Performance air filters for V100

[Fitzig23]

Hi Guys

I have a V100 Mandello and will be coming up for a service soon. Considering replacing the OEM air filter with either a DNA or Sprint Filter. The DNA is similar to KN and uses a treatment oil whereas the Sprint Filter claims to operate dry and use compressed air to clean with option to wash if needed. A mechanic friend convinced me to replace my OEM Ducati 1098 with DNA filter and yes, I suppose it made a difference. Other than that, the cost of an OEM paper filter is up there with a performance type but you only need to spend the $$ once so there will be a cost saving long term.

Would enjoy receiving the plethora of responses for and against on this topic. I know it will be mixed.

OEM or after market performance filter - to be or not to be?

[chrisfer]

I bought a sprint filter P08 and I saw, from the mesh, that the filtering is not efficient.

[Fitzig23]

as in the dirt penetrated right thru and you wouldn't recommend it?

[Frenchfrog]

Surely the V 100 has ample performance for normal use without trying to get one or two more horses out of it  ?

[Bisbee]

This is simple physics. If the oil/gauze flows more air  then it is less restrictive. Every engineering article I have read says the oil gauze will not filter small particles as well as the paper filters. Your choice - more power - probably in your mind, or more protection for your motor.

[Gliderjohn]

My 2.5 cents worth...
I would not mess with a modern bike's airbox and filter. They have it down to a fine art now. That said I have run K&Ns on my T-3 since 1989 and in that time includes 16 years of living three miles off pavement. Have never found any signs of problems from it. Keep them cleaned and oiled.
GliderJohn

[GuzziOrDeath]

I understand why you're asking.

Stock V100 air filter is stupidly overpriced.  €66/£72/$110AUD/$70USD. Thanks, Piaggio. It's the same type as in a CARC bike or Aprilia, but has two dimples in it. Why so expensive?

I suppose if you can afford a €15000/£16000/$27000AUD/$17500USD then they reckon the basic service parts should be of the same magnitude. 


@Fitzig23, don't do it. The rock strainer "sports" filters will eventually destroy your very expensive ETB's. Remember, you've got two of them.

[bad Chad]

Generally, the big filter companies will make filters equal or better than the Guzzi part number, at a much lower price.

[Enzo Toma]

The benefit to a washable filter is that it's easily serviceable to ideally reduce operating cost, just like oiled foam filters used in dirty environments. Buy once, clean and re-oil multiple times. IMO if you're going to buy one that is the reasonable justification for it, not performance.

[blu guzz]

I had a reusable oiled air filter on a BMW years ago.  No performance enhancement but did save money over the long haul.

[Fitzig23]

thanks all

yeah i figured am probably not going to notice that much difference in performance but longer term plan is to swap out the headers to an Arrow system, delete the cat and get some more of that Guzzi thump to the exhaust note. And in that case all the tuning houses will say - replace the stock air filter as well

At just over 3000km now the engine in loosening up and can already feel more horses available on tap than on day-1.

it was going to be a balancing act of service cost ROI and plan is to keep the bike long term

The other option is a DNA filter - similar to KN. Every dyno place i talk to recommends them over KN or but was curious about the Sprint brand and method to their madness.

something to ponder on more

[Huzo]

I cannot understand how some guys fall for the trap of thinking they should “give the bike more air…”
I did it myself and still don’t know why…
Why does conventional wisdom suggest that the bike is constantly choking ? Also, if you “give the bike more air”, doesn’t that mean you have altered the fuel/air ratio (leaning) and therefore requiring the ECU to trim around that lean condition ?…

[Huzo]

I was just communicating with Roper and he said if you wish, you could give him a call on 0417 462440 as he may be able to give some worthwhile advice…

[Frenchfrog]

Exactly Huzo...not sure if it is possible to alter the map on a V100 or on the latest v85's either.Roper would know.

[Bulldog9]

I'll echo most of the comments above. Use the recommended OEM or OEM quality filter.