K&N Air Filter Question

Rocket 6R · 09-06-2004, 10:34 PM

This question may well be suited in another forum, however, I may get the most responses (I hope) in this forum.

Anyway, I own a 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6r and I'm thinking about putting in a K&N air filter. Currently, the bike has the stock air filter which is the same oil base style, but different design (it looks different), as the K&N air filter. Since my factory air filter is not a paper based design does anyone think I will see a benefit from the K&N air filter? The benefits I would like to see is a little more horse power and mileage.

If anyone is knowledgeable on this subject please reply as it will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Rocket 6R

SqDancerLynn1 · 09-07-2004, 04:10 AM

You would probably not notice any difference, may even effect the way it runs. Todays bikes have such a sophiticated air box system you have to be carefull when making changes

jim schmidt · 09-07-2004, 10:42 AM

Right. A K&N used to be a great mod. Today it's break even or slight loss.

Mr. Lesbian · 09-07-2004, 10:52 AM

I know exactly what you're talking about. Yes there is a difference! Go with K&N for sure. You will notice that it breathes a lot easier.

likebikes · 09-07-2004, 03:25 PM

I have an '02 so I've looked around for this stuff. I've read a couple things about the 6R's filter being a really high quality piece. I wish I had saved the pages. Don't change it. Save your money for the Muzzy pipe and Ivan's Performance jet kit.

marsolais · 09-07-2004, 04:05 PM

O.k. for all those that are saying "I think or I've read" and have not DONE! Stop giving bad advice. I have a 2004 6R. Every mod on every bike is differant. I just added a Micron Hight Mount slip on and a power commander. The bike acted the same. I added a K&N filter and the bike is a wheelie machine. A K&N changes the way the bike runs so much I had to do a second remap. Now keep in mind I have a fuel injected bike and yours is jetted. Before you add anything to the bike makesure you consider adding more mods the you want, because what you want is always differant then what you need. You might need to rejet your bike. Good luck.

chesus · 09-07-2004, 04:12 PM

i put a K&N on my r6 and noticed no difference, same thing with my automobile, but atleast you can clean and reuse them

marsolais · 09-07-2004, 04:31 PM

You noticed no differance do the fact that it is a R6. J/K like I said every mod on every bike is differant.

likebikes · 09-07-2004, 04:32 PM

That's cool that it worked for you but this is from Doug Meyers of Muzzy in regards to the ZX-12R:

"We found that the K&N did indeed cost some power on the ZX-6, 7, and 9 and that the stock filter flowed better. But the stock filter on those bikes is very good. I suspect that, since the 12 filter seems to be a little restrictive, the K&N may offer an improvement there. We are awaiting some test pieces and when we run them we'll either recommend them or not depending on the results. We recommend and sell lots of them for the ZRX 1100 where the airbox is eliminated."

hybrid · 09-07-2004, 05:10 PM

I know Doug from my old muzzy days and he is right. We never ran a K&N in the 6R in 98 and the reason was it flowed as much air as an aftermarket one. The Kaw's stock one is washable and reuseable as well. I also know for a fact that the old r6 ran like shit with anything but the stock one because it wouldnt seal in the air box making it flow too much. I wouldnt change it. Buy a better pipe and a Factory Jet Kit as the factory brand uses the stock style jets and is tuner friendly.

marsolais · 09-07-2004, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likebikes

That's cool that it worked for you but this is from Doug Meyers of Muzzy in regards to the ZX-12R:

"We found that the K&N did indeed cost some power on the ZX-6, 7, and 9 and that the stock filter flowed better. But the stock filter on those bikes is very good. I suspect that, since the 12 filter seems to be a little restrictive, the K&N may offer an improvement there. We are awaiting some test pieces and when we run them we'll either recommend them or not depending on the results. We recommend and sell lots of them for the ZRX 1100 where the airbox is eliminated."

Not to get into a pissen match but. Like I said for those that are saying "I have heard or I have read" but have not DONE!. Everybike is differant. I don't think a Muzzy/K&N (partner Companies) rep is going to tell a customer that their filter makes your bike slower! Also, If you have seen a stock air filter for a ZX-6R next to a K&N you would never say you that the stock filter lets your bike breath better. And last if the filter does nothing for the bike then why do the pro's us it?

marsolais · 09-07-2004, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hybrid

I know Doug from my old muzzy days and he is right. We never ran a K&N in the 6R in 98 and the reason was it flowed as much air as an aftermarket one. The Kaw's stock one is washable and reuseable as well. I also know for a fact that the old r6 ran like shit with anything but the stock one because it wouldnt seal in the air box making it flow too much. I wouldnt change it. Buy a better pipe and a Factory Jet Kit as the factory brand uses the stock style jets and is tuner friendly.

Stock filters are not washable!

jim schmidt · 09-07-2004, 07:46 PM

Butt dynos are some of the most unreliable evidence in existance. Especially when the part costs over a nominal amount.

hybrid · 09-08-2004, 01:35 PM

Marsolias, Pull you panties out of the knot they are in. If you like your filter great. But let me tell you I AM A PRO. I have worked for the AMA factory team MUZZY and WARD PERFORMANCE National prostock dragbike team. As well as others but I made my point. I made a living building something you'll never have. Yes the kawasaki stock foam/fur filter is washable and no I never saw a difference in it compared to the dyno. Leave the guys alone. If you want to match wits with someone arm yourself with info not opinions.

As far as a dyno is concerned, it is just a tool, nothing more. If it is operated right it tells you some thing has changed if it did change. The number is unimportant, just the direction it went. However dont be fooled about dyno tuning. It can be a wonderful thing but unless it uses an eddy brake it can give you a false idea on what is happening. If someone uses the old inertia dyno, it doesnt give real world conditions on driveability. It only has to turn a 600 something pound drum, not nearly the same as going up a steep hill in fifth with a fat chick on back.