Like any other auto part, a motorcycle engine is key to everything. Thus, it needs proper care, servicing, and maintenance. Air cleaners or air filters, function like the human nose. In other words, they limit the entry of foreign particles from getting into the engine. Most importantly, they maintain top-notch levels of air circulation within the engine.
The cleaner the air the engine receives, the better the combustion of fuel. So, it enhances the speed of your bike. Plus, the general horsepower of the motorcycle will get increased to optimal. Unfortunately, most modern style motorcycle lacking the Best Stage 1 Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson may never enjoy all these privileges.
Best Stage 1 Air Cleaners for Harley Davidson
The big issue comes in when you have plenty of alternative options available to choose from. Therefore, we have a list of the best air cleaners for Harley Davidson available on the market. Hence, you can compare and pick one that suits your desires. Here is a short list about Air Cleaners for Harley :
Arlen Ness 18-329 – Stage 1 Air Cleaner Kit with Cover
Arlen Ness 18-803 – Stage I kit Includes a high-flow filter
Arlen Ness 18-326 – Stage I Air Filter Kit with Cover
Vance & Hines VO2 – Naked air intake kit for Harley
Kuryakyn 9439 – Air Cleaner Cover for 1999-2017 Harley
K&N Engine – Air Filter for HARLEY DAVIDSON
So, let’s dig into the depth ..
- Arlen Ness 18-329 – Stage 1 Air Cleaner Kit with Cover
Most Harley Davidson fans have given excellent recommendations about this air cleaner. They see it as the best unit for modifying Harley cruisers to improve their performance. Besides, Arlen Ness 18-329 Air Cleaner has continued to give an impressive performance. Also, it gives an impressive increase to the throttle effect on a bike.
This air cleaner has shown a realizable power increase to any Harley motorcycle it fits on. Interestingly, it’s more superior to the extent that you can hear and feel it sucking air. It comes as a high flow air cleaner that you can always rely on its performance and efficiency.
Furthermore, it comes as a real game-changer. This is to say, it not only helps to change the horsepower but also the general performance of the bike. In fact, it works to perfection than what you expected. The best thing is that it helps to eliminate valve beeping, and most users consider it a built-in design.
Does the factory air cleaner on your XL 1200R or Sportster annoy you? If that’s the case, you can to upgrade it with this unit. Thus, it will improve both the performance and elegance of your bike. Another cool thing with this unit is that it comes with all the necessary installation tools. Plus, instruction manual packed with it is easy to read hence easy to install it by yourself. Therefore, you can set it on your motorcycle very quickly and without any issues.
Pros
Steel outer cover and high-quality cleaner enhance performance
Beautiful chromes in K&N red finish makes it look so pretty
Boosts general bike performance
Cons
Red color doesn’t blend well with other models’ finishing’s
Available On Amazon
2. Arlen Ness 18-803 – Stage I kit Includes a high-flow filter
The Arlen Ness 18-803 comes as one of the best stage 1 air cleaner for Harley Davidson motorcycle. It tends to give a more smooth functioning system to the motorcycle. And, it provides excellent power and a tolerable sound by the bike.
Besides that, this air cleaner is available as a one-piece aluminium backing carb. As a result, it assures the safety of the braking system while keeping it securely in place. Moreover, it helps to do away with the need for banjo fittings, hoses, and extra filters.
A cotton foam surrounding the rim forms the structure of this fantastic air cleaner. Therefore, it restricts all foreign particulates from entering into the engine system.
The center of this air filter gives a pathway to let fresh air enter and leave from the hole in the carburetor. However, its entire structure forms a closed-loop system. This helps to ensure that the engine remains in a high-class performing condition.
The best thing is, it comes with great structured user instructions. Plus, add-on hardware tools to assure you a stress-free installation.
Pros
Enhances complete fuel combustion
Features high flow air filters to give great power and efficiency
Fast and easy installation process
Utilizes ventilator design for optimum airflow
Cons
Silver finish hence it may not last long
Available On Amazon
3. Arlen Ness 18-326 – Stage I Air Filter Kit with Cover
When it comes to giving top-notch air filtration, Arlen Ness 18-326 does it to perfection. It is a one-piece aluminum plate support bracket with a well-meshed and netted surface. Thus, ensuring that any kind of contaminants doesn’t get into the engine system. The big plus is that its construction focuses on eliminating dust particles. Plus, the smoke emitted upon fuel combustion gets removed too.
