The dirt bike air filter is the unsung hero in every bike on the road. Without it, your bike’s performance may suffer. Dirty air filters will rob your engine of power and put a dent in your fuel economy. Checking your air filter regularly helps avoid performance issues.
So, how often should you change a dirt bike’s air filter? Here’s what you need to know.
What is an air filter?
An air filter isn’t a bike accessory; it’s a crucial component that keeps your bike on the road. As the name suggests, an air filter keeps dust and dirt out of your bike’s engine. Air filters are mostly made of either foam-like material or specialized pleated paper. The most important part of the air filter is the layers. The layers trap the dust and dirt particles, which build up and clog the air filter.
What does an air filter do on a dirt bike?
An air filter comes with several layers to filter out particles and pollutants at different levels. The carburetor sucks the needed air for combustion via the pipe attached to the entry point. This is where the air filter is located and filters the air for the best performance and optimum fuel combustion. You should clean and replace the bike’s air filter at regular intervals.
Where is the air filter located?
You can easily locate the air filter by removing the air filter cover on the side of the engine. If you’re having problems locating it, check the bike’s manual or online sources using the make, model, and year of production as the reference points.
Why should I change a dirt bike air filter?
A dirty air filter will block clean air from accessing your engine, and all impurities may enter the engine, mix with the engine oil, and circulate the internals.
If your engine lacks clean air, it will lead to friction and scratches, damaging parts of the bike’s engine. This prevents the smooth performance of the pistons inside the cylinder. In extreme cases, the piston can jam, leading to seizure.
The most effective way to ensure that your dirt bike’s engine performs at an optimum level is to install a clean air filter at all times.
So, how often should I change my dirt bike’s air filter?
Your air filter performs an important role in protecting your bike’s engine and enhancing its performance. However, when the air filter is clogged with dirt and grime, it leads to poor fuel efficiency and reduced performance if not replaced.
You should replace your bike’s air filter every 10,000 miles or every year. However, this depends on the environment you’re riding on. Your bike’s manual has information on how you should change your air filter.
Factors that affect how often you should change your dirt bike air filter
Some dirt bikes will demand an air filter replacement more frequently. This depends on several factors like where you ride, how often you ride, and the type of air filter your bike uses.
Ensure that you install a high-quality air filter to ensure that your bike’s engine breathes well and guarantees optimal performance.
Signs your dirt bike needs an air filter change
Air filters don’t have complicated design. When new, they look white and clean. Your air filter may look clean on the outside, but the inside layers may accumulate dust and dirt.
Here are the signs that your dirt bike needs an air filter change:
You see smoke
If you observe smoke being emitted from your exhaust pipe, this means your bike’s engine is struggling. Although the smoke can mean different problems, you have an oil or fuel issue if it’s black.
Check your air filter since a dirty one can cause your engine to struggle. You should not ignore any sign of smoke from your exhaust since it can cause huge damage to your engine.
Loss of power
The main function of an air filter is to prevent dirt and dust from accessing your engine. When your bike’s air filter clogs, there’s a reduction in the air entering your engine, which leads to an imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio. When this occurs, your bike’s engine will take the beating.
You will notice power loss, poor fuel economy, and sluggish throttle response. Ignoring a dirty air filter for a long will cost you a fortune.
Fouled out spark plugs
When your bike’s spark plug fouls out, this could be a sign of a dirty or clogged air filter. Most people won’t notice when the spark plug gets faulty. With a defective spark plug, you may notice rough idling, poor gas mileage, and your engine shutting off when idling.
Conclusion
Taking care of your dirt bike’s air filter is the best way to ensure a smooth and durable ride. The last thing you’ll want is to miss an air filter in your bike because it could result in scratches and engine destruction.