Cheap filter pods vs expensive, which should you buy? A comparison between them

[@Mike-oh3qz]

In germany we say " When you buy cheap, you'll buy it twice". You never should purchase any no name parts for safety or reliability like for example brake discs, brake pads, bearings, tyres, lubricants etc. Have safe ride.

[@forthebold]

True true, no point trying to save money on important things.

[@L-Noble.YT_Hi.Res-Soundminds]

Everyone listen to Mike, he is correct and quite smart too.👍

[@bmc9504]

Same in English, buy cheap buy twice.

[@justinpapin6397]

The rubber lip moving on the cheaper filter is a non-issue. When air is being sucked through it, it will pull the filter / lip together and seal itself. I've had that same concern on the ones for cars and I checked to make sure - it actually seals.

[@forthebold]

That’s not the main issue. It’s the cheapness of the material that damages your engine.

[@Bawkr]

hmmm Im thinking about running a bead of glue on mine. ill double check the end but on mine it seemed to be wholly glued. Car sized filter.

[@Jonj57]

4 into 1 makes really nice filters for 1/3 the cost of K&N, I use them on my Xs1100

[@randywatsonii3173]

which ones? my application is the XS750.

[@Jonj57]

@@randywatsonii3173 i think the red oval 50mm ones were what i used. They had a black cage over a red paper filter

[@waynechen112]

could you tell me if the rubber is molded into the filter like in the K&N, applyig to 74 cb750

[@Jonj57]

@@waynechen112 cant remember that one sorry!

[@martydouglas1802]

I agree with this concept totally. I bought these cheap pods for the GS 550 I was working on for a friend and it has cv carbs which only open when there is sufficient vacuum in the intake. Without that full vacuum,the slides will not rise and the needle cannot introduce more gas. I was scratching my head as to why top end and acceleration suffered so. Tomorrow I will put some tape on the cheap pods and test the idea, reducing flow but increasing vacuum. So it will be back to the original air box for now. Great videos by the way. keep up the good work.

[@mrdeedles69]

Another difference between cheap and the more expensive pods, in my experience, K&N and Uni have a small velocity stack molded into them. They collect the air and smooth it out. Cheap pods, as you described, have a blunt shoulder blocking the idle circuit.

[@forthebold]

Yeah absolutely,

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Straight into the carburetor is best for power. Its why a mushroom makes more power than a cone. They do make tuning issues sometimes due to loss of velocity of air flow. More when going from restrictive filter boxes.

[@L-Noble.YT_Hi.Res-Soundminds]

Just get a k&n air filter dont be cheap. I have a 98 2.4l Toyota Tacoma with an Injen intake system and some other mods, the intake came with a nice nano dry type Injen filter. The other day, I finaly decided to wash the filter. I hadnt washed it since a long time ever, it was good and dirty. I cleaned it super clean with soap and water, then I dryed it very well. Before I reinstaled it I breathed in thru the filter, it has a 3.1/2" inlet and felt the air flow restriction as I breathed. I really thought it had better flow. Dry filters are better than paper but next thing I was ordering a K&n oiled type filter for my intake. They are better and make more power if thats what you want. I did notice an improvement when I drove the truck after cleaning the Ingen filter but you cant beat the k&n filter flows better than those dry type air filters. Perfornance first everything else dont worry. The trick to the oiled filter is dont over oil it and you will be fine. This is my oppinion only and just trying to help others.

[@hamishdow2188]

im going with a set of uni filter foam pods as from what ive heard the design of the unis is a bit more restrictive than the standard pod filter style which should in theory translate to a better vacuum effect making them a better fit for cv carburetors as it would more closely mimic the airflow of the oem airbox to an extent while still having the benefits of doing the airbox delete for a custom project, once i get my hands on a set of mikuni VM-34's cable slide operated carbs however i will be able to run any filter i want without having to worry about cv's to being fussy when it comes to pods

[@forthebold]

It's a myth that you can't get CV carbs to work, they're just fine. With CV carbs its the air flow that open them up.

[@JH09SUMIT]

Man your intro blasted my ears 😂 Good video by the way

[@forthebold]

Morning wake up call

[@ChaoticDetour]

That is a huge difference. I have always felt that there are something you don't buy cheap on. Filtration of any sort is one of them. Thanks for the visual review on this though.

[@ANDY5]

The thing that you will notice with cheaper pods is that your oil will be black within a few short miles. K&N every time for me.

