K&N-moto

K&N Moto: The Legendary High-Flow Filter That Changed Motorsport

The story of K&N Engineering didn't start in a sterile lab; it started in the dirt. In 1969, racers Ken Johnson and Norm McDonald faced a problem: paper air filters on their motorcycles clogged instantly in the California desert dust, killing engine power. Their solution? Replacing paper with layers of oiled cotton gauze. Thus, "The World's Best Air Filter" was born.

ATOMIC-SHOP is an official dealer of K&N. We offer the complete range for motorcycles, ATVs, and watercraft. From iconic air filters with a Million Mile Warranty to oil filters featuring the famous "nut." K&N is synonymous with letting your bike breathe freely.

Why Cotton Beats Paper

Factory (OEM) filters are made of specialized paper. It works like a wall with holes: it blocks dirt but also restricts air. As soon as the paper gets slightly dirty, airflow drops catastrophically.

K&N technology is based on Oiled Cotton Gauze.
1. Depth Filtration: 4-6 layers of cotton create a maze for the air to pass through.
2. Oil as a Magnet: The special red oil creates an electrostatic charge, attracting dust to the fibers like a magnet.
3. Flow: Even a dirty K&N filter flows more air than a clean paper one because dirt accumulates on the outer layers without blocking the internal channels.

Oil Filters: The Genius of the Nut

For motorcyclists, changing an oil filter can be torture. The filter is often hidden behind exhaust headers, it's round, slippery, and impossible to grip. K&N solved this with brilliant simplicity.

The "Wrench-Off" series (e.g., KN-204, KN-303) features a 17mm nut welded to the top.
— You don't need strap wrenches or special tools.
— Just grab a standard wrench or socket and spin it off in seconds.
— For racers, the nut is pre-drilled for Safety Wire, a mandatory requirement on track to prevent the filter from backing off due to vibration.

Air Filter Lines: Street vs. Race

K&N offers different solutions depending on where you ride.

Economy: Buy Once, Use Forever

A K&N filter costs more than paper initially. But it is an investment. You throw away paper filters every 5-10k miles. A K&N filter is designed to last the lifetime of your motorcycle.

When it gets dirty, you don't buy a new one. You grab a Recharger Kit, wash away the dirt, rinse, dry, and re-oil. It's like new again. Over 50,000 km, a K&N pays for itself three times over.

Complete Intake: AirCharger

For bikes like Harley-Davidsons or metric cruisers, K&N offers complete AirCharger intake systems. This isn't just a filter swap; it replaces the restrictive stock air cleaner assembly with an optimized intake tube and conical filter. This delivers guaranteed horsepower gains (dyno-proven) and changes the intake note to a deep, aggressive growl.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to remap/tune my bike?

If you are installing a standard Replacement filter into the stock airbox, a tune is usually not required; the ECU adapts. However, if you install a Race filter or a full AirCharger intake along with a free-flowing exhaust, tuning the fuel map (via Power Commander or ECU flash) is highly recommended to maximize power and prevent a lean condition.

Does K&N let dust into the engine?

This is a myth. K&N filters at 96-99% efficiency (ISO 5011 tested). The secret is proper maintenance. The filter must be evenly oiled (the oil traps fine dust). Dry cotton filters poorly, so keep an eye on the red color.

Can I clean the filter with gasoline?

Absolutely NOT! Gasoline, solvents, or harsh chemicals destroy the cotton fibers and dissolve the rubber frame. Use only K&N Power Kleen or mild soap. Also, never dry the filter with compressed air—it will tear the fabric.

Let your bike breathe. Choose authentic K&N filters at ATOMIC-SHOP — your source for clean air and power.