whats the best way to clean this filter?

 

Isnt the stock se filter paper? Or did you get a KN?

 

Patsac, I clean it with Simple Green and rinse it thoroughly then let it air dry out in the sun. Even though it looks like a K&N, the instructions indicate that you don't add oil to it like a K&N. The Simple Green will break down any greasy oil embedded in the filter without harming the fibers.

 

MAINTENANCE
Air Cleaner Element Maintenance
NOTES
This is a dry air filter. Do not apply oil to the filter element.
When servicing the air cleaner, apply Loctite 243 (blue) to
threads of all fasteners.
1. Remove air cleaner cover and inspect
the filter element every 5000 mi (8000 km), or more
often under dusty conditions.
2. Clean filter element as follows:
a. Remove and wash element by immersing it, on edge,
in a shallow pan containing enough Air
Cleaner/Degreaser to cover no more than 3/4 the
depth of the filter pleats. Do not let dirty solution get
inside the element. Carefully "roll" the element in the
solution around its perimeter until the entire outer
surface of the filter pleats has been soaked.
b. Remove filter element from cleaner/degreaser and
allow five minutes for the cleaner to dissolve the dirt.
c. From the inside out, rinse the element with cold water.
Shake off excess water, and allow the element to air
dry. Do not dry with compressed air.
3. Install air cleaner element and cover.

 

Buy a K&N replacement filter

 

Had mine off yesterday to paint air cleaner base.

1. Soaked in warm soapy water.
2. Rinsed clean from the inside - out
3. Let air dry, finished off with leaf blower on low speed.
(next step is optional)
4. Re-assemble & ride to Autozone, ordered K&N #HD-0800 for $55

 

I cleaned mine as per instructions but it looked pretty grungy so I bought and installed a K&N HD-0818. Never liked the idea of washing a paper filter.

 

Yea, I live on a dirt road and mine wasn't showing much "white".
I can tell she's a little more "responsive" since the rinsing, but wanted to get back to the K&N. Had one on my previous bike.
The HD filter was on the bike when I bought it in March.

 

I wouldn't run a K&N if I rode where it is dusty. A friend of mine who has been a MC mechanic for about 40 years told me the most common denominator for valve failure in ATV's is the K & N filter. They (K&Ns) work good because they are less restrictive, which means more gets through them. Even if you clean them every week, more stuff still gets through them. If I lived on a dirt road, I wouldn't use the K & N. JMO.