[@forthebold]

Useful insight, thanks Andy, K&Ns are definitely going on the GS this week

[@mihamarinko2206]

Hi, I have the same K$N pods....but now I have a problem with carburetor...I must replace jets...main jet for sure...now I have 78 what nuber do you suggest (also have a new exhaust) bike Honda cb400n

[@DirceuCorsetti]

I have a CB400T and haven't changed the low jets. The high however I've changed from the 110 on the stock to a 120 and this absolutely corrected any issue I was having. A fine tuning can be made adjusting the shims on the needles. This works because even at low rpms and idle there is gas coming from the High jet. This way it makes up for the high amount of air coming from the pods. Cheers

[@mihamarinko2206]

For start I will change just main jet......What do you suggest for my bike....my main jet is 78 which number 90-95?....I think 120 would be to big jump?....low jet is 108 stock

[@DirceuCorsetti]

@@mihamarinko2206 if you have a CB400n you have probably the same carbs as my cb400t. The high jet is the one where the needle goes (lower one on the bowl). This one is 110 stock. On my setup this goes to 120. The low jet is 78. You either have them swapped or misidentified them. What mix of petrol are you running on your country? Up until 10% ethanol mix I think it is possible to run a 108, but you'll have to test.

[@mihamarinko2206]

Looks like I dont know which jet is main and which not...totaly possible;) I am new in this wather;) please help with explanation...two jets...one is the large (long) one...number 108...second is the small (tiny) one number 78...name of jets Keihin....so I need to replace long jet to number 120....correct....

[@DirceuCorsetti]

@@mihamarinko2206 correct

[@mitchellsrenault7344]

HI, i'm currently building a CX500 cafe but using the kit from Cafe race Kits. His kit comes with cheaper pods, so i'm very interested in seeing your cx running with the k&n's. I do tend to agree with you, you get what you pay for! Keep up the building and good work :) Alan.

[@forthebold]

Hopefully next month it'll be running, we'll see then.

[@mitchellsrenault7344]

Looking forward to it :)

[@MrCharlesCurrent]

Haven’t tried K&N yet. The cheap pod I tried on my CL100 was very restrictive. Couldn’t get my carb tuned to run full throttle high rpm.

[@kasperhermansen]

Really good info. I am about to change the original air filter on my CB750 and was in doubt about choice. The previous owner told me that it was difficult to make it run steady with pot filters but I think he used cheap ones. Do you know which ones shall be used for a CB750 F K2 1975? It seems There are many to chose from on K&Ns homepage. Nice leather jacket by the way, where is that from?

[@forthebold]

If you have the measurements of you diameter you’ll find the match on the custom part of k&n.

[@benhawke7231]

I'm looking for a well built rail pod. A pod that connects to all 4 carbs at the same time with a crome inner and outer plate. Maybe so the air cleaner can be removed from the plates separately. Like 3inches deepX3inches acrossX20inches long. Or right around those dimensions.

[@forthebold]

Depending on the bike Cognito Moto would be ones to trust.

[@benhawke7231]

For The Bold - dreegez Cool thnx

[@pilotnfl87]

What is the K&N part number for those pods? I have a CB750 as well and like those much more than my current ones.

[@nevido84]

I am glad you touchéd on this topic. I was wondering if you will have a video about how to adjust carbs for new air pods & upgraded exhaust on your cb750 or on any other bike. It feels like a daunting task! I need to do this so that I can check my engine condition prior to customization. Thx! .

[@forthebold]

I have a video on setting up the carbs on the GS550, and an upcoming video on the CB in a few weeks.

[@mattduncan5500]

@@forthebold how did these filters go on the GS??? did you have to do a bunch of tuning in able to use them or where you able to plug in and play

[@paresh4914]

Do open pods function in rains properly?

[@forthebold]

If you have decent ones they will, they're covered with filter oil.

[@ridin_low193]

Where could I get “more expensive” air pods for 1983 Honda 650 nighthawk?

[@forthebold]

Go directly to the dealer website

[@kelumrupasinghe4051]

Pod filters are water proofed ?can these filters fix to a bike without any cover under direct rain ? ,thanks for your valuble reply.

[@forthebold]

If you buy proper k&n amd oil them.

[@jurgenebert64]

I am working on a 1980 GS550 and debating to go with the K&N pods or leave the stock airbox in place. What size jets did you use on your bike? I like the look of the pods. Great channel!

