I just changed my filter with a Honda filter last weekend. Because it is so labor intensive and expensive I had not changed it since I had 12k miles on the Wing. I now have over 60k. I will change filter more often. Changing the filter wasn't as bad as I had scared myself into being. Take your time and it is fairly easy.
I personally installed a K&N filter on my 2010 GW in 2011. I checked it after 25K miles and decided to clean it. I let it soak for the allotted time plus 10 minutes. Then I let it dry completely before recharging it. From experience with my trucks I knew to just put the lines of oil on the element versus soaking it. I let it sit overnight and it looked like new. I didn't see much difference in performance even after letting the bike "learn" the new air/fuel mixture. It was well worth doing the service myself because like you said, it is satisfying to work on your own bike. Plus it saved some cash on the labor. it is 2020 and I am still running the same $70 filter. That is a WIN in my book.
Buying two K&N filters and rotating them is the way to go. The only issues I’ve ever had is applying too much oil and putting it on the bike too soon. We live and learn. That said, you can’t go wrong letting your engine breathe easier!
Chris, You have the right idea of buying a SECOND K&N and doing just as you mention. Replace the dirty K&N with your New and fresh K&N. T H E N, You have plenty of time and don't feel rushed to do the PROPER cleaning a re-oiling of that dirty K&N you just took out. I've use K&N Filters in virtually every vehicle I own. I buy 2 at once so I can just replace it when needed and clean the dirty one taking my time. Then it sits in the original Box and is ready for the exchange. The BIGGEST issue I see with about 80% of users of the K&N is that they OVER SOAK it with the replenishing oil and don't allow time to dry...it's actually allowing the chemicals to EVAPORATE but we call it Drying. Once a filter that has been over soaked and put back in the chemical vapors are then sucked into the engine....this has ramifications like sensors getting those chemicals on them which we all know will hamper how well they are working and loss of efficiency. THUS the engine runs rough and unpredictable. I've been a Mechanic since 1968 and a Certified Honda Tech since 1984...This is only MY OPINION on your comment of using a second K&N in the manner you suggest. I agree with that 100% and done so for about as long as I've used the K&N Filters. ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO and good subject. Thanks.
Honda has generated millions of $ In servicing fees by making it necessary to rebuild a goldwing in order to change the air filter. They could eaisly have placed such a regularly serviceable crucial item in a more convenient place.
In 2016, I was returning from Alaska after having ridden hundreds of dusty miles through gravel construction and up the Dempster Highway to the Arctic circle (275 miles of gravel, each way) and needed to get new tires. Stopped at a great shop on the east side of Great Falls Mt and as I was heading out the door being told the tires would take two hours I said something like, "As long as you're changing the tires, would you change the air filter too?". The guy behind the service counters eyebrows went up... "Well, that's about an eight hour job..." I couldn't believe it... told him to not worry about it. When I got home, 3000 miles later I did a RU-vid search and found out what it took and yes indeed, it was estimated as an 8 hour job by the local Honda shop ($600.oo ESTIMATE!!!, read "s-t-a-r-t--I-n-g p-o-I-n-t) so I did it myself, probably in twelve hours. After getting the bike stripped down and having pulled the air filter, it didn't even need to be replaced though of course I did so, then buttoned the bike back up. I loved my Goldwing but have since sold it... after having to replace the tire sensors for $540...… Truly a great machine and I miss it at times but now enjoying a Super Tenere, not quite the bike but much more flexible and maintenance friendly...…. And Brother Chris, I'd stick with the paper filter. Used to use K&N filters in a race car I operated (dirt track). Nothing better to block that kind of dirt, but paper worked as well when changed frequently and more simply.
Hey, just helped Slappy Dog put a K N filter on his F6B last week and we had to cut the Filter edge to make it fit. First time I've had to do that. I use OEM filters. I did have less performance on a 1500 Goldwing after putting a K N on it years ago. That's why I have stuck to OEM.
I've been running a K&N in a 91 gl1500 since 1993 never had a problem. always followed per K&N instructions clean at proper intervals. Putting one on my 2012 tonight as i'm listening to your video.
