Ask The Editors: Ditching My Air Filter?
Dear ATVC:
I’ve noticed that running my ATV without its air filter in the air box results in a noticeable increase in power. When I ride alone on days that aren’t overly dusty or muddy, am I risking damage?
Absolutely. The dust your filter is catching before it can enter your engine is often so fine as to be invisible to the naked eye. Over time, thanks to the patterns of airflow within your airbox, the dust builds up into a visible layer of dirt.
The process of increasing your engine’s power by reducing the filter media’s ability to catch dust and dirt particles is legitimate but doing so is asking for trouble.
This is why companies like K&N, Twin Air and Uni offer higher-flowing filter elements that don’t compromise the protection of your engine’s internals.
We would strongly recommend going that route and making sure your filter is cleaned and properly oiled before getting out on the trails; even if it doesn’t look like a sandstorm out there!
