when to change your air filter

[als4life]

I have had my 1800 little over a yr now. When should the air filter be changed. I see how much of a job it going to be.. Just wondering when would you know to change it? thanks

[AZgl1800]

for me, when the fuel mileage starts to get effected.

when you do, put some screens in the intakes so the big bugs and mice can't make a nest inside.

If the shelter has to come off for some reason, I would do it then also, or at least check it out.

[PastoT]

I bought mine at 38k and filter was clean, changed out about 20k later and it wasn't bad as I expected in fact if not for the work done to get too it I'd have left it in. I'm at 89k now and suspect because I ride a dusty region its close to time. My owner's manual relates every 12k miles, but I suspect a drop in MPG that isn't fuel or spark plugs would be a good indicator as mentioned. My filter was almost clean after 20k (I could see light through it and couldn't thump anything out of it. If you've had the shelter off a couple times and have your tools on hand its a two hour job for me any I've a pile of added electronics (added wiring and items in and under the glove boxes to contend with). While you're there if your Cruise Control is lagging you can take the opportunity to adjust where it engages too.

[als4life]

Thanks mine was changed right at 20,000 just before I bought it... it now at 70, 000 and not noticed any change in MPG... I will keep an eye on that. Thanks for the responses!!

[WingAdmin]

It really depends. The GL1800 maintenance schedule has you replacing it every 12,000 miles, or more often if ridden in dusty or wet conditions. If your bike is under warranty, then absolutely stick to this schedule, or risk voiding your warranty.

In the real world, I have found that air filter replacement schedules are normally quite optimistic, and you end up swapping one clean filter for another. With the amount of work it takes to get TO the GL1800 filter, this can be annoying.

So the decision has to be made by the owner. Do you ride in dusty conditions? Dirt roads? Where there's lots of tree pollen? Perhaps sticking to the schedule is a good idea. If not, you could be quite safe extending it a bit.

[als4life]

No it is not dusty I don't think around where I ride as much. No farm land or much around. Thanks for the info..