Best Air Cleaner for Harley 103 Reviews In 2023


When it comes to bike performance the majority of all riders will tell you that the air cleaner plays an essential role. The air cleaner assures that your engine is receiving adequate amounts of fresh clean air.

We wanted to recommend the best air cleaners for Harley 103. So, we tested a large number of air cleaners, we talked to Harley riders, we interviewed Harley mechanics, and we talked to industry experts. Then we narrowed our choices down to the following 6 air cleaners. Don't miss our article on guide to choose perfect air intake for harley davidson.

These air filtration systems are not listed in an order of preference.

3 Bests You Can Choose From

Best Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson 103 Reviews


1. Vance & Hines 96-19 Harley XL1200C Naked VO2 Air Intake

This air filtration equipment is designed to improve the performance of your Harley by increasing the air flow. The larger inlet backing plate helps to improve the air that the engine receives, and that clean air is a boost of energy for your bike.

The filter is designed to be removed, washed, and then replaced. The washable filter will allow you to get more service from your air filter and let you have a longer period of time before you have to replace the air filter. That means it will save you time and money.

The billet aluminum used to craft elements of this filtration system not only makes the air filter look better, it stops rusting and corrosion from occurring in your air filtration system.

You can use this with the stock cover that you already have. You can use this air filtration system without a cover. You can buy specialized covers to customize your bike.

Pros

  • Let’s you maintain your stock look.
  • Can be used with no cover.
  • Increases the performance of your bike.
  • The venture is made from billet aluminum.
  • Made in the USA.

Cons

  • Cannot be used in California.
  • This item cost more than some of the average air filters that are non-washable.

Features

  • Bolts directly onto the throttle body with no alterations.
  • Has a dual port venture.
  • Washable filter element.
  • Inlet backing plate is larger than average.
  • High rate of reliability.

2. K&N 63-1125 Harley Davidson Performance Intake Kit

This is the last air filter you will ever need to purchase. The filter in this filtration device is a lifetime filter designed to be washed and replaced.

You can blow the filter out from time to time using your air hose, but you should regularly remove the filter, wash it with warm soapy water, rinse it with clear water, and then allow it to dry before you put it back on your bike.

This filtration system will not only save you from the hassle of changing air filters. This filtration system will increase the power of your bike by as much as 7.78 horsepower when the bike is operating at 4953 RPM. More power means more speed, and more agility.

This filter actually improves the sound of your engine. You will be able to audibly detect the improvements in your engine.

It is easy to install and the majority of bike owner’s say they installed the air cleaning system in less than 90 minutes, using minimal tools.

Pros

  • Increases power.
  • Makes engine run smoother.
  • Improves fuel consumption.
  • Reduces emissions.

Cons

  • Costs a little more than standard plugs.
  • Specifically sized so may not fit all motorcycles.

Features

  • Can increase horsepower of your engine by as much as 7.78.
  • Improves throttle response.
  • The lifetime filter is washable.
  • Can be installed in under 90 minutes.
  • Mounting plate and mounting hardware is crafted from billet aluminum.

3. K&N Motorcycle Air Filter: High Flow Performance Air Filter

It might be hard to believe but changing to this air filter will increase the response your bike has when you are accelerating. You will notice a marked increase in how quickly your bike can gain speed.

This powerful acceleration increase is partially due to the fact that the new air filter is going to increase the amount of horse power your engine has.

You are going to have a noticeable increase in power and performance once this filter is in place. This is a lifetime filter that is designed to be cleaned and then used again instead of being thrown away and replaced with a new one.

You will love the fact that the filter will last about 50,000 hours before it needs to be cleaned. There are 8,760 hours in one year, so under normal driving conditions you probably will not have to clean your filter for five to six years.

Pros

  • Drop in design.
  • Fits into the air box that is already on your bike.
  • Provides excellent filtration.
  • Increased throttle response.

Cons

  • Does not fit the 2008 Ultra Classic by Harley Davidson, and does not fit the 2008 Road Glide by Harley Davidson.
  • Costs more than the disposable air filters do.

Features

  • Boosts horsepower.
  • Boosts your rate of acceleration.
  • Lasts about 50,000 miles between cleanings.
  • Compatible with original manufacture installed electronics.
  • Washable filter.

4. K&N RK-3932 Harley Davidson Filter Kit

This filtration system is designed to improve the look of your Harley Davidson. It has a cover with a mirror chrome finish that dresses up your bike nicely.

The filter is a washable filter and not a disposable one. When the filter begins to get dirty you simply remove it and cleanse it and then put it back on the bike.

This will probably be the last air filter that you ever have to buy for your Harley. It will save you both money on filter purchases and time spent on filter system replacements.

This filter is going to increase your throttle response time so your bike will gain speed faster than it ever has before. The filter also increases the horsepower of your bike by as much as 7.16. You get more power and more speed from one simple air filter change.

The filter system is easy to change, and even the mechanically challenged riders report that they changed their filters in about an hour, using basic mechanics tools.

Pros

  • Improves the look of your bike with the mirror finished custom air cover.
  • Easy to install and no special tools are required.
  • Improves throttle response.
  • Provides high performance engine protection that increases the longevity of your bike.

