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New Air Filter = Crappy Fuel Economy & Top Speeds

2K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  Shadow Shack 
#1 ·
Yep, you read that right. I changed out my filter on the all-stock 96 model. The filthy filter was netting me 70+mpg and 80+mph, the clean/new filter is getting me 60mpg and 65mph. Everything is seated/connected properly, I'm just going to have to blow off the old filter with my air compressor and slip it back in to restore the lost performance that the new filter is robbing.
 
#2 ·
I swapped the old dirty filter back in and had no problem hitting 70-75mph. Too early to tell but I'm pretty sure I'll start seeing 70+mpg again. This is rather perplexing, I've never seen or heard of such losses by changing to a clean filter before.
 
#3 ·
Is this filter the type which is oiled? Any possibility the new filter is too saturated with oil? I would guess that could strangle it a little.


Very strange.
 
#4 ·
No, the 96+ models use a paper element. I may have to consider the 80's vintage filter with the foam element...now that I'm gun shy at buying another paper filter. Gotta do something though, I can't keep riding on a filthy filter that will become a filthier filter. ;)
 
#6 ·
I've owned this bike since 2002 and have never adjusted the carb before or after any filter changes. It's rather perplexing...
 
#7 ·
I've burned two tanks of gas since restoring the filthy filter and have netted 71 & 70 mpg respectively. Still trying to find a decent replacement...I'm considering the 80's vintage with foam sleeve (I have a canister, just need the foam), what kind of oil does that need?

Next time I'm out bending wrenches I'll pull the filter and see if I can find any differences between them.
 
#9 ·
Is it possible the new filter is an ultra high-flow type? letting too much air in and running you lean? (recalling folks who went back from pod filters to OEM airbox and got better performance)
60-80MPG was what I get depending on the type of riding I was doing,
 
#10 ·
Is it possible the new filter is an ultra high-flow type?
Not sure, it didn't appear any different from the OEM filter save for being new & clean.
 
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