K&N Filter on a 2005 F650GS
 

Hi there

Anyone know any issues one is likely to encounter by fitting a K&N filter to my F650GS (Twin Spark Model)

Thanks in advance

Scott

Why are you interested in using the K & N?

A couple of reasons

1. I ride in the dust a lot, so my air filter becomes clogged and dirty very quickly
2. Cost - A BMW paper filter costs $60 (NZD) and a K&N is about $100, the K&N I can use a large number of times if I look after it.

I currently use them in my racing cars, so i have all the cleaning/oiling kits for them, but I am not sure about using them in bikes??

Cheers

The theory and practice are the same, bikes and cars.

Because the paper filters sometimes don't last 6,000 miles - mine have gotten wet and started to disintegrate early. And trying to find a paper filter every 6,000 miles is problematic in various parts of the world - as well as the price issue.

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Kiwirider:

I've not had any negative experiences using K&N on my 650GS. Can't say I've sucked in outrages amounts of particulate matter - bike still doesn't burn hardly any oil between changes.

I have had dealers say the reason my bike is hard starting at altitude is because the K&N filter doesn't let air pass as freely as the paper filters. This is bullshit - they can't come up with a solution to the 2005 650GS hard start problem, so are using trial and error to come up with answers - which means you still pay, and the bike isn't any better after the fact.

In September, 2006, BMW came out with a service bulletin on this "hard start" issue - there's 2 throttle control spring replacements along with programming update to address it - whether it actually solves the problem when trying to start the bike above 3000m is unknown since the dealers in SA don't seem to know anything about this problem, or BMW's recommended solution.

Make sure you get the spring replacements and reprogramming done before hitting altitudes over 3000m. It runs fine at such altitudes - it just won't start if parked overnight at such heights.

Also, use lighterweight engine oil when operating for extended periods at such altitude.

WE have 2 BMW F650GS both fitted with K&N air filter. Had no problems at all with them. We had the same problems than Chuck (post above) at altitude (although the Dakar more than my standard GS) .
We cleaned the air filters in Cochabamba (Bolivia), did not fit the foam bit of the filter when we originally installed them in London and for altitude problems we replaced the oil with synthetic 10W40 . I know the manual tells you not to use synth.oil but this is doing fine for us. Still the Dakar is harder to start at 4000+m altitude but it´s much better than before.
Ha yes one thing and this is probably bad design from BMW, fitting the air filter in the Dakar is always a big Pain in the bum for some reason. Mines get in ok but the Dakar it is always tricky, the filter edge moves leaving a gap etc... Fiddly to get in....

I would sugest a Uni foam filter: Touratech Webshop
These are the best for dusty conditions. K&N filters are good for race aplications, not travelling. Wash your foam filter with water and dishsoap and let them dry in the sun. Oil them with your old chain oil in a ziplock baggie.Don't wash them in gas!This destroys them, otherwise they will outlast the bike.

Blue
 

BMW Stuttgart installed a washable filter in my Dakar this year. It seems to be fine- and now I don't have to carry a spare or think about getting another one while cruising across Russia. The filter is called Blue. I can't compare it the K&N as I've never used that brand. Blue offers a 1,000,000km warranty. Here's a link with some info... BLUE Air Filters Hook.