Best Stage 1 Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson [All Models]

Advancement in technology not only changed intellectual thinking but also degraded most of the natural resources. Even the air we breathe got contaminated with dirt, sand, gases, and other harmful pollutants. Anyway, we are fortunate that every living being is born with its own filter to eliminate these harmful elements entering into the body. But man-made inventions require special gadgets or tools to filter these unwanted particles in the air. Here comes the necessity of using air filters. Air filters eliminate the harmful substances entertaining into the device or machine and improve the performance.

Especially for vehicles like motorcycles, bikes, and cars, air filters are the essential parts. Today we shall discuss the best stage 1 air cleaner for Harley-Davidson models to improve the engine’s functionality and performance. With a little groundwork, I made a list of air filters that work well for Harley-Davidson models. Let’s discuss it below! 

Best Stage 1 Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson 

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1. K&N 63-1126 Air Intake System – Best Air Cleaner for Sportster 1200

Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com

If you are looking for the best Sportster air cleaner/filter, K&N is the right choice. KN air filter is well designed to increase the airflow and thereby resulting in more power. This kit comes with all the necessary equipment, which makes the whole installation process easy. The filter and aluminum construction dimensions are wise to add a long shelf of life to the filter.

What we mostly like?

The screaming eagle air cleaner perfectly blocks the unwanted particles and increases horsepower. Color of the air filter adds an aggressive look to your motorcycles, and it is available in two different colors to match your taste. 

What are the downsides?

The kit is easy to mount on your Harley motorcycles, but the regretting part is these kits are not legal in some places. 

2. Vance & Hines VO2 – Best High Flow Air Filter for Harley Davidson

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Vance & Hines is another most popular brand that manufactures the best high flow air filter for Harley-Davidson models. The in-house design of the air filter is amazing and perfectly fits the 2019 Harley models. Its sleek dual port is made of aluminum to resist all the external elements. The VO2 air intake filters the elements to a deeper level and increases the performance of the engine. 

What we mostly like?

The ergonomic design of the filter is highly washable and reused for years and years. However, to improve the filter strength, you can separately buy the VO2 skullcap to cover the filter and protect it from all the weather conditions.

What are the downsides?

The design of the air filter is very good, and everyone enjoyed the reusable filter. But the regretting part is that the filter is a little pricey and most people can’t afford it. 

3. K&N HD-1499 – Best Air Cleaner for All Softail, Twin Cam

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Here is another K&N model to increase the airflow up to 50 percent and improve your engine’s acceleration. These air breathers for Harley-Davidson are washable and reusable. The filters used to eliminate the dirt and other elements are highly durable and give a long shelf life. Further, the aluminum protection on the top makes the filter look more elegant on your motorbike. 

What we mostly like?

Air-breathers are user-friendly so that you can easily clean the dirt, as said. Installation is quite simple and easy. 

What are the downsides?

The filter comes at an affordable price, and most of the customers are satisfied with its performance.

4. K&N Engine 1508 – Best Air Cleaner for Road King, Harley Touring

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The K&N engine 1508 is another beautiful air filter suitable for road king, Harley touring models. The air breather model is similar to the above design but with a slight change in shape and dimensions. Similar to the other models, 1508 is made with washable and reusable filters. Thus reduce the waste produced due to disposable paper filters.

What we mostly like?

It is engineered well to have maximum filtration with high airflow. The design is so simple that you can easily install it without any user manual. Moreover, the air breather is budget-friendly and exactly fit your motorcycles. 

What are the downsides?

The filters are good at blocking the contaminants, but the power gain and engine performance vary from one model to another.

5. Kuryakyn 9439 Alley – Best Aftermarket Harley Air Cleaner

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Here comes the retro look, the best aftermarket Harley air cleaner from Kuryakyn. Chrome alley finish makes the air cleaner more durable and looks more elegant in your motorcycles. The air cleaner is made of aluminum and Stainless Steel to add resistance to external factors. The mesh and the metal are well-designed to cover all models.

What we mostly like?

It has an easy-to-install cover, and the design is convenient to use for all the 1999-2017 Harley models. The sharp laser cutting makes the cover suitable for all the stage 1 air cleaners. 

What are the downsides?

• The cover looks great but does not include any air filter.

