Harley Sportster EP2 - Air Cleaner Modification at RevZilla.com

Harley Sportster Air Cleaner Modification
www.revzilla.co...
Read more about the Sportster mods at Common Tread
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Lions don’t intake a tiny bit of air before they roar, and your Harley shouldn’t either. For riders who have augmented their Harley Sportster with a grab-you-by-the-face set of aftermarket pipes, the next step (in conjunction with re-tuning the air/fuel ratio) is all about providing those high-flow thunder-tubes with adequate airflow. With the best Air Cleaners for Harley Sportsters, the truncated, off-the-line air intake of your stock Sportster can be let loose, thus making your ride more “just right” than a left-behind bowl of Papa Bear’s porridge. In Sportster Modification Series Episode 2, Lemmy explains the importance of an aftermarket air cleaner for your Sportster as he highlights the pros/cons of a handful of the best in the business. As a continuation of our ongoing Modification Series, this look into air intake options for the Harley Iron 883 gets us one step closer to our version of the ideal custom Sportster.
Parts Featured in This Video:
Vance & Hines Fuelpak FP3 Autotuner
3:58 - www.revzilla.co...
S&S Stealth Air Cleaner Kit
4:38 - www.revzilla.co...
Arlen Ness Stage 1 Big Sucker Air Cleaner
6:11 - www.revzilla.co...
Performance Machine FastAir Air Cleaner
7:42 - www.revzilla.co...
TC Bros Ripple Air Cleaner
8:50 - www.revzilla.co...
Drag Specialties Breather Kit
9:12 - www.revzilla.co...
Lowbrow Customs Radius Breather Bolts
9:52 - www.revzilla.co...

[@joeyblue9759]

Lemmy, you should do a review on riding gear for the bigger guy's. we need to be safe and comfortable to.

[@jerlaine1638]

Could not agree more with this

[@arthurleino]

I had a Mikuni VM38 with a K&N. XLR pipes on my 80 Sportster. Running a Mikuni VM38 with K&N on my 83 FXWG. Like watching these videos.

[@Vandragorax]

I like the look of the Big Sucker, especially to match with the rest of that bike :)

[@KeiKishi]

that intro is epic

[@the8jrfan]

Fuck ya it's Lemmy!

[@exexpat11]

Next up... Sportster Seats for big guys. I have an OEM Postage Stamp HD seat on my Roadster XL1200. It is a small seat. I recently purchased a King Cobra seat so I can push back a little for more room. Waiting on it to arrive in a few days. If that does not work... Big Tractor Springer Seat (15 inch wide) will follow.

[@mox4js]

great episode. I personally have the Arlen Ness big sucker on my 2014 iron, works great, looks great ( I have a custom made cover though)

[@Daehawk]

The Fastair would be cool if it was in black not red. Thumbs up man. Liking that 2 into 1 pipe setup.

[@airsnipe4]

Really wanted to see than new twin sucker on there. It looks so badass

[@geekinginandout]

Thanks Lemmy I am really becoming close to getting a harley

[@skuzzyj]

It's interesting that you guys started doing this series right at the same time I acquired my friend's cosmetically totaled '06 883... I'm not a Harley guy at all so my focus is shaving as much weight off of it as I can and making it handle and stop well, first. Then I'm going for power after that. This'll be an interesting series for me, even considering that I'm not that big on bolt-ons.

[@nickbacon4471]

Would've loved to see a RSD intake involved. Blunt model looks great on sporties.

[@itachi1540]

What provisions? Doesnt the stock air filter simply run the oil hot air back into the engine? I don't exactly want another intake, but I don't want my engine gunked up by oil air being fed back into the engine.

[@BillRiccio]

i love sportsters and the aftermarket parts, just wished i kept all the stock parts i took off! i would have loved to bring it back to stock if i ever sell it.

[@pancake191]

There's no smog for motorcycles in CA so I dont know why the whole carb EO sticker is a big deal here

[@elchefjuanito6354]

Can I add any of those filters with out changing anything else on my iron 883 ?

[@RM2k3-GRP]

Thumbs up if you want Lemmy to do another project like this, no matter what bike!

