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The DNA Air Filter Difference: Why Motorcycle Enthusiasts Swear by These Filters

By Moto Machines 6 min read

The DNA Air Filter Difference: Why Motorcycle Enthusiasts Swear by These Filters

When you spend your days eating, sleeping, and breathing motorcycle accessories, you start to know what questions people tend to ask.

One of the most common, especially with newer riders is: “do air filters make a difference in motorcycles?”

And in this case, the answer is simple: yes.

Think of an air filter like your bike’s nose. They ensure dirt and other particulate matter don’t get into the engine. And while every bike does come with an OEM air filter, you are encouraged to change it every 10,000 miles or so to ensure peak performance. With a dirty air filter, poor fuel economy, power loss, and rough idling are common symptoms. A clean filter on the other hand, will transform air into power.

In this article, we will help you choose the best motorcycle air filter for your motorcycle. We’ll look at a few popular brands like DNA, K&N, and BMC. Each of these air filters has its own benefits and characteristics but they all have one thing in common: they are a major upgrade from the OEM air filter that came with your bike. 

Our pick: DNA air filters

DNA air filters are recognized as some of the top aftermarket air filters for motorcycles currently available. The top benefits of this air filter are:

  1. They are reusable - so unlike paper filters, you don’t have to throw them away. Instead, you can simply clean and reuse them.
  2. The overall design of the filter means that you are able to get more horsepower and acceleration from your bike when compared to the OEM option. 
  3. They are incredibly well made - which we’ll get into below.

Does a DNA air filter improve performance?

A DNA filter smooths the air flow stream as it passes through the filter. This helps to reduce turbulence by sending clean air to the engine intake. High, unified, and smooth air flow are crucial for bike performance, so you can expect increased torque and horsepower when you use a DNA air filter. 

One other great feature of a DNA air filter is that the oil they use creates a small static charge. That means even the tiniest particles won’t get into your engine because the charge naturally pulls things towards it - and keeps them there until you’re ready to clean your filter. 

What are DNA air filters made of? 

DNA air filters are made from marine grade 5000 series aluminum. They feature a unique "wrap & fill" and a precisely calculated wire diameter that is designed to fit into your existing factory air box. They are known for high tensile strength and elasticity that lasts the lifetime of the filter.

It has several layers of material including: 

  1. Cotton
  2. Wire mesh
  3. Filtering media
  4. Filter oil
  5. DNA PU
  6. DNA EVA 

You can learn more about what DNA air filters are made from by checking out this filter anatomy from the manufacturer.

How long does a DNA air filter last? 

A DNA air filter should last you about 60,000 miles if you take care of it properly - including regularly cleaning it. To maintain your filter, DNA recommends cleaning the washable air filter every 6,000-10,000 miles - or more often if you tend to ride in adverse conditions or go off road often. 

Are DNA air filters pre oiled? 

Yes, DNA filters are pre-oiled and ready to use. When you clean your DNA air filter, you’ll need a bottle of special air filter oil to re-oil the air filter.

Where are DNA air filters made? 

The DNA Filters Factory is located in Greece, in the Papakosta industrial area of Mandra- Elefsina. The town of Elefsina is about 10 miles north of Athens, so make sure to stop by and grab an air filter on your next trip to Greece. (Just kidding - you only have to use our search tool to find a perfect air filter for your bike. No frequent flier miles needed.) 

How do you install a DNA air filter? 

Once you’ve found the right DNA air filter for your bike, your next step will be to install it. Though every bike is slightly different in how they are installed, here are some general steps you can follow to install a DNA air filter:

  1. Remove the existing air filter: This will typically involve unscrewing the air filter cover and pulling out the old filter.
  2. Clean the air filter box: Use a clean cloth or compressed air to remove any debris or dust from the air filter box.
  3. Install the DNA air filter: Insert the filter into the air filter box, making sure that it fits snugly and is oriented correctly.
  4. Reassemble the air filter cover: Put the cover back on the air filter box and tighten any screws or bolts that hold it in place.
  5. Test the filter: Start the motorcycle and listen for any abnormal sounds. Take it for a short ride and check for any changes in performance or throttle response.

If you are more of a visual learner, check out our instructions in the video below. Installation instructions start at about 4 minutes:

 

Honorable Mentions: K&N and BMC

K&N and BMC are two additional popular air filter brands for bikes. Both of these brands are known for producing high-quality filters made to improve the performance of the motorcycle's engine.

Here's a comparison of K&N and BMC air filters based on price, materials, lifespan, and pre-oiling:

Price: K&N air filters are generally more affordable than BMC air filters. K&N filters are available at a lower price point, making them a more accessible option. However, BMC filters offer better performance and are generally considered to be a premium product.

Materials: K&N filters are typically made from cotton gauze, while BMC filters are made from multi-layered cotton and foam. Both of these materials are designed to provide maximum airflow and filtration. However, the multi-layered design of the BMC filters makes them slightly more effective at filtering out smaller particles.

Lifespan: K&N and BMC filters are washable and reusable, which means that they can be cleaned and reused multiple times.However, the multi-layered design of BMC filters means that they may need to be replaced more frequently than K&N filters.

Pre-oiling: K&N and BMC air filters come pre-oiled. Pre-oiling helps to ensure that the filter is properly lubricated and ready to use right out of the box. This is an important feature, as the experience of oiling a filter yourself can be time-consuming and messy.

Both K&N and BMC air filters are high-quality products that are designed to improve the performance of your motorcycle's engine. K&N filters are more affordable and have a longer lifespan, while BMC filters offer better performance and are considered to be a more premium product.

The final results: DNA = power, results, and air flow

A good air filter is essential for any motorcycle rider who wants to maximize their bike's performance and longevity. By using a top-rated air filter, such as DNA, riders can ensure that their engine is receiving clean and sufficient airflow, leading to improved acceleration, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. Filters also tend to have a relatively low price point; meaning that any aftermarket purchase will be an improvement. 

If you're looking to upgrade your motorcycle's air filter, don't hesitate to reach out to us for expert guidance and advice. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards a smoother and more powerful ride. And for more Moto content? Sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates, new products, sales, and much more.

 

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