I bought a K&N filter today, and I have a concern (maybe I shouldn't).

It seems to fit okay with the exception of one area about 1 inch long, that is about 1/4 inch away from the periphery (around the bend at the top middle area). Should I be concerned about debris getting through this area, and if so, what can I do about it (I thought about electricians tape, but it obviously won't stick with all of that oil).

 

I was unhappy when I saw mine with that area. The lid pushes down on the whole periphery except for the area that is right behind the snorkle. The lid can't be continuous there since air has to flow through that area.

I grease the lip of the airbox before putting the filter in. Then I apply a little grease to the the gap all the way around (not needed all around). My airbox stays 100% clean inside. The grease makes filter cleaning messier. I do not like it, but it works.

This may be ****, but no dirt is gonna get past my filter due to a poor fit.

Another solution is to convert my 02 airbox to 03. When I see a K&N filter available for an 03, I am gonna start buying an 03 lid, 03 filter and 03 filter bracket (then see if I reallly need 03 stacks and the 03 housing).

 

I sent mine back for a Twin Air, it works and fits well.

 

Another strange thing about the K&N filter is the surface area. It looks like the actual filtering portion of the device is only 3/4 that of the stock filter. It must have great airflow to make up for this

 

Great observation!!
Lets see; Less filter area yet it flows more air. Hmmm, I wonder what had to be sacrificed to achieve this? Filtering capabilty maybe?
Don't Jump on me to hard. Most of you don't live in an area that has high amounts of dust and sand like PC and I do. The K&N will do you fine.
I have seen with my own eyes and touched with my own hands the grit that a K&N lets through here in the desert country.

 

I don't know about that. Here in PA it was so dry this summer you had to where dust masks on the poker runs.

 

It had better not let stuff through. I just spent 50 dollars, and it had better not hurt my engine. What do the rest of you think?

 

K&N's filter material was originally designed for cars and street bikes in an environment that has 100% less dust than where I ride.
I used to have a KVF400, which I put a K&N on, and it ended up smoking a little after only 5000 kms.
For my beloved 650, I will only use a foam type filter that you coat with that really sticky filter oil.

 

Is there a difference between the 02 and 03 airboxes??

 

I love my kn filter, mine is tight and where it is not it is very tight with greese.