[@forthebold]

I've not changed the jets yet on the CB or CX, but those videos will be up in a couple of weeks.

[@jurgenebert64]

What about the GS? Are you running the pods? Did you have to change to larger jets? Thanks

[@forthebold]

Yes, off the top of my head I think I changed to 7.5 slow jet and 87.5 mains on those, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX_Ocp19f7udbNk

[@hakangokce1670]

Would a KN Filter like the one in your hand fit on a Shadow VT600C from 1996? If it does, can you send me a link to it? Thanks in advance, great video!

[@forthebold]

Impossible to say without knowing the dimensions of the carbs

[@_wolf_gang_]

Can you cover Velocity Stacks I'm considering those for my gsf400 build

[@forthebold]

Velocity stacks stabilise your air better, as long as you have some kind of filter on them.

[@stephanest-yves8999]

Really like your channel and especially this build. Your videos are so helpful. I'm starting a CX500 projet myself and I was wondering if you got the K&N filter model number. I searching their website and can't find the same exact model as yours? Thanks for your help!

[@forthebold]

If you go to their site you'll have to manually chose them from measuring your intake diameter etc.

[@hogg8888]

im shocked you got through this video without cutting your fingers . i have gone through so many cheap pods and they all ways rust up and the boot all ways dislodges. and i have cv carbs so you have to cut away the inlet whole which makes them even more flimsy. also they never seem to fit snugly which could vary from carb to carb . do the kmn ones fit nicley due to the shape ? good video. this is something i have allways been weighing up in my mind

[@forthebold]

The K&Ns for me are a snug fit, the clamps / clips that come with them are well made and fit well, and the rubber is clear of any holes.

[@upover]

What’s the part number of the k& n park?

[@forthebold]

I honestly can’t remember.

[@maxwellschmidt235]

40 for a filter you'll likely never need to change, will keep a consistent tune, and that you're clearly confident will better protect the thousands of dollars and days of labor you're putting into your builds... If you were talking about a 200 dollar filter, I could understand some hesitation. The most expensive option isn't always the best bang for the buck. But for anyone with the money to own and modify a bike, 40 dollars for quality is a steal.

[@forthebold]

This is very true, worth the money

[@alfredoperez7022]

I got two questions: 1.- Is there any problem if the filter pod gets wet? 2.- How frequent should I change filter pods?

[@forthebold]

The K&N ones are designed to get withstand that, you oil them also. The cheap ones just get soaked. As for the K&N pods they have (I think) a lifetime warranty or 10 year warranty, and are washable and re-usable.

[@casperdevanche1051]

There's no arguing with all the things you have just proven,But K&N aren't the only high quality pod. There are some other pods that are just as good as K&N but a little lower on price.

[@forthebold]

Absolutely, good point, K&N being the only ones I've tried so I was only able to compare them.

[@casperdevanche1051]

Fair enough. They are still excellent. My only issue with K&N pods is that, sometimes the rubber bottom ( i assume they dip the filter into rubber can extend up around some of the fins and there seems to be no standard to it. Some have it a lot, others have hardly any/none. Ramair filters are very good and don't have that issue, But not at all the style of a K&N which is what most of us are after.

[@88nastase]

Casper DeVanche can you tell the brand?

[@casperdevanche1051]

Of course buddy. Ramair and pipecross do some sporty sponge filters. Bmc and uni make some in the middle filters,but if you want a very K&N style filter then DNA filters are what i would say is the best option. They are actually ever so slightly better built than K&N (same construction but the rubber dip is neater) and the price is roughly £10+ cheaper per filter, which can add up if you need 4.

[@88nastase]

Casper DeVanche thanks a lot!

[@ignaciofernandez8699]

i have a question in relation to the CB 750. im doing myself also a build. Im installing a Munit but i wanted also to add maybe the motoscope pro. is there a way to get the Tach to give out a digital signal insted of a tripe? TY andnice channel!

[@forthebold]

You can get mechanical to digital converters for your speedo, I think Motogadget thmselves do one

[@ignaciofernandez8699]

im sure they ll have a solution, found many sensor, no tach converter. motogadget.com/shop/en/accessories/sensors.html?___store=en/ TY! looking foward for twhat you going for in the CB

[@ignaciofernandez8699]

Seems what i need to do is just have the Tach Reading cable connected to the coil and multiply by the amount of spark you get per rev. there is no convertion. could this be true?