[@stole181]

No kuryakyn velociraptor? I have chrome version on my ‘18. sportster 48 special. One of the best looking old school air cleaners...

[@poseidon5003]

And.......... he picks the air filter that looks like someone stuck a cupcake on the side of the bike. LOL

[@illduitmyself]

I like cupcakes....

[@noxus3411]

Stephen Arseneau yeah it really looks like it 🤣👌

[@poseidon5003]

@@noxus3411 Yes it does. LOL

[@Cool_Rider25]

Do we need to change the exhaust necessarily when changing the air cleaner? Just when budget is less

[@ironkid8836]

i like v02 or round screaming eagle as they aremt k and n pink

[@SamIAm_The_Motorcycle_Man]

No screamin eagle heavy?

[@Kaspurr84]

I just watched the video for lemmy

[@erikklase6613]

Love your videos very informative thanks

[@JohnBraman413]

that fuelpak... can you add a custom map that someone makes for you?

[@mattzobian]

You rock, Lemmy. Very informative and helpful.

[@Screenwriting]

"The cat's ass." ??

[@haroldhughes977]

Ok, it wasn't just me who noticed that.

[@ironkid8836]

donthe 2 into 1 pipes improve performance i have straights so loud its awesome

[@alokvadnere]

Great info... waiting for EP-3!

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

Good job Lemmy!!

[@therondennis9572]

I can't find the banjo bolts to fab up my crankcase ventilator....wtf

[@flipmode916]

Three questions, 1. many forums and people I spoke with say that if I'm just changing air intake, I don't need to map. But yet here you say yes. 2. Arlen Ness, big sucker, do I need external breathers? From what I've seen it's all there, just no hoses and they just modified how it works. That correct? 3. CA sucks. Any thoughts for tuner if I do get one? Not many options

[@heatingairservices8708]

I really wont to install the stealth S & S air cleaner w/ cover shown on my Card bike an 2000 1200 XL but concerned about the crank case pressure hollow relief bolts as to how that's addressed on the smaller than my current spam can stock breather box any clarification help greatly appreciated on How That works ..Thanks In Advance

[@ZROADHOG]

Question, can these filters that work without a housing be used during the rainy season? or is it very easy for water to get in there?

[@FlaskBlack]

If I remember correctly, a few of these filters have rain socks.

[@ZROADHOG]

I've seen the screamin' eagle rain socks, kind of the same idea right?

[@FlaskBlack]

Exactly. Also helps to hide the pink filter. Why they chose that color I'll never know haha.

[@ZROADHOG]

Agreed, hehehehe thanks for the tips.

[@omfgaduck]

The pink color comes from a white filter, with the red filter oil on it, its a K&N thing, thus turning pink.

[@donovanho5543]

Will water sip through during rain for those aftermarkets?

[@jobanytheprepp5401]

I am looking into buying a new intake for my 2020 iron 883 mostly to give it my personal look I am a new rider and don’t plan on taking long rides I mostly use it to go to work and ride Around the city . Would I be good with that performance machine fastair I like the way it looks . Would you recommend it to me ?

[@exexpat11]

It is mostly a preference of style as they all perform the same. Choose a shape and color and go with it.

[@blueoval250]

The best thing to do with CARB is completely ignore it.

[@Haaalo079]

but lemmy where is the fuel part O_O ...?

[@danielsandoval8345]

Personally I watched this for Lemmey. I'm not a real fan of Harley Davidsons even though I sat in this exact one. It doesn't really appeal to me as the Scout does, maybe it's because the front of the Sportster looks too high?

[@vladv8651]

Hey, could make a video about blowby oil issues, there isn't much for later versions

[@FUNNYBOY12375]

worried about rain or light showers

[@ritaamorim5455]

I'd love to increase the ground clearance of my Iron (lean angle is very poor). Suggestions, Lemmy (rearsets, exhaust...)?

[@RevZilla]

Take a look at Episode 3 on suspension modification (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioqXlo1rqq5_qJo), where we recommend a couple options for raising the bike. -DrewZilla

[@Scooter3194]

What do you think about a booster plug for a sportster instead of a fuel pack ?

