Air breather options?

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Chester

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Mar 28, 2010
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Hi All!
I was just wondering if many of you are going with the original element apparatus with the self destructing rubbers.
I was looking at my parts splayed out and was wondering if there have been any better arrangements come along in the last 30 years.
I'm not opposed to keeping it , if it is a part of staying original, but technology might have come along.

thnx
 
THe original (pre black box) is a big air filter with a lot of capacity. True, they are a little troublesome to replace the element but an aftermarket one isn't going to be an "upgrade" filter or flowise.
 
True, but "troublesome" is an understatement. The factory air box is a royal PITA to remove/replace and those rubber accordions do crack and need replacement eventually. Luckily all components are readily available.

There are K&N and other twin filters that are far easier to deal with, but to me they always look silly with the stock backing plate behind them. I'm still using a paper filter and mounting after 35 years of dealing with them because they just look right (and have lots of surface area).
 
I'm running dual K&N pod filters with no air starvation issues at all.

Air breather options?
 
Acadian,

I couldn't help but notice that you are running a modern rectifier/regulator as well, you high-tech rascal. While the bones of Nortons are strong, they respond well to updating. I have a K&N on my single Mikuni, with no complaints below 6000 rpm.
 
I junked the old air filter as I didn't like the look of it, I wanted a cleaner cafe racer look so I got an S&B racing filter from Mick Hemmings. It's a single filter, half the size of the original and fits over the 2 new Amals. I think it looks much better and I've had no problems with it. I also got 2 new slides when I replaced the carbs, I went for the chrome plated brass ones from Surrey Cycles, they are a lot heavier than the standard slides, give a better response when I shut off and I'm told they won't generate an oval in the carb body like the originals, which is why I had to change the carbs in the first place. Cheers, Steve.
 
As I recall, Dunstall did some testing of air filters back in the day and found that aftermarket filters reduced power over the stock Norton air filter. If I remember right, the info is in his booklet on performance tuning the Commando. I have a copy of that booklet at home (not there at the moment) so I'll check to be sure about that when I get back on Sat or Sun. It is possible that I'm confusing it with some other publication.
 
mike996 said:
As I recall, Dunstall did some testing of air filters back in the day and found that aftermarket filters reduced power over the stock Norton air filter. If I remember right, the info is in his booklet on performance tuning the Commando. I have a copy of that booklet at home (not there at the moment) so I'll check to be sure about that when I get back on Sat or Sun. It is possible that I'm confusing it with some other publication.
Click to expand...

Wanted to update...I recall wrongly. There is nothing in the Dunstall tuning manual re the above and I can find nothing like it in any other reference that I have. I have no idea why I seem to remember this so clearly but equally clearly, my memory appears faulty! :(
 
MexicoMike said:
Wanted to update...I recall wrongly. There is nothing in the Dunstall tuning manual re the above and I can find nothing like it in any other reference that I have. I have no idea why I seem to remember this so clearly but equally clearly, my memory appears faulty!
Click to expand...

I think I've also read something similar somewhere at some time, which stated that the (pre-850 MkIII) Commando air filter unit is very efficient, and that there was little or nothing to be gained by replacing it with another type of filter.
 
My own experience is,
With Quafe bell mouths, not too brilliant, but looks cool.
Open ended carbs, more powerful, smoother, & slightly faster.
Original air filter, bit smoother & at least 15 miles an hour faster.
But who cares anyway.
 
I didn't see anyone mention stock ham can with stock size K&N filter inside. Chrome the front cover, use a stainless perferated surround and the result is an air filter resembling late 60's muscle car aftermarket performance filters. What's not to like about the style and performance of the original? It only works with Amals, though. The factory rubbers lasted. What's available now lasts maybe one season. :(
 
illf8ed said:
I didn't see anyone mention stock ham can with stock size K&N filter inside. Chrome the front cover, use a stainless perferated surround and the result is an air filter resembling late 60's muscle car aftermarket performance filters. What's not to like about the style and performance of the original? It only works with Amals, though. The factory rubbers lasted. What's available now lasts maybe one season. :(
Click to expand...
Possibly like mine the previous owner had already removed it and its no longer an option.To replace this original item is expensive I believe is also an issue.
 
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