Yes, it'll be a "pain/hassle" to replace for the "very first time" the air filter on my 2018 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT. At least "the Cruiseman" has maintenance video(s) on how to change the air filter, as long as the maintainer has patience. :)
To me the K & N is a no brainer choice for me when I'm due. If the Dealership charges $500, then the K&N will save you about $1000 because the OEM needs to be replaced every 16K compared to the K&N 50K. So the $30 more is well worth it and your probably getting a better filter with the K&N. For the people that ride like you Chris, you just saved them a Stack!
I dreaded doing it. But thanks to you mine has been replaced by following along to your video documentation. Now I just gotta put it back together. LOL!
I have installed quite a few K&N filters. I installed one in a Plymouth Prowler at 4000 mi sold the car with 85000 on the clock. I serviced the filter twice, it still looked good. A K&n will go in my 2018 goldwing when the time comes. In my opinion they are the best
I do all my own maintenance on my 2013 f6b and "for the most part " I enjoy doing it except for the air cleaner. That is why I use the K&N. 50k mi. between changes works for me. I plan on replacing my filter next time because replacement is too labor intensive to re-use the old filter. My f6b seemed to pull better in the lower end with the K&N never checked the gas mileage.
I think having two is a good idea so you always have one ready to install. Using K&N on several vehicles in the past and a Harley waiting for the filter to dry properly and oiling was the only down side.
Hello Chris....i think the option of purchase a second K&N filter is a good idea...as you said. So you have time to clean and proper change the other filter. The second question i do my own maintenance at my goldwing and yes is very anoying....but i rather do it that pay $500. That why i'll do it in winter time.
I have had 2bikes and I have installed K&N air filter in both bikes and I've NO PROBLEM AT ALL. I also have one in my Chevy truck 🚚 and my Camry, once again NO PROBLEM. Over night dry recharge , not both sides just the outside. You have to know how to clean it.
Just bought a 2012 wing, with 4400 miles, now up to 11,000. This winter a KN will go in. My other ride is a 2009 stratoliner that requires the removal of the gas tank to replace, have 2 KNs that I swap out. With the KN and open top airbox there is a stronger pull with the bike that can be felt. Do I believe more dirt gets past the KN than the stock, well if its less restrictive, than it must be more porus, but Im ok with it, because I dont live or ride where its super dusty. Bottom line is its your ride, do whatever makes you happy, just like whats the best oil, is there even a correct answer to that. Be safe and enjoy your ride.
Hey Chris! I have been using K&N filters in my vehicles for at least 40yrs., and have always had good results. I maintain my filters in accordance with mfg instructions! In fact my results have been great over my years of use! The longevity and the performance achieved far over rides the cost of initial investment in $$ for the purchase. I will be putting a K&N on my 2023 DCT when the filter change comes due!!! Loyal.
I put a K&N filter on my Vulcan 900 and it started overheating. I know some people have commented that more hair is always better, not sure in the Vulcan 900 case. I changed one air filter on a 2008 GL 1800, it took me about eight hours. I let my dealership do it on my 13 F6B, they charge me around 350. When I changed it it was at around 25,000 miles, and did not look that dirty to me. I traded it in for a 2016 F6B three days ago, with 2700 miles on it, I'll probably go 25k before my first filter change, keep us posted though on how you like your K&N. Thanks
I decided to get a second K&N filter (for my car) so I have one ready myself. It works out great. 10 minutes to clean then I set it aside for a few days oil it and put it in a plastic bag so it's ready to go.
