I just got a K&N air filter for my 500HO. I have a few questions.

1. Should I use the extra cover that comes over the factory filter?
2. DO you have to clean it with the K&N cleaning kit or are there other methods?

 

The pre-filter will probably help keep the filter itself cleaner, for longer. You can peel it off and blow it out easily, without waiting for it to dry.

I suppose you could clean the filter itself with Simple Green, or Formula 409, or some other mild degreaser. I've always used the K & N cleaner, though. I'd stick with the K & N filter oil, because anything else might choke down the airflow...or worse, let crap through. Plus, it's an aerosol--much easier to apply.

Just make sure you don't use compressed air to speed up dry time. It'll ruin the filter. Gotta be patient.

 

yes, use the prefilter over the K&N filter....i use the K&N kit that has the cleaner and spray to clean the filter and then re-oil....its simple to use and does not affect the paper element in the filter...

also, i have two filters...that way if i forget to clean the filter before going for a ride, i just swap out the filters and then clean the other one later

 

I dumped my factory prefilter. I got the K&N one because it was black. The factory is white and when it contacts with the oil it gets dark so I don't really know if it is dark because of the oil or whether it is dark because of dirt.