Besides that, it ensures that the engine remains out of reach by foreign particulates. Thus, enhancing its general lifespan. It comes with an integrated breather technology. This sits at the central point of the carburetor’s mouth. As such, new unique, closed-loop system forms.
The Arlen Ness 18-326 Black Air Cleaner has a relatively heavyweight, which tends to get stability by the heavy-duty steel case cover. Therefore, it gives excellent resistance over the dirt and debris for long-term performance. Additionally, this air cleaner comes with all the necessary hardware tools for installation. And, an easy to read and navigate panels included makes it easy to set it up.
Pros
Plate support bracket eliminated the desire for additional banjo fittings or hoses
A one-piece aluminium air filter allows for easy installation
The closed-loop feature keeps dust or debris from getting in the engine’s system
Well sized and compact design gives the best fit for most motorcycles
Cons
Weak quality bolts and may need tweaking
Available On Amazon
4. Vance & Hines VO2 – Naked air intake kit for Harleyake
Does the idea of keeping the stock Harley air cleaner’s elegance sound good? If the answer is yes, then the Vines & Hines VO2 Naked Air Cleaner offers the best solution. This is to say, it allows you to use the stock air cleaner cover. Without any doubt, this air cleaner sucks more air while delivering high power to the engine.
You can witness it pairing and operating correctly with the V&H FP3 model. Besides that, it’s the best choice to revive your dull or dead Harley motorcycle engine. Moreover, its tubes are pretty helpful in redirecting the oil to the air cleaner. Thus, this comes as a blessing and a unique feature that most famous brands like the Arlen Ness lack.
The good thing is, it has a significant impact on the engine’s power even if you don’t adjust the fuel supply to the motor. Some brands have hefty priced stage 1 air cleaners. The Vines & Hines VO2, on the other side, comes with an impressively reasonable price. Therefore, its worth to give it a try and rest assured of no disappointments in performance.
Do you want to feel a vast difference between torque and power on your 1991 to 2018 Harley Sportster? Or, do you wish to have an air filter that allows higher airflow to the engine compared to a stock air cleaner? Then, this Best stage 1 air cleaner for Harley Davidson would be an excellent choice. Above all, this air filter makes your bike run and sound fantastic. Plus, it comes as a real power addition unit to the motorcycle.
Pros
Washable and reusable
Reasonably priced
Gives beauty to your bike
Installs fast
Cons
Tricky user manual
Available On Amazon
5. Kuryakyn 9439 – Air Cleaner Cover for 1999-2017 Harley
We all like making our motorcycles look awesome, right? Do you have a high airflow air filter installed on your Harley’s and Kuryakyn Street Sleeper II/III? If the answer is yes, you would consider getting the Kuryakyn 9439 Alley Cat Air Cleaner Cover. It comes with a unique chrome mesh insert and a knock-off styled end cap, which gives an elegant look to the bike. Besides, it boosts the air cleaner’s performance to perfection.
The chrome polish combines with the sturdy aluminium construction to give ultimate durability. Thus, the stainless steel mesh gets assurance for a lasting air cleaning performance. How is that possible? Well, its construction gets destroyed or catches rust even on harsh weather conditions.
Its well-crafted structure features plenty of tiny holes on the mesh. They help to restrict any dirt and particles from entering the cleaner. The ultra-lightweight design makes this air cleaner cover to give an unnoticeable weight. Therefore, you have the ease of cruising with freedom and ease.
A one chrome alley cat cover, a stay ring, plus a hardware kit comes with this unit. Hence, it makes it easier for new users to have an easy time using it. Want to install the Kuryakyn 9439 Alley Cat Air Cleaner Cover on your Harley? You’ll need a set of the hex, a collection of mixed wrenches, LSB torque wrench, and a socket set. Hence, this will help you to have a convenient set-up process. Most importantly, this air cleaner suits well most 1999 to 2017 Harley’s motorcycles.