Short answer: I love K&N products. Long answer: I've never used one on the Wing, but maybe someday I will. I've used them in multiple vehicles though. 2004 Ford Ranger (air filter), 2005&7 Kia Spectra (air and oil filters). I couldn't use the oil filter on the Ranger because it wouldn't seal and leaked oil. With my 2005 Kia, went through two cleanings and never once had to clean the air box. I guess I follow directions too well. When I bought my 2007 Kia (no longer own) brand new, the maintenance manager threatened to void my car warranty because I modified the engine with a K&N air filter. Well, after they replaced the main wiring harness, I never went back to that dealer for any services, just parts. I will say that all three of vehicles did have a little more power and a deeper sound to them. I didn't notice any drop in mileage either. I would say that by themselves, a K&N won't provide any useful power. But, with other modifications, the filter will push it over that plateau. I don't remember what I paid for the OEM filter from Honda, but I did get a military discount.
I always work on my own bikes , takes me 1 1/2 hours to do my air filter on my 09 wing , yes I run OEM filter (oil & air) & stopped in the middle to have some coffee 😉 I go 20,000mi before i change my air filter .
I have a K&N in my car. I don't like that you have to wait overnight for it to dry before re-installing. Probably won't get one for the Goldwing. While it's torn apart, I want to get the new filter back in ASAP.
Chris. I would be interested to hear your report on MPH figures if you can share. I use K&N filters (cabin and engine) on my cars, and have had great service. They are easily accessible and can be cleaned and recharged quickly. The fresh air in my cabin filtered smells fresher. I also now use a K&N filter for my AC unit, and it is working great. I am going to install my air filter on my 2019 Honda GW DCT Tour when I reach 15 K, which will be my oil change and filter change also. I use Amsoil and K&B oil filters. The K&N history is long and meaningful and will let you know my findings when I change it out. From all the entries, it appears their are few factual feed back on your question. Not many have deviated from the OEM filter, which is their choice as with oils. Look forward to you next update, but with 51,000 miles to go, that could bar awhile. How about your club friends, any feedback from those your ride with?
I gotta say thanks for all the infor you are sharing since my wife and I are concedering buying a wing so that we can fly, no that te kids finally flew away jajajajaja by the way I love your intro.
This isn't for a bike. But I use the K&N Filter in my car. I did however notice a 1-2 MPG drop, not substantial as I get 35MPG+ in my car. But, when I changed the oil and filter at the recommended mileage from the owner's manual and oil that I use, the oil has been significantly cleaner. I also noticed that at filter clean/ change it was dirtier then the OEM filter. But I do recommend buying a second filter, though it does have a lifetime warranty on the filter, it cuts the mileage put on the filter in half. There was a little acceleration boost, not very noticable though. That's my take on it. I only use K&N Filter products. Oil, cabin, and main air.
I can do almost every general maintenance on my 2018 DCT Tour GW, except the air filter. If I had my own garage and could have my bike disassembled for a few days, sure. My GW is an outside bike that is covered up nightly. I ride all year around as long as the roads and weather permit. So, I do not winterize my bike.
Hey Chris I live in Canada, more specifically in Saskatchewan and air filter charge was approx 200$. Personally I can't be bothered doing all that work myself. Everything else I will do. I have used K&N on other vehicles. My Vulcan 1500FI has one installed not an issue unless it sits for awhile, then the oil does migrate out and into the chamber and can cause delay and sluggish response. In my Truck it totally messed it up due to the air sending unit is very specific to air delivery rate and the K&N changed that rate and caused my Truck to limp many times until I threw it away..lol
I have been holding off on doing the air filter because I have an airbag on my 2008. Don’t know how having an airbag will complicate the job. Might just take it to the dealer for a new air filter. I do all other maintenance.
I have yet to tackle this job. Not really looking forward to it but still deciding on OEM or K&N. Have you been able to determine if your MPG is better or worse?
Well hello again my good friend Chris this is Emmett... and watching this video about this air filter that you just put in if it gives us 50,000 miles before we have to change it out or I would go with just changing it out. Hands down this will truly eliminate the cleaning process that you would have to go to to get it perfect enough to put it back in the bike if you just pop in a brand new one you will not have to go through those changes and then worry if you did it correctly have you installed it back into the bike because as you can see the work to put that filter in to even get to the filter is just ridiculously long and tedious hard hard work just to get to the filter so if it going to go through all those changes just to get the time filter then the best top option would be just to put a brand new one in hands down with no worries after that... that my friend would be the best way to go.. and do not go back to that paper filter that you have to change out every 1800 Miles when you can have a better filter that you can change out every 50,000 miles that does not require any rocket scientist thinking the only thing that I was concerned about was that you had to remove that Rubber seal when you did that install and wonder if that new filter that you put in came with a rubber seal already been attacked or not because that's seal makes all the difference in the world for solid seating so get back to me on that because you did not state in your video if that new filter came with a built on seal ..?????
