Royal Enfield KN Filter: Why It Doesn’t Make Sense for Most Bikers
When it comes to Royal Enfield bikes, many enthusiasts consider upgrading their stock air filters for improved performance. One such popular upgrade is the KN filter. However, this upgrade has mixed reviews and may not live up to expectations for everyday users. Let's explore why the KN filter may not be the best choice for your Royal Enfield.
Understanding the Limitations of KN Filters
The KN filter is often marketed as a performance-enhancing upgrade for bikes. However, it is not universally suitable for all bikes, especially those used on roads. The KN filter is designed to provide optimal performance on performance bikes, but when it comes to Royal Enfield bikes, particularly those made in India, the KN filter may not yield the desired results.
To achieve the best performance with a KN filter, certain modifications are necessary. For carbureted bikes, a rejetting might be required, and for fuel-injected bikes, an ECU retuning could be needed. Without such modifications, the bike may run lean, leading to poor performance and potential long-term damage to the engine.
Even if you do make these modifications, the performance gain may be minimal. At most, you might see an increase of 1 bhp (brake horsepower), which is often negligible in everyday use. This small power increase is not likely to make a noticeable difference in the real world, making the upgrade seem pointless for a majority of riders.
Problems and Drawbacks of Installing KN Filters
One of the primary drawbacks of installing a KN filter is the potential for engine damage. Traditional Royal Enfield engines take in a large amount of air during their intake stroke. A high-performance filter, being less restrictive, allows a significant amount of dust and particulates to pass through the filter and enter the combustion chamber. These particles do not burn and, due to their inertia, are not easily expelled by the exhaust. Over time, this can lead to engine damage, particularly the piston rings.
Once the piston rings are damaged, the engine may lose compression, reducing its overall power output. If the issue is not addressed, the dust can contaminate the engine oil, leading to more severe engine damage. In some cases, frequent oil changes and top-ups may be required to mitigate these issues, but this is far from ideal.
Conclusion
While KN filters may have their place in certain racing or high-performance scenarios, they are not a practical or advisable upgrade for most Royal Enfield bikes. The risks of engine damage and the lack of significant performance gains make this upgrade a losing proposition for the average rider.
Instead, it is often better to stick with the stock air filter or consider other, less risky upgrades. For those truly interested in performance, carefully considering the modifications needed and consulting with a professional can help ensure that the upgrade is both safe and effective.