Upgrading your Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 air cleaner is an excellent way to improve both performance and style. The air cleaner is a crucial component of your motorcycle’s intake system, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in how your bike performs. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best air cleaners for Sportster 1200 and help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Why Upgrade Your Sportster 1200 Air Cleaner?
Your Sportster 1200’s air cleaner plays a critical role in your motorcycle’s performance. It’s responsible for filtering out contaminants from the air before it enters the engine, ensuring that only clean air is used for combustion. By upgrading your air cleaner, you can increase the flow of clean air to your engine, improving its performance and efficiency. Additionally, a new air cleaner can also enhance the look of your motorcycle, giving it a unique and stylish appearance.
Top Picks for Sportster 1200 Air Cleaners
- Arlen Ness Big Sucker: The Arlen Ness Big Sucker is a high-performance air cleaner that’s designed to increase air flow and horsepower. It features a unique filter design that maximizes airflow while still providing excellent filtration. The Big Sucker also comes with a backing plate that’s available in several finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your air cleaner.
- K&N Blackhawk Induction Air Intake System: The K&N Blackhawk Induction Air Intake System is a complete kit that includes both an air cleaner and a custom-designed intake tube. The intake tube is designed to minimize air turbulence and increase airflow, while the air cleaner is washable and reusable, providing excellent filtration and performance.
- Roland Sands Design Turbine Air Cleaner: The Roland Sands Design Turbine Air Cleaner is a beautifully designed air cleaner that provides excellent performance and style. It features a unique turbine-inspired design that maximizes airflow, and it’s available in several finishes, including chrome and black.
- Vance & Hines VO2 Naked Air Intake: The Vance & Hines VO2 Naked Air Intake is a high-performance air cleaner that’s designed to provide maximum airflow to your engine. It features a washable and reusable high-flow air filter that provides excellent filtration, and it’s available in several finishes to match your motorcycle’s style.
- S&S Stealth Air Cleaner Kit: The S&S Stealth Air Cleaner Kit is a high-performance air cleaner that’s designed to be both powerful and stealthy. It features a unique filter design that maximizes airflow while still providing excellent filtration. The kit also includes a custom-designed backing plate and hardware for easy installation.
Choosing the Best Air Cleaner for Your Sportster 1200
When choosing the best air cleaner for your Sportster 1200, there are several factors to consider, including performance, style, and price. All of the air cleaners on our list are excellent options that provide improved performance and style, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Consider the design and finish that best matches your motorcycle’s style, as well as the level of performance improvement you’re looking for. Additionally, keep in mind the price point and any installation requirements when making your decision.
Do I need to tune my Harley if I add an air cleaner?
It is recommended to tune your Harley if you add an air cleaner, especially if you have a performance-oriented bike. Adding an air cleaner changes the amount of air that enters the engine, which can affect the air/fuel mixture and ultimately impact the performance of your motorcycle.
Tuning your bike after installing an air cleaner ensures that the air/fuel ratio is adjusted to maintain optimal performance and prevent damage to the engine. In short, it’s best to tune your Harley after adding an air cleaner to maximize the benefits of the upgrade.
What is the difference between a Stage 1 and Stage 2 air cleaner?
The primary difference between a Stage 1 and Stage 2 air cleaner is the level of performance improvement they provide. A Stage 1 air cleaner typically replaces the stock air cleaner with a high-flow aftermarket air filter and provides improved airflow to the engine. This upgrade is generally sufficient for most riders and can improve horsepower and torque.
On the other hand, a Stage 2 air cleaner usually includes a larger aftermarket air filter and a custom intake system. This upgrade provides even greater airflow to the engine and can result in more significant improvements in horsepower and torque. However, it often requires additional tuning and modifications, such as upgrading the exhaust system, to fully realize its potential.
In summary, a Stage 1 air cleaner is a basic upgrade that provides improved airflow to the engine, while a Stage 2 air cleaner is a more comprehensive upgrade that can result in more significant performance improvements but often requires additional modifications and tuning.
What can I use to clean my Harley air filter?
You can use a specialized air filter cleaner solution to clean your Harley air filter. These solutions are designed to break down and remove the dirt, grime, and oil that accumulates on the filter over time. Popular brands include K&N air filter cleaner, Bel-Ray foam air filter cleaner, and Maxima air filter cleaner.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Sportster 1200 air cleaner is an excellent way to improve both performance and style. The air cleaner is a critical component of your motorcycle’s intake system, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in how your bike performs. Whether you prioritize performance, style, or both, there’s an air cleaner on our list that will meet your needs. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can find the best air cleaner for your Sportster 120.