I hate to break the news to you, but you can't run a K&N filter in a Goldwing for 50K miles. It would be so clogged long before that that the engine wouldn't even run. Another incorrect statement of yours is that the K&N is a better filter than the stock one. This also isn't true. The stock filter filters much better than a K&N...
Because of the level of time to get to this filter, I am wondering what other service can be done at the same time to save labor. I would use the K & N but let someone else do it that does them weekly because he could do it 10 times faster and proably has replacement tabs when he breaks them and knows exactly what panel comes off when needed.
Got a '15 GL1800 and I will do it myself with the yearly oil change. I am sure that K&N has quality products, however after some bad experience with non OEM parts (no K&N parts) on my Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki I go OEM for such an important item. Sorry for that revelation! Armed with the maintenance handbook, Cruiseman's maintenance videos and good ole' RU-vid a rather simple, but time consuming and annoying job. On that note: a fellow Wing rider stopped me to notify that one of my low beams was out. These darn suckers always go out btw. and I will finally go full LED next year. To my "Oh I will just stop somewhere and throw it in" answer he responded with "You are doing it yourself?" Unbelievable!!!
They should design the gold wing around easy maintenance like a few bolts and the whole middle section comes off., less electronic interference ☮️🌵mechanic friendly.
Here's the deal with K&N air filters. Will they give you better performance? Depends. IF you're running a carburetor that is jetted a little rich the free flowing filter will add a bit more air and lean it out to closer to spec and therefore give you better performance. Will it give you better gas mileage? Read above statement. Now it will give you better performance in a computer regulated fuel injected engine, but at a cost. Why? Because along with the added air the filter gives, the computer will constantly add or subtract fuel to keep the air fuel ratio correct and you'll actually see a loss of fuel mileage as it adds more fuel to the trims. Personally, I think the washable filters are a gimmick. While that factory style filter might flow a couple CFM less it has been proven to actually filter better than the K&N. Given the complexity of the wing engine and expense to repair I ONLY use OEM or the HifloFiltro air and oil filters in mine. Keep the rubber side down..
If the engine breathes better then you will have less filtering. I have bought a half dozen bikes with a K&N and the first thing I do is throw it out, I believe that a K&N filter has less filtering capability over the claimed maintenance service interval. I had one that showed signs of deterioration however it was already in the Valkyrie I bought so I don't know it's history. Changing the filter every 15K might be necessary if you live in the desert but the one I changed at 50K made no difference in the performance of the bike at all. But look; Honda spent a lot of money and time engineering the filter in your Wing and I think that design will be the best you can get, not that Honda makes the only filter suitable for your Wing, there are other paper designs that are probably about as good. (Like Hi-flo) Your gas millage will not change at all for two reasons, one being that at normal speeds and use there is no restriction because the OEM filter was designed to flow efficiently at full throttle so at part throttle there will be no noticeable restriction and two the bike is equipped with an OXS (02) sensor which controls the fuel mixture no matter what filter you are running.
Chris. Call the owner of K&N and ask the hard questions. The company was founded on the need for better MC air filters then grew into other vehicles. What is there science and engineering figures. I believe they reference warranty data on the package. In either case it would be refreshing to hear their side of the debate. Otherwise we should never think that anything made outside of the OEM REPLACEMENT is ever worthy of an improvement Just a thought. We can now move on to Amsoil, Bridgestone, Final Drive oil, Brace Pads, windshields, seats, suspension, oil filters , saddle bag storage , etc because Nothing is better than OEM. A decision is a choice among alternatives. LOL. PEACE BROTHER.
