Are there any special things to note about cleaning a k&n air filter?
Is it ok to wash the outer sleeve..soap & water? Also I saw on a previous post about oiling the filter. (I'm not sure what the heck they were talking about..thanks for any tips!)

2001 Sportsman 500ho RSE

 

Get the K&N filter recharg kit!!!(Follow instructions on the box)
as for the otter cover I just clean it with running watter and use my hands to scrub it!!!

 

Get a K&N filter cleaner spray for the filter itself (spray, wait 10 minutes, rinse, and let dry) and K&N air filter oil spray can. It's not expensive, and makes filter cleaning real easy.
The outerwear can be cleaned in any way (I do it with water or the K&N cleaner spray if it's real dirty).

 

Do NOT use gasoline or solvent on the outerwear because it will degrade the elastic on the ends.

If you ride in really dusty areas, it is a good idea to have an unused, regular air filter in case your K&N gets loaded up.

The K&N recharge kits are available at Pep Boys and from Cabelas oneline.

 

Did you have to change your jetting with the addition of the K&N?

 

Depends where your restriction is...if you have already removed your airbox lid, then the restriction is the flow of your air filter, and if you switch to a K&N, you will probably have to rejet (maybe not if it's a 4 stroke).
A couple month ago, I had pipes and a K&N on my shee, but with the airbox lid and snorkel on, the stock main jets were correct, just because the stock snorkel is extremely restrictive. When I modified the snorkel I had to change from 200 to 260 mains.

I think if you leave your airbox lid on, you shouldn't need to rejet, especially if it's a 4 stroke, BUT whatever mod you do, always do a WOT test after.....the only way to be sure you won't go wrong.

 

I had the k&n filter put on at the dealer when I had it in for the first service. No mention was made about re-jetting so I assume they did not change jets.

 

If you open a bottle of K&N filter cleaner, and open a bottle of 409....mmmm kinda smells the same??? I'm not advocating huffing here, just save your money. Use a 1 gallon ice cream pail....Eat the Chocolate chip first. Then head on down to your local Walmart. Buy the jumbo 409 refill. Fill the pail...hope you saved the lid, because you're gonna save the 409 after you're done. Soak the filter, periodically adgitating it. Back-flush with warm water. Let filter air dry.....hands off the compressed air, unless you are very gentle. Then follow the spraying instructions on the K&N oil can.

KT P.S. that pail of 409 can last quite a while, sometimes you might have to skim the oil residue off the top. Don't get me wrong, when it gets bad, change it.