The Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Pod Filters – Jalopnik

Motorcyclists with a penchant for personalizing and customizing their rides often turn to aftermarket air filters to make their machines stand out and to add a little performance to their rides. Available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, these filters not only meet the performance needs of your bike, but also add a touch of personality to the overall look. A pod air filter replaces the factory airbox, allowing more air into the intake, which in turn can push additional air into the engine, theoretically providing a small performance boost. However, as with most aftermarket modifications, riders may have to accept some compromises when modifying an integral part of their motorcycle, such as the air intake system.

There have been countless myths and debates about pod air filters, especially whether they actually improve a bike’s performance, and some of the problems that can arise from using them. Just as there are pros and cons to adding a cold air intake to your car, there are also pros and cons to motorcycle filters. From performance gains to potential pitfalls, let’s break down the pros and cons of using a pod air filter on your motorcycle.

Let’s get the looks out of the way first. Pod filters look really cool, especially when mounted on classic motorcycles, cafe racers and certain choppers. They scream performance, and for some riders, looking cool can be just as satisfying as riding fast. However, pod filters can actually deliver performance. By forcing more air into the intake and loosening the restrictions, they can help produce a little more power. The stock airbox, usually tucked under the seat, draws air through small inlets and cleans it with a filter before sending it to the combustion chamber. This longer, more controlled path provides consistent airflow, unlike pod air filters, which continuously flow air into the engine.

Although the difference is marginal, the stock airbox is heavier and bulkier, taking up space and adding weight to the bike. Pod air filters, on the other hand, are lighter and free up the space taken up by the stock airbox. Installing a pod air filter on a motorcycle is also quite easy and can be done in your home garage with just a handful of tools. Pod filters can also be easy to clean, with several manufacturers offering air filter cleaning and charging fluids to ensure they last longer. Unlike standard air filters, which require regular replacement, most high-quality pod filters last significantly longer. Cotton mesh filters typically last 40,000 to 50,000 miles, while synthetic filters typically have a slightly shorter lifespan of 25,000 to 50,000 miles.

While installing a pod air filter on a motorcycle is a fairly simple process, tuning it is a whole different challenge. When more air enters the combustion chamber, the fuel supply must be adjusted to ensure that the engine runs optimally, as owners risk running too rich or too lean, that is, with too much or too little fuel. This process is especially difficult on carbureted motorcycles, which require properly sized jets, while many modern fuel-injected bikes can often automatically adjust to the increased airflow. However, sometimes a piggyback ECU or ECU remap is necessary, especially if the bike also has a free-flowing exhaust.

A pod air filter is exposed to the elements, which means dust and debris can enter the intake if the filter is poorly constructed, damaged, or does not filter adequately. There is also the risk of water entering the intake during rain, which can cause hydrolock, a potentially very expensive problem. Some owners remove the stock airbox and install an air filter in its place, often behind the engine. This location can increase intake temperatures because the filter can draw warm air from the engine, which can significantly reduce performance. Adding an air filter to your engine may also violate certain federal or state laws, despite Donald Trump’s claim that emissions standards make no difference to the environment. For example, California’s VC 27156 prohibits modifications to emissions-related parts, including rejetting carburetors or altering fuel injection systems.

Vehicle manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure that their motorcycles perform consistently well under varying conditions, and installing a simple air filter can not only affect performance, but in some cases cause serious damage to the engine and its components.