Air filter advice BMC V. K&N

[taxonomy]

Just wondering what the options are, or if there's any difference between the BMC vs. K&N filters. I don't think I want a stock filter. I just found my stocker to be pretty dirty.

I have a 2001 N with a Wileyco 3/4 system exhaust. I just rejetted the carbs

145 mains, 2 shims on stock needle, 17.5 pilots and 2 1/2 turns on the screw, but this can be changed. It's a street bike. I'd like not to wind up with huge jets and poor mileage.

Is there any difference in quality between BMC and K&N? Is one easier to service?

[Gary in NJ]

The BMC come in two flavors: Street & Race. The Street has a "snorkle" (larger then the OEM) and the Race is de-snorkled. The K&N has a snorkle.

I've seen posts where people claim that the BMC flows more air (and more dirt) then the K&N. I've always had good success with K&N so I purchased a K&N and did a partial de-snorkle.

Going with either you may need to rejet the main jets and perhaps shim the needles. If you buy the BMC Race or de-snorkle the K&N, you will need to change both.

Changing the main does not effect mileage, unless you ride at 3/4 throttle or higher.

[LKB3rd]

My K & N has no snorkle.

[Ollie57]

In structure they are they same but as GAry said they have two versions. I just never had good luck with K&N for my autos, crappy seal and warpage so I went with the BMC. Just my opinion thought.

[Taipan]

Dig deep on the internet and you'll find the original SV K&N actually flowed less air than the OEM! K&N did address it though. I dont rate them as a performance filter but would certainly have one on any bike or car simply as they are cleanable rather than keep buying OEM ones. I've neve rhad any problem swith the K&Ns I've owned.

I have a BMC street filter on my SV. To be honest I can't tell them apart but I'm told the BMC flows more air and is better made? Again I just bought it as it was cleanable.

[twilkinson3]

I've got a BMC race filter on the race toy - flows good (probably need to go up a bit on the mix) and have had 0 issues - got it second hand as well

[aoleks]

K&N is definitely not a bad product! it's probably the most known air filter brand in the world. i have to say i would use it all the time if i had the chance. however, on a motorcycle, i would go for BMC! great airflow and a wide availability of products.

i vote for BMC this time...

[pbbreath]

BMC. Race.

[taxonomy]

Does the race filter make much difference in how loud the bike is?

[nsra_23]

i just ride my bike on the street and i have never dynoed or went to any track days and never used the bmc filter but i put a k&n in my 01 650 and from the seat of the pants it felt to me as it made a slight increase in power. but thats jmo. i am far from a wheelie expert but the front end picks up much easier in second gear now however the increase in intake noise almost made me take it out as its a weird noise to me and not to found of it. but i didnt touch the carbs and the can is just a cut down stock can. but like i said the way it feels is just my opinion and have no numbers to back it up. but other than the noise i am very pleased with the k&n