How often do you need to oil K&N air filters?

Question

Just got a bike that has one of the K&N air filters that needs to be oiled. How often do they need to be oiled and what's the best method for cleaning them before oiling?

Answer 1

I do mine as a matter of maintenance at around 3k.
You can use K&N's kit or simple green and a water rinse from the inside out to clean it ,shake it dry and let it air dry .
K&N spray oil can be purchased at most auto parts stores and I would not suggest using anything but that to oil it.

Answer 2

This is from the FAQ section on the K&N website.

20. How do I know when to clean the filter?

The general rule of thumb is that the filter needs to be cleaned when the dirt build up gets as thick as the wire mesh. The usual interval is 30,000 - 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions. We recommend that you check your filter about once a year in normal usage.

You only need to oil it after you clean it. To be on the safe side I would go get the Recharger Filter Care Service Kit and give it a good cleaning and oiling. http://www.knfilters.com/clningacc.htm

Answer 3

They don't need to be oiled often at all. In my cars, I go about 50,000 miles between oilings; however I take the filter out from time to time and shake off any large junk that may have accumulated against it.

As far as cleaning them, I find that the cleaning kit does a good job on its own; I don't do anything prior to that process aside from scraping any large debris such as leaves or bugs out.

Answer 4

buy a cleaning kit and re-oil the thing

Answer 5

I live in Arizona - and I have to do mine every 2-3,000 miles. Very dusty and sandy here...