this is my first ATV. it is a 100% stock '06 Hawkeye. when do i know to change the air filter? what about the pre-filter? what advantages do i get from an aftermarket air filter like K&N? i know this is alot of questions, but im really new to this and im only 15 years old. please help!!!

 

in my veiw, just keep the stock one good and clean by shaking off the dirt and maybe using compressed air to help blow it clean some. if you ride in a dusty area then you will need to clean it more often. im not a big fan of after market filters, but some of the guys on here use them.

 

well, most riding is on loose sand like dunes and dirt and mud. but how will i know when to change it? is there a certain mileage or hours?

 

there really isn't a certain amount of hours or miles. it's just basically check it and if it is dirty clean it. you always want to check it after real dusty rides.

 

well, i have had it for 5 months and driven it every other weekend. it has around 30 hours and 350 miles on it. i just have no idea HOW dirty it should be before i clean it. is there a photo of one that is too dirty that you guys sould show me? also, how do you like the K&N air filter? any advantages/disadvantages?

 

advantage= lets more air in for better air flow, disadvantage= lets more dirt in the engine which causes premature engine wear. if you ride in a sandy contion which could be sucked into the air filter then check right now. just take it out and bang it lightly aganist the tire and if its dirty it will help clean it.

 

i like the fact that the k&n is reusable. also is supposed to be better air flow, but i don't know by how much.

 

k, i will check the air filter. there is already a pre filter on there, so that helps a bit. if the MAIN air filter has dirt that wont come off, is it time to change?

 

i would say it's time to get a new one if it won't come clean by doing like Stendori said.

 

k, thanks. i will do that the next time i go ride it. i ride 80% of the time in super dusty conditions, so i will probably just stick with the stock air filter for now. and for the airbox mod, so i drill the 2 .5 inch holes directly above the air filter? and if the performance does decrease from too many holes, is there anything bad about it other than water can get into the air filter easier?