And the question is will I change out my own filter or have Honda do it for me I am certainly going to have Honda do it for me because of any mistakes were made they have to fix it without charging me if I make mistakes it's going to cost me more money plain and simple
I ain't scured. I'll damn sure change my own filter. I also think its a poor designed for the placement for an air filter. My personal experience span across several vehicles and motorcycles over 10 plus years. I also watch RU-vid on insite on what I think is questionable and personally I think the K&N air filter is a good design but also a trade off on air quality. I noticed after using my K&N air filter for a while, maybe after a year or maybe it's always been there , after cleaning the old oil and dirt from the filter and if I were to hold this air filter up to the light I can see light shining through the media. Now saying this I'm not noticing any ill side effects of it and the holes do disappear after re-oiling. But questionable on the quality of the incoming air. I watched another RU-vid channel called projectfarm, he test products from manufacturers on there claims and if there true or not. He covered this. Very interesting to say the least. I'm not saying its a bad product but a trade off for more performance while trying to keep the air quality clean as possible. For fuel injected engines if you have a slight restriction between the factory and K&N air filter the mass air flow senor will correct that. So with that I've converted back to factory. For how I use my equipment I rather have better quality air vs very slightly better performance. Just my findings. Love your channel. Keep it coming.
First off, I run K&N filters in all of my vehicles. They just seem to run better to me, and can go a lot longer than OEM. I generally replace K&N filters, and do not recharge them. With that said, I have not replaced my filter on my wing yet, and after watching you do it, not sure I want to. I may call my shop and see what they charge. If it's $500 bucks, I may figure out how to do it myself. :)
Hello Cris I just want ro inform you that i turned yo the darkside....im not coming back.....in Jenuary i will full doble darkside. Thanks for all the videos...let me know where could i send you picture. God bless you.
What does properly mean. I see no videos or suggestions of how much is too much. So I going to have a second on hand and call K&N and ask. No one seems to suggest in a short video speed duration and spray pattern as ‘proper’. This can’t be rocket science. Just asking. I’ll return once I talk to the company. The demo movie seeks it is a 2 to 4 spray sequence and 24 hours. With a second filer in hand returned to a zip lock it can dry for a 50000 mile time frame. I think that it will then be dry. ☺️
@@SecurityBob I feel you, But You have to do trial and error to find the right amount. Hard to explain as the Oil can be in Aerosol Sprayers or Pump Sprayers. I favor the Aerosol Sprayer and just like painting a surface from one end to the other passing the seal ends. just my method and not saying it Proper but works for me. Good luck Bob.
Hello Chris Very timely and excellent video on servicing the air filter. I purchased a 2008 Goldwing a month ago and it has 31000 miles on the clock with new Shinko tires front and back which I plan to change. Do you like Bridgestone? I am leaning towards purchasing Bridgestone front and back. My bike has the Traxxion suspension upgrade, GPS,CB and was garage kept. The bike looks almost new. I took it to the dealer last week to have fluids and air filter change. After watching how detailed and tedious a job this is, I know this isn't a job I would tackle. I don't have a quote as of yet for the prices but should receive the prices on tomorrow. The dealer was closed today. I watch your videos and that solidified my purchasing the previous 1800 edition after watching one of your videos. Thanks, keep up the good work much appreciated!
One thing is for sure my good friend I am truly truly disappointed with the highest degree at Honda they did not contact us Goldwing writers at all before they built these new bikes and that is unacceptable so when I and my fellow Marines get down to the Honda manufacturer out here in California we are going to give them both barrels of our disappointment especially on that new new Goldwing it's not a Goldwing anymore it's an oversized Ninja
Hi im Paul two things the air filter was terrible design ..i redesigned mine by running pve pipe from the air intakes stright to each carb with a air filter in each tube .now i just pull them out and clean .taking that fairing apart getting it back together is a joke .im 55 and have been on bikes for 49 yrs other then that i live this bike .especially after going to the darkside .i plan on never going back to a bike tire .i have over 460k miles on street bikes .im running a bridgestone runflatt and ive put it to the test only a crazy person would do .Riding in the desert .hitting a turn do tight thosr square edges on my tire are no w roundid from me dragging the crash bars .fantastic handeling and standing wheelies awsome .im just talkin .