[@sportster1446]

Thanks for your sharing....!!!

[@geraldscott4302]

Pink just doesn't do it for me. They make other air clearer oils besides pink, so there is just no reason to have a pink air cleaner. One thing he didn't mention that I consider critical is that the FP3 is just not going to cut it on a late model Sportster. Already been there and done that. It's a total waste of money. You will never get your air/fuel mixture rich enough, especially if you are replacing both the exhaust and air cleaner. In fact you won't even get it rich enough for a stock bike. A really big part of the problem here is the stock oxygen sensors. Stock, the EFI is set to run about 14:1 air/fuel mixture. That is way too lean even for stock. You will see oil temperatures running close to 270 degrees on a stock bike with a mixture that lean, and that is doing serious damage to your engine. You can thank the EPA for this. There are a LOT of tuners out there, but only a couple of them work. Nothing will work with the stock narrow band oxygen sensors. Those are the bottleneck in any setup that uses them. They prevent you from ever getting that air/fuel mixture much below the stock 14:1. Right off the bat that eliminates using slip on mufflers on a late model Sportster. The stock header pipes are made to use the 12mm narrow band oxygen sensors. You not only need a complete exhaust system that is designed to accept the 18mm wide band oxygen sensors, but you will need to get the sensors themselves. After you have those two things, your best bet is a completely new ECM, not a "piggyback" system that uses your stock ECM, like the FP3 or the H-D Screamin Eagle tuner. It is better to completely replace the stock ECM with an aftermarket one. Not cheap. In fact, the full exhaust system, new 18mm wide band oxygen sensors, and a new ECM is going to cost a little over $1000. But if you are going to do it, do it right. I highly recommend the ThunderMax system. It comes with both a new ECM and 2 new 18mm wide band oxygen sensors. This combination gives you plenty of tuning range. You can go from 14:1 to below 13:1. I found that with a set of V&H Big Radius pipes and an S&S teardrop air cleaner, setting the base mixture at around 12.7:1 works very well. It will bring you oil temperature from 270 degrees to around 220 degrees. That will save your engine. This system is so tunable that you can actually set it a bit too rich. When you order a ThunderMax setup, tell them what your modifications are, and they will pretune it to work fairly well with what you have. Install it, ride it, check your oil temperatures, and go from there. I made some minor adjustments, but it came pretty close to spot on. The FP3 and many other tuners like the Power Commander work fairly well on a 10 year old bike. But they are worthless on a later model bike. H-D is using a completely different system now than they were back then. Even with the wide band oxygen sensors, those tuners just don't have the range necessary to get the air/fuel mixture rich enough.

[@immortal_morty1347]

lemmy should join motor trend channel and become the new top gear

[@rayray....7777]

are those exposed filter going to have problem when it's raining or are they water proof?

[@RevZilla]

It depends on the filter. Most require a rain sock in heavy rain, but some are designed to not need a rain sock. Those not needing a rain sock will mention that feature in the product description. -DrewZilla

[@EyeForKnowledge.]

So I’m looking to buy my first Harley. Coming off of super sports for 25 years. Will Harley install all of this at the dealership when I buy if I request it?

[@RevZilla]

It depends on the specific products and depends on the dealership. You would need to speak with your dealer's service department. Harley is generally going to want to sell you their own parts. -DrewZilla

[@BattleNativeHD]

does the fuel pack differ from a tune up? i kinda had a debate with our local store in this discussion. i wanted to buy the gear and do everything myself, then they said i need to do a tune up , and i said i would get the fuel pack. they said you will still need a tune up? i dont get it lol i thought i would be able to do everything with the fuelpack

[@RevZilla]

I'm not sure how your shop defines "tune up". If you install an exhaust and/or air cleaner yourself, you can adjust the fueling yourself using the Fuelpak (if your bike supports the Fuelpak). -DrewZilla

[@NorthernRiderOffroad]

awesome stuff Lemmy.

