How to clean your motorcycle air filter? The FCR Accessoires guide

How to clean your motorcycle air filter? The complete guide by FCR Accessoires

The air filter is a central component of a motorcycle's mechanical system. All too often relegated to the background, it plays a crucial role in ensuring a clean supply of air to the engine, preserving its performance and protecting its integrity.

A dirty or neglected motorcycle air filter can lead to loss of power, higher fuel consumption and even long-term damage. Conversely, a clean, well-maintained filter optimizes engine performance, combustion and longevity.

In this guide, the FCR Accessoires team, experts in neo-retro and performance customization, give you all the best practices for correctly cleaning your air filter, as well as a zoom on K&N products and the high-end maintenance solutions we offer for Triumph, BMW models, and much more.

Why have a good motorcycle air filter?

A good air filter does more than just "protect" your engine. It acts on several levels:

• Optimizing air/fuel mixing
• Maintaining high-speed performance
• Reduced intake residues
• More stable fuel consumption
• Improved engine responsiveness

K&N air filters, which we use frequently in our FCR Original workshop, are an absolute reference for us. Why is this?

"These parts are aesthetically pleasing, high-performance and durable. They integrate perfectly into our preparations. It's very good stuff."
The FCR Original mechanical team

The different types of motorcycle air filters

1. Paper filter (original)
   → Single use. Cheap but not very durable.

2. Foam filter
   → Washable, ideal for enduro or off-road use. Good retention capacity.

3. Oiled cotton filter (K&N)
   → Washable and reusable. Provides optimized airflow and excellent filtration. The FCR Accessoires choice.

When and why should you clean your air filter?

Recommended frequency :

• Every 3,000 to 5,000 km

• More often in dusty, hot or off-road conditions

A clogged motorcycle air filter = loss of torque, coughing engine, increased fuel consumption and polluted exhaust.

How do I clean a K&N or foam air filter?

FCR Accessoires step-by-step guide

1. Dismantling

   • Consult your service manual

   • Carefully remove the filter without damaging the airbox.

2. Cleaning

   • Use a specific K&N filter cleaner, such as the K&N BMW R NineT filter maintenance kit.

   • Spray on, leave to work, then rinse with warm water from the inside out.

3. Drying

   • Dry naturally in the open air (no hair dryer, sun, compressor).

4. Oiling

   • Apply K&N filter oil to trap micro-particles. The filter should not run, but be evenly colored.

5. Reassembly

   • Reposition carefully. Check that seals and fasteners fit correctly.

Our air filters available at FCR Accessoires

For Triumph :

• Triumph Bobber air filter kit
  → Removal of airbox, sleek look, performance gains.

• K&N Thruxton RS air filter
  → High-flow, reusable, ideal for the sporty Thruxton RS.

• Triumph T100, T120, Scrambler filter
  → Optimized filtration and improved aesthetics.

For BMW :

• BMW R NineT air filter
  → Performance + racing look.

• BMW R NineT airbox suppression kit
  → Frees up visual space, improves direct intake.

• R NineT filter socks
  → Extra protection against dust and rain.

• BMW R18 air filter
  → Old-school look, high filtration capacity, premium visual rendering.

Product focus : K&N air filter maintenance kit

Available here: K&N BMW R NineT Kit

Contents:

• Special oiled cotton filter cleaner

• Red prepreg oil

• Clear instructions for use

Extends filter life up to 100,000 km

No need to buy disposable filters

Engine performance guarantee

5 Reasons to trust FCR Accessoires

1. Products designed for Triumph and BMW

2. Original compatibility, without heavy modification

3. Made in France or Europe

4. Tested on our FCR Original preparations

5. Neo-retro look, contemporary performance

Conclusion

Air filter cleaning is a simple but essential operation to preserve the power and health of your engine. Whether you ride a Triumph Bobber, Thruxton, BMW R NineT or R18, FCR Accessoires offers you durable, high-performance and stylish solutions, designed for real enthusiasts.

Investing in and maintaining a K&N air filter means your motorcycle :

• a healthier engine

• better combustion

• and real driving pleasure over the long term

Discover all our motorcycle air filters in our online store.