The stock air filter for the GL1800 looks like a high quality product anyways.. I've used k&n on various vehicles, they're great performance and quality product.. Honda's motorcycle air filters seem to be better than their cars air filter...
Looks like you have 51,000 on this bike. Will you really be worrying about keeping a second KN filter on hand? If it's good for 50,000 miles that's a little better than 3x the OEM interval. So you will have spent $120 on 3 OEM filters (and torn the bike down 3x) vs $70 on one KN for roughly the same interval. I'd just replace the KN, not service it. When the time comes I'll do my own with the help of Cruiseman's video before I spend $5-700 at the dealer. Edit: and I'll most likely use OEM.
Replacing a dirty K&N filter with a brand new K&N filter, this was the exact same point I made in the video by saying that the cost of a K&N is not that much more expensive than a OEM honda filter and I could buy a new one if I opt out of cleaning the dirty filter K&N but thanks for your feedback.
I own several vehicles,,cars,bikes,,boats,,trucks,,,off road bikes ,side by side,tractors, etc.-----buy paper ,,,no k&n.I had twice the cost not counting my time."""Oil & degreaser also""".PS----MORE AIR =MORE GAS BURNED,,,Yes,more power ,but not enough to justify the cost of K_N PRODUCTS."""Your bike is tuned from the factory. ☆.I used k n filters for 10 + years,,,,,not anymore doe.♡
Biggest joke of a design ever. Honda should be ashamed of how you have to spend hours to change a air filter. Yea I love my Goldwing but the air filter changes are a joke and when the tire sensors go it’s a joke in price also and the K&N air filter was well worth the money.have one in all my bikes cars and pickup
I paid too much for my Wing to use a K&N filter. Yes these filters are reusable, and yes they flow better, but they also allow more dirt into the engine. No thanks, I'll stick with the better filtration of the OEM filter...
Honestly, your video indicates there are so many reasons you should not be riding a goldwing. I'm an Australian who's been touring with a 1996 goldwing and trailer full of camping gear for 20 years. The roads you show on your video are nothing compared to what I deal with every day. Ever had to romove your rear wheel 300 km from the nearest town and wait 2 days for a lift? Grow some balls, learn how to maintain and service your bike, and stop clogging up RU-vid searches with irrelevant and poorly tagged content. If you ride a goldwing, buy OME parts. No questions asked. It's a precision machine which deserves the best, and if you know how to maintain it yourself, it will cost you next to nothing. I've owned my 96 Aspecade since 2005 and maybe 60,000 km,, and only twice has it been to a PERFORMANCE BIKE mechanic (not a dealer!!) both times simply for a timing tune-up. These are precision machines worthy of respect, knowledge, and common sense.
It's not about growing balls. Some people don't wanna deal with the time and hassle of wrenching on their toys, period. Also some people's time cost more than bringing the bike to a mechanic to get worked on. Different strokes man. Not everyone is like you that enjoy this hobby.
I bought my first Wing four weeks ago from a private party but I wanted my local dealer to go through the bike and perform a service top to bottom to start my records from scratch. I was quoted almost $1k and a 2 to 3 week wait to have this done. I almost went forward with that but instead I bought Cruiseman's video series for my bike and started doing all the maintenance myself. I replaced the Air Filter a few days ago. It looks and sounds worse than it actually is. It took me a little over two hours but I followed the steps closely and made sure I organized everything I took off so there would be no confusion in putting the shelter back together. I used a HiFloFiltro filter. I have experience with that brand and K&N. I use K&N on my Harley, GMC pickup and two Ford Explorers. I notice a performance boost on my Harley only Side Point: Wrenching is as therapeutic as riding to me. I have been doing all my maintenance on my Harley's for years and years. Other than the Air Filter, the Goldwing is easy to maintain