[@CB-lh8gw]

so uh...big question here. my 97 xlh1200s is carbed how can I find out what jets to get? hell I'd like to do the exhaust too. and frankly I have no idea on that either lol.

[@RevZilla]

It depends on the carb, the exhaust, and the air intake you have or want to install. Honestly, most people just search Google or Sportster forums for the ideal jet for a specific exhaust and air intake. I'd recommend you first decide what modifications you want to do exactly, then use those parameters to search for the right jet kit. We do sell a kit with a handful of jets, and one of them would likely work. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dynojet-recalibration-jet-kit-for-harley-1996-2003

[@CB-lh8gw]

Thanks! My other bike is an old kawasaki and I've had hell finding anything for it partwise but seeing as this one is an HD I'm pretty excited to do the work lol

[@goliad0316]

Lemmy, RevZilla, How many times can I flash the auto tune to my bike? Every time that I finish a sesion and flash the learn setup it clears up. and when start the setion again it starts from scrap. I though it will continue learning again where the last map was left.

[@RevZilla]

Every time you run auto-tune, you're starting fresh. Most people won't even need to auto-tune, and for those who do, you should leave it in LEARN mode for a full tank of gas. If you've varied your riding, that should be enough. -DrewZilla

[@Dude_Virus]

Wont these open air cleaners have an issue in the rain. Can you ride in the rain with these installed ?

[@RevZilla]

Unless you ride in torrential downpours for hours at a time, they don't really have an issue, so yes, you can ride in the rain with them installed. Of course, to play it safe, you'd want a rain sock or a filter with an air cleaner cover. -DrewZilla

[@ankitgairola2937]

Does big sucker fits inside the air filtre cover of 2020 iron 883?

[@RevZilla]

This option from Arlen Ness will bolt right up, and reuse your stock air cleaner cover: www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arlen-ness-naked-stage-1-big-sucker-air-cleaner-for-harley-sportster-2016 -Zack

[@michaelcastle9666]

any chance we can see what kind of power the new setup is putting out compared to stock?

[@RevZilla]

We haven't done any dyno runs, but we may decide to do so at some point. -DrewZilla

[@michaelcastle9666]

that would be helpful in figuring out the bang for the buck for a full exhaust and air cleaner vs a 1200 kit.

[@sportster1446]

Nice....

[@Gulgonful]

Is this a legit garage in the Revzilla space or a garage-set studio type deal? Love the mr. potato head

[@RevZilla]

The world may never know. -DrewZilla

[@Gulgonful]

+RevZilla don't you quote doctor dog to me, young man.

[@ramirezzjoaquin]

I RevZilla

[@SMclintosh]

Clearly lemme is a big lad but how tall is he? Anyone know?

[@RevZilla]

He's six feet tall. -DrewZilla

[@Carkus11]

Does these have differences in perfomance from one each other?

[@RevZilla]

There are slight differences, but it also depends on how the bike is tuned after modifications are made. -DrewZilla

[@diazag]

Sir I'm still brake in my sportster 48 it is ok to put my slips on muffler and new air cleaner kit?

[@RevZilla]

Yes it's ok to put the slip-ons and air cleaner on, but you will also need a fuel controller (FP3) or other fuel re-mapping. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/vance-hines-fuelpak-fp3-autotuner-for-harley-2011-2017

[@Mike-ul1xn]

does harley make a bigger tank for these?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, the Iron has the 3.3 gallon tank, but other Sportster models have come with the larger, rounder 4.5 gallon tank. If you already have an Iron, then you could swap the tank...but if you don't have a Sportster yet, then maybe just look for a different Sportster model that already has a 4.5 gallon tank. -DrewZilla

[@manangill7550]

Does the FP3 has option in it to tune with the Big sucker Air cleaner?

[@RevZilla]

Most maps are set up for a high flow air cleaner, so those maps will work well with the Big Sucker. -DrewZilla

[@ray_d8536]

Can l wash my iron? I mean with water like sport bikes

[@RevZilla]

Yes, you can wash it like a sport bike. -DrewZilla

[@StevieRayMcB]

I have forward controls do you think the fastair air cleaner would hit my leg?

