engine, in fact, they add it to it in some engines.
Your air filter is just fine and will cause no restrictions unless you pass the 6000 RPM mark.

 

That's not a problem with intake; it's a problem with your tune. Call Fuel Moto (if you bought from there) and tell them what you've got. And if you want to change the intake, then by all means, do it! But neither will give you a performance advantage over the other, so buy the one that makes you smile a little more when you look at it.

Full disclosure: I have the SE "Stage 1" on my bike. I like the stock cover look, and I too thought I needed the "extra intake". In hindsight, I think it is absolutely unnecessary, but meh... it sounds cool!