How to clean the air filter of my motorbike

The air filter is one of the key pieces in the operation of the motorcycle. And it is responsible, as the name suggests, to filter the air required by the engine to operate in order to be as clean as possible and do not pass the impurities of the environment to the explosion chamber. A function by which it is usual for the filter to become dirty or obstructed by that accumulation of impurities and, above all, of dust that remains adhering.

It is important to make a good maintenance of the filter, and the bike in general, to eliminate all that dirt. If you have a motorcycle, surely you wonder how to clean the air filter of my motorcycle? It is a process that is not complicated, although it also depends on the bike you have. From we explain how it is done so that you clean it and keep it in perfect condition.

Why it is important to clean the air filter on the motorcycle

As we have said before, the motorcycle's air filter is fundamental to filter the air, being very important to clean it. And is that when it is dirty or clogged, the amount of air that reaches the engine is reduced. This produces an imbalance between the air mixture and the fuel, which is what feeds the engine.

In this way, a reduction in the power of the engine and the accelerator would be generated, apart from the heating of the engine. In addition, in those cases in which the air filter completely obstructed, the motorcycle would not work.

You may also be interested in this other article on How to change the air filter of the motorcycle.

How to clean the motorcycle's air filter - step by step

If you have to clean the motorcycle's air filter, do not worry. It is not as complicated as it may initially seem. Anyway, if you do not dare, you can always take the bike to the workshop to do the proper maintenance. It is essential that you do not leave it because this way you will avoid many breakdowns in the future, some of them being quite expensive in economic terms. And what should be done to clean the filter? The truth is that you have to follow a few steps:

Remove the filter : the first thing to do is remove the air filter, which is usually fixed by a screw or lock. When removing it, take care that dirt and dust do not fall into the intake nozzle.
Protect the intake nozzle : when you have removed the filter, it is important that you protect the intake nozzle with a paper or a plastic cover so that no dirt gets into it or water from the filter cleaning. However, it is advisable not to get close when cleaning the filter.
Box : by having the intake nozzle protected, you can also clean the inside of the box where the filter is because dirt also accumulates. It is essential to clean it well so that no dust trail remains. For this, you can use specific degreasing products, which greatly facilitate the process.
Separate the filter : once the box is cleaned, it is time to start cleaning the filter. Before starting, it is important to separate your components well. In particular, on the one hand, you have to have the rigid support and, on the other, the filter foam. In this process, be careful not to break anything. Do not forget to notice how they are placed before separating them (you can take a picture with your mobile to remember), because then you have to put it back together.
Support : normally, the rigid support does not usually get dirty, but it is convenient to clean it also because there may be some dirt or oil residue.
Wash : to wash the filter there are several options. It is best to use soap powder that dissolves in plenty of hot water so that the filter is well covered when submerged. You can also use solvents liquids. Both are sold specifically for these purposes, being much easier to remove any dirt. In both cases, you have to clean the filter very well both on the outside and inside and rinse it well.
Drain : it is essential to drain the filter, both the rigid support and the foam, and dry them well. It is not convenient to let it dry in the sun because the sun's rays are deteriorating the filter with the passage of time. Also, in the case of foam, to remove the water, you can use a filter press, which is a specific tool for it.
Grease : the surface of the filter (both outside and inside) must be impregnated in filter oil, which is a product that traps all the dust very well and is well fixed to the foam. This product is quite sticky, but it usually comes in the form of a spray and with a dispenser or applicator, which makes all the work much easier. It is important to apply the fat, but also remove all the excess.
Sealing : before placing the filter, it is important to put on the inside (that is, the area between the filter and the box), a layer of specific grease (which you can find in stores) so that it remains more tight.

And with these steps, it is only necessary to reassemble the filter and place it in its position with the screw or the fixing piece, as appropriate.

In addition to cleaning the air filter of the motorcycle ...

In addition to the steps we have taken to clean the motorcycle's air filter, it is also important not to forget other parts that are equally key and that are not limited to the box:

Bolt : since it is thoroughly cleaned, it is essential not to forget other parts that should be kept clean and in perfect condition. It is the screw or bolt (threaded cylindrical metal bar), which is usually what the filter is attached to. This way you can remove all traces of dust and oil, among other dirt, with the help of the product you used to clean the filter.
Sealing ring : it is another of the parts that you must clean so that the filter is installed over the entire clean area. To do this, use a cleaning spray and a cloth to rub and leave it clean.

With all these steps and advice, since, we hope to have answered your question of how to clean the air filter of my motorcycle? If you have any doubt, do not forget to consult with experts or go to the workshop to do the cleaning or tell you the best products so that you can do it yourself.