Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Air Filter Lubrication Air Filter Lubrication
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Dec 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
Air Filter Lubrication
Hey guys,

I´m in Mazatlan - Mexico on a Sunday and can´t find anyone who seems to have, or even heard of air filter oil. I´m hoping that I can find some tomorrow, but just in case I´m writing for some backup options now so I don´t waste time later on when I should be on the road.

I believe my owners manual, which I don´t have with me, says that you can use regular motor oil to lube a foam filter. Is that true? Anyone ever done it? I have a uni filter thanks to some folks at Multisurface Motorcycle Products and want to keep it working well. Any advice you have about lubing a filter when you don´t have the desired oil would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jay
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Price, UT, USA
Posts: 13
Yes you can use any oil but it is best if a light weight oil is used. I have had good luck with ATF also.

Ray
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Dec 2005
Smellybiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Missing, presumed fed
Posts: 295
I've been told you can use diesel, anyone done that ?

------------------
Last seen in S.America, missing presumed fed.
http://www.smellybiker.com
__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Hello from sub zero temperature montana. If you have a foam air filter it depends on a sticky coat of oil on the foam to stop the dirt. From years and years of experience I say use the heavy sticky oil. Both yamaha and honda sell foam filter oil that is super sticky. At the shop where I work we also make air filters out of the bulk sheets of uni filter material. I always oil the heck out of any foam filter. When you first start the motor it will run a bit rich but the excess oil will get sucked thru or drip off. My choice when confronted with no proper air filter oil would be to use 90 weight gear oil. First clean your filter then air dry it then soak it in your best oil. Then gently squeeze out the excess. Then if the weather isn't to cold go ride the devils backbone road that leads to the interior from the coast near where you are.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
Jay, I checked my KLR 650 owners manual, and it states "After cleaning, saturate the element with SE, SF, of SG class SAE 10W40 motor oil." "Press the element against a work-bench to squeeze out the excess oil, then wrap it in a clean rag and squeeze it as dry as possible."

So there's your answer as to using motor oil. I have to confess that I've always used spray on filter oil on my KLR filter. An easy way to deal with air filters on a long trip is to start out with a Filter Skin over the filter, carry extra Filter Skins along, remove a Skin when dirty, and replace with a clean one (optional). Saves having to carry oil or spray along on a trip where packing space is scarce. That's what I did on my rtw journey this past summer.

Mike
www.rtwrider.net
__________________
Mike
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Feb 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sandy,Ut,USA
Posts: 11
Hi Guys where does one get filter skins?

Vinnyt
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Feb 2006
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally posted by vinnyt:
Hi Guys where does one get filter skins?

Vinnyt
Search (Google, etc.) for:
msr filterskins
... and you will find many places that sell them mail order.

And while many online shops don't say so, it seems you get a dust-free storage bag and 3 filterskins per package. That took a bit of searching to find out...

(9 times out of 10, if you search the Internet you will find an answer without waiting for someone to reply!)

[This message has been edited by Chris in Tokyo (edited 22 February 2006).]
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 24 Feb 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
I used a special air filter oil (Motul) on all my DR's and KLR's but it is very messy to apply and very difficult to wash out. Most manufacturers recommend to use the same oil you use in your engine and that's what I got back to and it works fine.
The filters are easy to clean with a very mild degreaser or even easier with ammonia household cleaner (here in SA sold as "Handy Andy"). After 2 - 3 washes the filter looks like new, dry and oil.
Never clean a KLR's filter with fuel as it kind of makes the filter soggy and lose its shape a bit and it will not fit properly after a few washes.

There is only one real reason to use air filter oil and that's water. Air filter oil does not emulsify as easily as engine oil, the water runs off like off a ducks back. Means this is the option for people playing a lot in rivers. - Living in Scotland and commuting I would not bother -
Talking about this good reason why (sometimes) to use special air filter oil also shows you the suppliers: Boat shops. It's commonly used for air filters of outboard engines and available from virtually every boat shop.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:50.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top