[@PhaedruS007]

Yes the motoscope has a pick up lead that detects coil activity then you program from there. Cognito Moto inlaid mine into their top clamp for next to nothing. tinypic.com/r/28k50e8/9

[@ignaciofernandez8699]

Perfect ill go ahead with this,ill get the signal from the coil and config it to 0,5. TY all. Love your bike

[@thebigstovary]

Have you looked into the Sonic cleaners for the carbs yet?

[@forthebold]

Yes, absolutely, I have someone who has one.

[@thebigstovary]

For The Bold - dreegez great you're one step ahead, if you've ever used one it makes everything look nice. I use it for all my small parts

[@harleydavidson801]

Ever thought about doing something with a sportster?

[@forthebold]

I would love to.

[@jakefin6891]

what about velocity stacks vs pods?

[@forthebold]

That's a different story, could even throw in standard air box in the mix.

[@JustIdeas4you]

Can you please provide the link to where you bought the K&N filters ? Thanks.

[@forthebold]

Directly from K&N website themselves, extensive range and easy to find parts for your specific bike

[@tree_monkey87]

Well this video won’t make my wife happy 🤣🤣 appreciate the help though!! 👌

[@forthebold]

More money spent on the bike?

[@tree_monkey87]

yeah< it's all good though.. she got a minivan, I get a motorcycle haha or.. another, I should say

[@PoVForzaTch]

can you please send me the link on airpods for a 1981 honda cx500 k&N and how to rejeting the carbs? Thanks

[@forthebold]

If you go to K&N website and look for 54mm ovals, (I'm guessing it's the same carbs as mine) then head over to this video to rejet kzbin.info/www/bejne/pom8fZ-rq7pseaM

[@zacharyryan_art]

Legit almost bought 12€ filters till I watched this. Just ordered some k&n’s haha. Also... finding out I’m gonna have a crazy time tuning my Yamaha xj500 with pods 😳

[@forthebold]

Glad to help, and spread the word

[@melvinnathan3024]

Great explanation sir!, i must invest on some good quality air filters too!!

[@forthebold]

It's worth it in my opinion.

[@springy-2112]

Amstrad , Bang and Olufsen nuff said .. But i have used the cheap pods and regretted and for that fact cheap hifi ... 👍

[@forthebold]

true

[@kcfox3130]

tried DNA pods on my ZRX ,things kept coming off ,back to K&N for me

[@jpich85]

What's your thoughts on the ram air foam ones?

[@forthebold]

In all honesty never used them or heard any feedback about the, look nice, but that's all I can say.

[@edifilipe]

Can you change you filter to a pod on a fuel injection bike?

[@forthebold]

In short, yes, I've seen it done, how.... I have no idea but I would hazard a guess at the ECU needing to be remapped.

[@edifilipe]

For The Bold - dreegez thanks for the info! I was looking around YT, and as far as I've seen, there are no videos on this topic.

[@DriversSide]

Great video man! I bought some cheaper pods for my build so when it’s finished I’ll see how they do but if they don’t work out I’ll be getting K&N

[@stephanharlow288]

Would these be good on an rm80

[@forthebold]

These pods will do in any bike.

[@88nastase]

Thanks for the arguments!

[@forthebold]

Thumbs up.

[@88nastase]

what size are your k&n. I mean the intake diameter of the carb on honda!

[@forthebold]

Depending on what carbs you're running, For my CX500 and CB750 they're 54mm

[@88nastase]

i'm gonna try something when the spring will come with the pod filter maybe I can cheat the reject job and if it works I'll make a video. I'll measure the air flow on stock filter and try to regulate on the pods. Anyway...your account is growing.congrats!

[@carltonolson6813]

Well said my friend! Three a week is awesome.... build on.

[@forthebold]

Excellent, will do

[@baecchi4153]

we put gasket maker on the loose part .. and when i say put .. i mean a lot .. lots of gasket maker ..

[@forthebold]

Unfortunately with the cheap one even with filling in those gaps the material for the filter will allow all sorts of damaging rubbish into your engine.

[@kaiserindustries5567]

is ramair a good brand?

[@forthebold]

I've never used them personally, to me they look like mostly foam, but honestly couldn't tell you

[@tsasso6199]

K&N filters are okay as long as you don't need something that actually fits your application

[@forthebold]

Not sure I understand this comment. They do come in a wide range to fit a lot of diameter carbs if that’s what you mean?

