Air filters for desert riding.

[GeoffK]

Are air filters a dire problem in the desert? I have searched the HUBB site, but cannot find any reference to air filters - so is this not something to worry about overly?

Geoff

[mrg46]

I wouldn't say so, in my opinion.

I cleaned mine at each 5,000km service and inspected at each 2,500, having done about 8,000kms in desert conditions.

I had bigger worries in the desert sand with my chain - but then that's my fault for trying out the 'no lube when in desert sand' argument. There are obviously products for this which I should have used.

Mark

[Niva Say Never]

Hi,
I reckon the best thing you can do is get yourself a copy of Sahara Overland, its all in there and a whole lot more. Highly recomended

Sam

[Chris Scott]

I've found some bikes are better designed than others and their filters stay cleaner for longer. Spinning the wheel and riding behind other dusty vehicles makes it worse but cleaning every 5000km (the average Sahara trip) is stretching it a bit in my experience. I would check/clean every week depending on the riding conditions. Take a pre-oiled spare and grease the airbox insides too.

Ch

[Frank Warner]

Filter Skins (or swiming pool prefilters) can be good

as can prefilters .. avalible for some bikes ..

[AliBaba]

I think that next time I will use a self-cleaning filter like this:


Many bikes have installed the filters vertical and vibration and vacuum will make dust pass the filter – after a while.
So far I have only greased the inside of the airbox when ridig in extreme conditions and it works.

[Frank Warner]

Originally Posted by AliBaba

Many bikes have installed the filters vertical and vibration and vacuum will make dust pass the filter – after a while.

BMW airheads are Horozontal with the air flow downwards ... so dust and dirt sit on top of the filter with graveity and vibration aiding the passage through the filter.

BMW K series (pre 1200) are reversed - the air flow is upwards through the filter - so gravity and vibration work to keep the dust off the filter .. not to mention water ..

[GeoffK]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. It has been most helpful.

Geoff