Top 7 Best Air Cleaners For Sportster 1200
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The best air cleaners for Sportster 1200 are essential upgrades for riders who want to improve engine performance, airflow, and reliability. As a motorcycle rider, your bike’s air cleaner is one of the most important components to maintain and upgrade on your Harley Davidson Sportster 1200. A quality air filter directly impacts how your engine runs, so it’s important to get an efficient aftermarket air cleaner that can maximize power and air flow while still offering long-term protection and reliability. With all the products on the market, knowing which one is the best air cleaner for Sportster 1200 can be overwhelming. Hammer Performance air cleaners for Sportster 1200 models are CNC machined in-house out of 6061-T6 billet aluminum, ensuring quality and precision engineering.
Choosing the best air cleaner for Sportster 1200 involves considering several factors, including air flow capacity, filter element type, design, and compatibility with your Harley Davidson. An aftermarket air cleaner can provide your Harley Davidson with more power and improved throttle response, making your ride smoother and more enjoyable. Additionally, these air cleaners often come with washable and reusable filter elements, which not only protect your engine but also save you money in the long run. The AIR HAMMER air cleaners feature large GreenFilter cotton gauze filter elements that minimize restriction, further enhancing performance.
In this expert guide, we take a closer look at seven of the best air cleaners for Sportster 1200 on the market – from high-flow filters to ones specifically designed for certain models. We’ll discuss their key features so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your bike. Whether you are searching for maximum power, improved air flow, or a stylish chrome upgrade, this list covers a variety of items to match your needs and preferences. For instance, the Trask Assault Charge Air Cleaner potentially increases engine output by approximately 8 horsepower, resulting in significant gains for riders who prioritize performance.
We also include links to reputable sellers in the USA, ensuring you have access to genuine parts backed by warranty and quality assurance. Depending on your bike’s model year and riding style, some versions may be more suitable than others, so we encourage you to read the details carefully before making your order. Replacing the stock air cleaner and exhaust is essential for enhancing Harley Davidson performance, so choosing the right components is crucial.
1. Bullet Air Cleaner
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With a gothic bullet design and high-quality chrome-finished aluminum, the Bullet Air Cleaner Filter Kits for Harley Davidson (1991-2006 XL Model Sportster) is a great choice. It features a washable K&N red cotton gauze filter and a complete 360° fitted spike cover air filter plate.
While DIY installation is possible, professional help is recommended.
FEATURES
- K&N Red cotton gauze washable filter
- Aluminum tubing and frame
- Excellent bullet design
- Chrome-coated finish
2. Vance & Hines Naked XL883N
Vance & Hines Naked XL883N VO2 Air Intake is a blend of high performance and excellent design. This 2015-2018 model fits perfectly on all Harley Roadster vehicles. What’s more, the Vance & Hines air is a perfect OEM replacement part, guaranteeing you amazing performance and style typical of Harley’s original products.
This kit is a great fit for the original filter cover, giving you the beauty and appearance you desire in your vehicle.
FEATURES
- Improved Air Flow Over Stock
- Washable High Flow Filter
- Larger Backing Plate
3. K&N 63-1126 Harley Davidson
If your Harley XL 1200 ride is built between 2007 and 2014, then this cone-shaped rugged and high-performance kit is the best air cleaner for your purchase. The 63-1126 billet-made Air Charger air filter model was built to replace the Harley Davidson factory air cleaner. With a mandrel-bent, aluminum-tubed intake, this kit allows significant airflow that gives out extra torque.
The washable K&N kit also features a complete pack of mounting hardware, including a throttle body mounting plate. The reusable red cotton kit is pre-oiled to make it last for several miles (up to 100,000) and increase engine horsepower.If your Harley XL 1200 ride is built between 2007 and 2014, then this cone-shaped rugged and high-performance kit is the best air cleaner for Sportster 1200 in this range. The 63-1126 billet-made Air Charger air filter model was built to replace the stock air cleaner. With a mandrel-bent, aluminum-tubed intake, this kit allows significant air flow that gives out extra torque, resulting in more power.
The washable K&N kit also features a complete pack of mounting hardware, including a throttle body mounting plate. The reusable red cotton kit is pre-oiled to make it last for several miles (up to 100,000) and increase engine horsepower.
FEATURES
- Enhanced engine sound and throttle response
- Aluminum tube with black finish
- Washable and reusable air filter
- Easy to set up within 90 minutes
4. Arlen Ness 18-326
One of the best air cleaners for Sportster is the Arlen Ness 18-326 Big Sucker. As a stage 1 kit, Arlen Ness boasts high performance that makes it suitable for Harley Sportster models from 1998 to 2018. This kit’s performance upgrade functions to cause an increase in your torque by at least 21% in your ride engine. With its one-piece billet mounting plate and breather technology, Arlen Ness guides your engine to deliver maximum power and air flow.
The breathers have throttle body and exit o-rings, so you don’t need any external hardware. This kit also offers two options of reusable and washable filter media: the standard red pre-oiled cotton and the stainless steel-jacketed black synthetic filter element. Then the Big Sucker of the kit amazes with power and performance delivery.
FEATURES
- Improved torque
- The one-piece aluminum backing plate
- Reliable bale and high performance
5. Spike Air Cleaner Filter
The black matte Spike Air Cleaner Filter Kits impress Harley lovers with their gothic design and high-quality black-finished billet aluminum spike cover. It includes a washable K&N KN-SP3301 red cotton filter and is easy to install, whether DIY or professionally.
FEATURES
- Easy to install in under 90 minutes
- Excellent bullet style
- Matt black finish
- Aluminum body, tube, and frame
6. Krator Harley Davidson Spike Air Cleaner Kit
Improving motor performance and adding a bold style to your ride, this spike-style air filter kit from Krator offers better airflow than the stock filter. Easy to install after removing your stock air filter and housing, it also features an impressive design.
FEATURES
- Distinctively bold styling
- Great airflow
- Increases performance
7. Kuryakyn Alley Cat Air Cleaner/Filter Cover
One of the best aftermarket air filters for Harley Sportster is the Kuryakyn Alley Cat Air Filter Cover, available in black or chrome finish. It adds style and improves the performance of your air filter kit, such as the Arlen Ness Big Sucker, while matching your bike’s aesthetic with its mesh cover.
FEATURES
- Adds distinctive style
- Allows for better airflow
- Black or chrome finished
Stage 1 Air Cleaner Options
Stage 1 air cleaners replace the stock air filter to improve airflow without needing ECU or carburetor tuning. Many feature washable, reusable K&N filters and come in various designs like round or conical shapes. Screamin’ Eagle air cleaners integrate well with Harley software, but aftermarket options may void your warranty. Installation instructions are typically included.
Conclusion
You can choose to buy any of the best air filters for the Harley Sportster on our list. They are budget-friendly; even for the pricey ones, they provide a lot of value for the money. Regular maintenance of your ride’s engine is very important. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the business, having a clean and high-quality air cleaner can make a huge difference in your bike’s performance. However, keep in mind that the performance of an aftermarket air cleaner may void a Harley warranty, so it’s important to weigh the benefits and potential risks.
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