[@RevZilla]

With forward controls and a low seat, your leg is less likely to hit the FastAir Air Cleaner. Knowing that the FastAir sits ahead of the stock air cleaner position, you can sit on the bike with your right leg in the riding position on the forward controls and see where your leg runs. -DrewZilla

[@bryanrobles357]

Would it possible to get one of theses mod series on a dyna model?

[@RevZilla]

Sure, there's always a possibility. -DrewZilla

[@mod9247]

dose the air filter change the sound of the bike ??

[@RevZilla]

The air filter only changes the sound of the intake slightly. -DrewZilla

[@mod9247]

thank you soo much

[@justinhalsall4077]

Can these all be used in the rain?

[@BillRiccio]

you need what's called a RAIN SOCK to cover the exposed filter in the rain

[@dangood2949]

Would this work on my 2009 sportster nightster 1200

[@RevZilla]

Yes, you can definitely swap the air cleaner on your Nightster, and if you want to use a Fuelpak, there's a specific FP3 with red connector for your model of Sportster. See the links below. -DrewZilla *rvz.la/2m9qorE *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/vance-hines-fuelpak-fp3-autotuner-for-harley-2007-2013

[@slippinggnome]

I have the screaming Eagle tuner...don't have a clue how to use it

[@RevZilla]

The Screamin' Eagle Tuner can only be adjusted/modified by the digital tech software through Harley service departments. -DrewZilla

[@slippinggnome]

Thanks for the info, no matter how disappointing lol

[@Evgeni432]

Hi, what map did you use on the FP3 for the TBR exhaust?

[@RevZilla]

We used the "Not Listed" "Typical 2-1" map. -DrewZilla

[@nickcahill8156]

did lemmy get a haircut?

[@RevZilla]

Don't think so. I believe the kids these days call that a "ponytail". -DrewZilla

[@nickcahill8156]

RevZilla lmao

[@steher]

Stock air cleaners direct the oil mist back into your engine. Get rid of that crap asap. I vent mine straight out. Oh yea, F carb.

[@heatingairservices8708]

That was my question on the smaller air cleaners but prevent trash from entering the motor

[@v36nismo]

Lemmy, is that your locker with the mr potato head? :)

[@RevZilla]

Of course it's his! -DrewZilla

[@arjunsatwani9664]

No screaming eagle parts? :(

[@RevZilla]

Screamin' Eagle parts are only available through your Harley dealer. We only featured accessories that we actually carry. -DrewZilla

[@arjunsatwani9664]

Ohk.

[@grantalexander5812]

Why not just keep the air cleaner standard?

[@RevZilla]

The stock air cleaner doesn't flow as much air, so it limits the power you can get out of the motor. If you're happy with the stock performance, then there's no need to change anything. -DrewZilla

[@Th3Sc0rp10wns]

Hey lemmy how tall are you?

[@RevZilla]

Lemmy's right about 6 feet tall. -DrewZilla

[@Th3Sc0rp10wns]

cheers Drew

[@TheHappyRiderX]

lemmy....thats all

[@moreecetatupu9492]

Use old John Deere petcocks.

[@MetsanAsukas]

Sir I disagree with all of your decisions. Carry on.

[@jerlaine1638]

It's legit the ugliest air cleaner, so why not

[@danielslang]

hard to tolerate the way this guy talks.. tone it down and smooth it out like you do to the bikes

[@AlanTrades]

When riding in the rain do you use a rain sock?

[@RevZilla]

In general, yes, you want to use a rain sock when riding in the rain. TC Bros doesn't make a rain sock for the Ripple Air Cleaner we have installed, and we don't really ride our shop Sportster in long downpours, so it really isn't an issue for us. -DrewZilla

[@AlanTrades]

RevZilla thanks, which rain sock would fit that Arlen Ness stage 1 intake? Also do you guys carry the 2016 oem intake or cover?

[@RevZilla]

We do not carry OEM parts. As for the rain sock for the Arlen Ness Big Sucker, I'd recommend the aptly named Big Sucker Rain Sock. Hope this helps! -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arlen-ness-big-sucker-pre-filter-rain-sock