6. K&N 63-1125 – Best Air Intake for Harley Davidson

Check More Photos and Price at: amazon.com

The K&N 63-1125 is a premium model high airflow filter that improves throttle response and engine sound. An ergonomic design makes the air intake suitable for Harley Davidson Twin Cam, touring, Sportster, and Softail models. The filter eliminates the pollutants from entering the motor and increases the efficiency of the engine. As we know- the less the contaminated enters the engine, the more is the gain in the horsepower. 

What we mostly like?

The air filter unit is easy to assemble and install. The bold look makes the filter look more beautiful on your motorcycles. These air cleaners are easily washable and reused for years without any trouble.

What are the downsides?

• The filter is quite expensive. Apart from that, all other features are excellent and meet customers’ expectations.

7.  Krator MT226 Spike Kit – Best Air Cleaner for Harley 103

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Krator chrome aluminum air filter is a different model filter that everyone loves the ergonomic design and construction. The air filter fits perfectly for the Harley 103 engine based models. It is made of high-quality chrome billet aluminum to resist all the pressures. Basically, a cone spike air kit with a 4.9-inch diameter and 9 inches long is there, allowing high airflow and improving the engine’s performance. 

What we mostly like?

An outstanding design makes the cone filter look elegant on your motorcycle. The 360degree spike cover protects the filter and increases its life. 

What are the downsides?

• Installation of these filters is tricky and should be done by professionals.

8. Arlen Ness 18-326 Stage I Big Sucker – Best for Twin Cam

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Arlen Ness comes with a black big sucker stage 1 air filter that best suits Twin Cam Harley Davidson models. Overall design is well-engineered with a high capacity to protect the filter at the back. The hidden breather technology and radius air inlet of the aluminum backing plate make the filter more secure and long-lasting. As reviewed, the construction is simple and almost suitable for all Harley models.

What we mostly like?

The kit comes with all the equipment and user manual for easy installation. The color and construction make the filter look pretty on your motorcycles. 

What are the downsides?

• The quality of the intake is excellent but slightly expensive. 

9. Happy-Motor Turbine – Best Air Cleaner for Street Glide, Road Glide, Dyna

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Here comes Happy Marley turbine shaped air cleaner to boost the engine performance. It best suits to Harley street glide, road glide, and Dyna models. The body is made up of strong and durable aluminum material to withstand pressure and keeps the engine well-conditioned. 

What we like that most?

The exposed filter design prevents dirt and debris from entering the motor. It comes with the hardware equipment to enhance the easy installation.

What are the downsides?

The black finish on the backside fades after using it for some time. 

What Does an Air Filter Do?

An air filter aims to prevent debris, dirt, dust, and other environmental contaminants from entering the motor engine. 

Types of Air Filters

There are mainly two types of air filters: disposable air filters and reusable air filters. Disposable air filters are paper filters disposed of after use, whereas reusable air filters are made of foams and metal which are washable and reused. 

What is a Stage 1 Air Cleaner to Harley?

To add efficiency and performance to the engine, the stage 1 air cleaner or filter is designed to provide sufficient airflow to the motor. These designs come in various models like a turbine, cone, and cylindrical to keep the engine clean and allow the best airflow 

Stage 1 Air Filter vs. Stage 2 Air Filter

A stage 1 air filter differed from a stage 2 air filter due to the addition of a 20 percent larger air filter to the stage 2 kit. But Stage 1 air filters are more popular because they are suitable and sufficient for all kinds of bikes. 

Guide to Choose a Stage 1 Air Filter for Harley-Davidson

If you are looking for the best air filter for Harley-Davidson, you should remember the numerous options available right now. Still, each one varies from each others in terms of quality and durability. Based on durability and capacity, choose a stage 1 air filter that meets your requirement.

Run the Motor Without a Filter – Good or Bad

Running a motor without a filter is actually bad. Because in the absence of an air filter, the engine keeps sucking debris and dirt all the time. Thus, it causes great damage to the internal parts like valves and pistons, resulting in poor engine performance.

How to clean a Motorcycle Air Filter (Harley Stage 1)?

Air filters lose it’s potential when left alone. So they have to be maintained clean and tidy. You can use Harley-Davidson air cleaners to keep the filters clean. If you cannot afford it, use mild detergents and Luke warm water to renounce the clogged dirt and debris. 

How Often and How Should You Change a Motorcycle Air Filter?

You need to track the mileage and change the filter frequently. After 10000 to 15000 miles, the filter loses its capacity to filter the contaminated particles to replace them or reuse them to keep the engine safe.

Concluding Remarks

We hope the information is useful. Grab the opportunity and select the best stage 1 air filter that suits your Harley-Davidson model.