Cons

  •  Costs more than the standard disposable air filters.
  • Rain sock does not come with the purchase.

Features

  • Provides a horse power gain of about 7.16 when the RPM’s are at 5206.
  • Custom aluminum backing plate that mounts directly to the throttle body.
  • Durable mounting gasket included.
  • Washable filter comes pre-oiled so it is ready to be installed as soon as you take it out of the package.
  • Custom design cover.

5. Cobra PowrFlo Air Intake Kit for Harley Davidson 2000-13 Big Twin models

The Cobra PowerFlo air intake kit designed for Harley Davidson products is one of the easiest solutions that allow you to increase your bike performance with very little changes to the bike.

All you are changing is the air intake system, so you are not making alterations that require a lot of mechanical prowess. This system comes with a standard K & N paper air filter. 

That means the filter is not washable or reusable but the system also has mesh inserts that are made of stainless mesh. The mesh inserts trap bugs, and large pieces of debris before the items can come into contact with your filter element. Your filter will last longer and provide you with cleaner air to your bike.

This system works with the Harley Davidson Big Twin machines that were made in the years between 2000 and 2013.  The Cobra website makes it very easy for you to check bike compatibility.

Pros

  • Comes with a K&N filter.
  • Easy to install.
  • High quality.
  • Improves bike performance.

Cons

  • May require you to purchase S shaped breather tubes.
  • The filter is a disposable paper filter.

Features

  • Internal venture design that increases the air flow rate.
  • Stainless steel mesh inserts that catch bugs and larger pieces of debris.
  • Works with the digital fuel tuner Fi2000.
  • Enhances bike performance.
  • Increases aesthetic appearance of bike.

6. Turbine Black Edge Cut Harley Air Cleaner Street Glide air filter

This air cleaner is a high quality item that provides your bike with the precise amount of air that it needs to increase the performance, and acceleration.

Your bike needs that clean air to be able to perform at its best, and you will immediately notice the performance improvement when you change from your old stock air filter to this new air filtration system. The filter element is washable so you will not be needing to buy a replacement system for many years. 

That means you will spend less time and less money doing bike repairs. You will have more time for bike riding.

While you are riding you will quickly notice that your bike responds quicker and accelerates in a shorter amount of time. You will be amazed at the differences that changing an air filter can make in your bike performance and speed.

Pros

  • Enhances air flow.
  • Great customer service.
  • Washable air filter.
  • High quality materials.
  • Easy installation.

Cons

  • Does not fit all Harley Davidson motorcycles.
  • Cost more than a standard air filter replacement.

Features

  • Face plate is made of billet aluminum.
  • Exposed filter design for increased aesthetics.
  • Built in internal crank case filters.
  • Enhanced air flow increases performance.
  • Complete with high volume air filter.

How to Choose the Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson


You probably understand that changing the air cleaning system on your Harley can increase your horse power, increase your speed of acceleration, and improve the look and sound of your bike. You need to think about the following features that these air filtration systems may have before you rush out to buy one.

Is it Legal in Your State?

Before you order an air cleaning system make sure that the one you like is legal to have on your bike. The emission laws of some states, like California, restrict or limit the air cleaning systems that you can use on your bike. It is safest to check before you click that buy now button.

Does it fit your Harley?

The website of the air cleaner manufacturer will have a list of motorcycles that the air filtration system will fit properly on. If it will fit your system, or if it requires an adapter to make it fit your system you will find that information located on the manufacturer site. Check the compatibility before you make your final decision. 

Is the filter elements reusable?

One of the big selling points for many of these air filtration systems is the fact that the filters they use can be washed and reused. These are normally referred to as lifetime filter elements because they can be used over and over again. Some of these lifetime elements only need washed every five to six years. Check and see if the filter element is washable or disposable.

Is it easy to install?

You want to buy a filter system that is easy to install. You do not want to have to make big changes to your motorcycle or have to hire a mechanic to make the air filtration system fit your bike properly. Check the installation requirements, and the tools that are necessary for the installation before you make your decision.

Are the components high quality

You want an air intake system that will basically be maintenance free. You want a system that has components made of stainless steel or aluminum. Aluminum is lighter than stainless, and both of these materials will resist rust and corrosion so they will last longer and perform better.

Do they require a cover?

If the air filter system requires you to operate the bike with a cover over the filter then check to make sure that the cover comes with the system, or that your current cover can be used on the system. You do not want to get an air cleaner installed and then discover that you have to order the cover separately.


Final Note


A new air filtration system can make your motorcycle run like it is a new bike. The improved air flow from the newer systems can increase the acceleration speed of bikes. The new filters can improve engine sound and performance, and many of the newer systems will reduce fuel usage and improve the way the bike looks.

Getting a new system can radically change your ride, but look closely at the requirements of the new system to make sure that your bike is compatible with the air filtration system you like.

More Harley Products Reviewed by Our Team:

Alston Seymour
 

A Harley-Davidson Motor Company certified Master Technician and avid biker, I love to write about everything and anything related to biking.

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