[@dhamult0076]

But in my city i got best pod filter in cheap price named HP in 150Rs inr

[@kingwilly1000]

Velocity stacks if ya wanna go fast

[@1truechamp46]

Got a twin pack of pods direct from K&N yesterday for £40. Bargain!

[@forthebold]

That's really cheap, congrats

[@andrewcaruana13]

anyone ever had issues with water seeping in using these filters?

[@forthebold]

With the cheap ones yes. With the K&N they’re oiled to stop water

[@alexmikonnen8522]

Cheap person always pays twice.. once when you purchase cheap junk and the second when you have to correct your cheap mistake. Thank you!

[@forthebold]

Good point.

[@CarlosFandango73]

You've convinced me. 👍

[@forthebold]

To spend more ;)

[@rejects101]

Thanks, very useful

[@forthebold]

Glad my rantings are proving useful sometimes.

[@royaldis3474]

Review by looking not trying isn’t really telling me anything,as long as jets aren’t obstructed I don’t see a problem

[@forthebold]

This is review by trying also. Not being able to adjust and maintain a constant air velocity, constantly chasing your settings, sucking in way too much air, not to mention long term damage you'll do to your engine by not ensuring you have clean air going in.

[@mario930131]

I agree the ebay cheap air filters are horrible and will cause your car or motorcycle to under perform stick with good quality name brand it's worth the extra money

[@forthebold]

absolutely

[@benhawke7231]

Good morning.

[@forthebold]

Morning.

[@lulalurch]

Geiles Video😍

[@TheRyanweyh]

Good points !

[@forthebold]

Thanks Ryan, worth knowing

[@jaquesdaniels2964]

Filters-air or oil-I don't buy cheap.Its not worth the risk in my view.

[@forthebold]

Too true.

[@rubengiger4658]

First to comment.

[@forthebold]

Congrats.

[@edjackson4389]

Unless you live in a really dusty area, the cheap ones are fine. Just buy some black gasket maker for $5 and put a small amount around the cap end and filter pleets to seal it, and pull out the boot that he pulled out and put a small amount around that and pop it back into the filter. Let it dry overnight and they are good, and ready to install. It only takes about 10 minutes for 4 pods. Been using them for 3 years. If you DO live in a dusty area pods may not be a good idea anyway.

[@forthebold]

Good point about the dust, what you will find though with the more expensive ones is that air flow will be more regulated than the cheaper ones, also with them being oiled that'll be better.

[@edjackson4389]

Yes, they are definitely better. I'm just cheap

[@caseyhandby1658]

Who cares wat they feel like in ur hand do a comparison on dyno thts all tht matters

[@forthebold]

No need for a dyno. The fact it’s IMPOSSIBLE to even tune a bike and keep it consistent with the cheap one means it’s not even able to get it to run right on a dyno.

[@caseyhandby1658]

@@forthebold uve tried have u mate

[@forthebold]

Of course I have. Check my earlier Suzuki GS550 videos trying to run the cheap pods.

[@davidk1579]

If you're not going to tell us what the cheap brand is what's the use of this video we would like to know are we buying the cheap ones that we don't know or cheap junk, I've been using a brand called EMGO it it looks as good a quality as any brand I've ever bought KN any of them (motorcycle air filter) the top is made out of heavy metal the inside is got a metal screen looks quality the filter itself. 96 pleats on it looks like top-quality to me you telling me...

[@forthebold]

Cheap is a generalisation for the cost. Anything under £35 per pod is cheap. I hate to say it but EMGO are one of the worst. Might as well add water to your fuel. Similar effect and damage

[@bradb.4570]

Shaking them way to much I can’t even watch

[@forthebold]

Don’t worry there’s nothing much to see. It’s an air filter. The magic happens beyond what you can see with your eye.

[@meerannaseem8885]

that's a moxi filter 😂😂😂🤣

[@forthebold]

It’s a seriously crap filter.

[@meerannaseem8885]

i bought it and i am still regretting it

[@pattayakamagra8325]

The Chines filters are crap.. al of them;, they use material that's not suitable for gasoline. and melts down. makes small holes when come to contact with gasoline. Tried many of them.

[@forthebold]

This is true. Fedup with seeing so many crap filters on builds

[@aliirani6959]

You talking more than enough

[@forthebold]

It's what this channel is about, vlogging, requires talking. Would be really weird if I just stared at the camera