Is the K&N air filter worth the money??

[Sfomoto_imp]

Hello,
Is the K&N air filter worth the money?? Does it really make a difference in performance, gas millage and sound? I am kind of hesitant because the myth that the oil on the filter can create problems on sensors.

[Deanohh_imp]

See if you can find some independent testing reports on the amount of filtration efficiency and particle size for k&ns, then you decide. I got 91 hp with the stock filter which is right up there with the k&n users...good enough for me.

[Ack-CB11_imp]

The K&N will help alot but you need a Power Commander and the TSR air funnel to take full advantage of it.
So i guess my answer is no, not by itself.

[CB4ME_imp]

The stock CB1100 has a pretty restricted intake and exhaust. I'm not sure opening up one end without doing the other end will be all that noticeable.

Case in point - simply adding a Staintune didn't seem to boost performance on my bike. If you add a K&N but keep the stock headers and muffler you might not add much either.

But a higher flow exhaust like the Staintune, combined with a TSR air funnel and a K&N really frees up air flow and adds noticable HP.

As ACK said, a PVC is needed once you start messing with the engine in a major way.

If you want more power, use less restrictive headers such as Motogear "cat free" pipes or a complete aftermarket exhaust system. That will take things to the next level. A PVC is absolutely essential at that point.

Forgot to mention that when it gets dry and dusty, I'll put my OEM filter back on. I don't trust the K&N to fully protect the engine in adverse riding conditions.

[redbirds_imp]

Just my opinion of course, but seems to me that if you are trying to squeeze more power out of this motor you may have bought the wrong bike. The CB1100 is in a relatively mild state of tune, just right for it's intended mission. Something like Kawasaki's Ninja 1000 or Honda's CB1000R would be a better starting point for someone looking for a faster ride. Of course adding the K&N and a high flow exhaust might add some nice sound to the CB's character and that would be reason enough for some folks for the change. Always nice to have a choice.

[Sfomoto_imp]

Thank you all for the replies and useful info.

Ok, so I will probably buy the Staintune, TSR air funnel, K&N air filter and a PVC.
Do I need to re-map anything on the bike because of the changes? Do you recommend taking the bike to a Honda shop?

Thank you again

Just my opinion of course, but seems to me that if you are trying to squeeze more power out of this motor you may have bought the wrong bike. The CB1100 is in a relatively mild state of tune, just right for it's intended mission. Something like Kawasaki's Ninja 1000 or Honda's CB1000R would be a better starting point for someone looking for a faster ride. Of course adding the K&N and a high flow exhaust might add some nice sound to the CB's character and that would be reason enough for some folks for the change. Always nice to have a choice.

I use my Street Triple R when I want to have more of an aggressive ride. I am just trying to get my CB to perform better. Thanks for your opinion.

[emptysea]

Just going to toss my 2, uninformed, cents in. The K&N filter is pretty cheap, lasts a long time with a minimal amount of maintenance (unless you live in a dust bowl), and may or may not improve performance. Why not buy it and see if it makes a difference? I don't see a significant downside.

[The Spaceman_imp]

I found it gave a power bump with an unrestricted exhaust, but no difference with the OEM pipe. It isn't gasketed on the ends, so I pulled it and put the Honda filter back on. Side by side the Honda part looks superior to me.

[Aussie_imp]

I've got a staintune and k&n fitted. I personally haven't really found a great deal of difference between having the k&n fitted as compared to stock. Just the staintune has freed up a nice grunty gurgle, the power on tap is adequate for me. YMMV!

[flynrider]

I don't have any performance enhancements on my CB11, like a PCV or a pipe. I think it's worth it for the same reason I bought a K&N for my CB750 years ago. The K&N is reusable and costs less than two replacement OEM filters. I clean and re-oil them about every 3-4 months.