The Top 14 Best Air Intake For Harley Davidson 2024– Reviews & Buying Guide  

This article will tell you our top pick for the best air intake for a Harley Davidson.

In addition, we will be giving you a complete buyers guide for Harley Davidson air intakes, as well as telling you what to look out for.

In our top 14 list of the best air intakes, we will list the pros and cons of each and the highlighted features of each intake.

Furthermore, we will also give an in-depth review of each air intake, where we will tell you much more detail about each in air intake in specific.

When reading our article, you may have a few questions. Well, don’t worry, we have got you covered.

At the bottom of this article, there is a FAQs section where we answer all the most commonly asked questions about Harley Davidson air intakes.

What is The Best Air Intake For Harley Davidson?

We believe wholeheartedly that the K&N cold air intake is the best air intake for Harley-Davidsons.

There really is not much competition for the K&N cold air intake; it blows all of its competition out of the water.

Why is K&N Cold Air Intake The Best Air Intake For Harley Davidson?

There are numerous reasons why the K&N cold air intake is the best air intake for a Harley Davidson.

To sum it up, it is the highest quality and best performing air intake out there.

If you are looking for a Harley Davidson air filter, you could not find any better option.

The Comparison Table of Best Air Intake For Harley Davidson

Factors You Need to Consider When Buying The Best Air Intake For Harley Davidson

Power

One of the primary reasons you may be looking to buy an air filter for your Harley Davidson is to increase the performance of your bike.

Different air filters will have different effects on the performance.

Depending on the quality, it could drastically improve the efficiency of your bike, or an air filter could even reduce the performance if it’s low quality.

Because of this, one of the main things you need to look out for is how much an air filter affects your Harley-Davidsons performance.

If you want to increase your bike’s power drastically, you’ll want to opt for an air filter that does that.

Although, if you aren’t too concerned with optimizing your bike and just want a nice boost to the performance, then the power isn’t as much of a factor for you.

Installation

Some air intakes are designed to make the installation process as easy and seamless as possible. Although, some are not.

If you want to install your air intake yourself, you’ll need to make sure that you can install whatever intake you choose.

Because of this, unless you are an experienced mechanic, it may be best to opt for an air intake that’s simple to install.

On the other hand, you could always go to a professional to get your air intake installed on your Harley Davidson, which completely negates the installation process.

Quality

The quality of an air filter is a crucial aspect you need to consider.

Lower-quality air intakes will not last as long as high-quality ones. They also possess other negative traits, such as giving only a negatable increase in performance or even damaging your bike.

It’s always better to go for higher quality air intakes to avoid the problems we listed above.

Although, if you don’t use your Harley much, then you may not need to go for the crème de la crème.

Emissions

One of the most potentially serious factors you need to consider is the emissions an air filter gives off.

Not only is giving off a lot of emissions bad for the environment, but it can also face criminal repercussions in specific locations.

It’s of the utmost importance to check if the air filter you plan to get is legal wherever you plan to drive it.

To check if an air filter is legal where you are situated, do a quick google search about the regulations around your area.

For some of the more popular air filters, you could even type the specific filter into google and get results quickly.

Finally, if either option doesn’t work, you could go to a local automotive store and ask.

Looks

A factor that is often ignored is the visual component of an air filter. No one wants to get an air filter that reduces the looks of their bike.

Instead, you should make sure the air intake you purchase improves the aesthetics of your bike.

Of course, looks are always subjective. Because of this, there are many different looks and styles to ensure that there is a lookout there for everybody.

Many people ignore this factor and don’t even think about how a particular air filter will look on their Harley.

Instead, they go for an air filter that improves the performance and efficiency the most.

However, an air filter that looks bad on your bike will quickly become stale.

If you don’t like the look of your Harley, this can be a big issue.

You may find that even though the air filter you chose gives you the best performance, it takes away from the looks, which leads you to buy a new air intake rendering the previous purchase worthless.

Size

The size of an air intake matters for a few reasons. For one, not every Harley air intake will fit on every motorbike.

This means that getting an air filter that is the wrong size will be a complete waste of your time as it will be unusable.

In addition, even if an air filter does fit, it may still look too large or small on your bike.

To remedy this, it’s always vital to check if an air intake is suitable for your Harley Davidson.

Companies will usually state what bikes their air filter will fit, so make sure to look out for it and ensure your bike is compatible.

Our Top 14 Recommendations of The Best Air Intake For Harley Davidson

01. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit – Best Popular Cold Air Intake For Harley Davidson

 

Highlighted features

• Million-mile guarantee
• 50% improved airflow
• Improved engine sound
• Protects engine
• Easy to install

The K&N Cold Air Intake Kit takes the number one spot on our list for so many reasons. First, this air filter practically has no negatives.

This air intake has a mind-boggling million-mile guarantee, and it is highly durable/long-lasting.

In addition, the K&N Cold Air Intake Kit is easily one of the highest quality air filters out there when it comes to pure build quality.

In addition, it also improves the airflow to your engine 50% more than the stock air filter on Harley-Davidsons.

This leads to a drastic increase in performance that is almost unmatched by all of its competition.

Another great plus for the K&N Cold Air Intake Kit is just how much better it will make your Harley sound.

There is a night and day difference in sound from the stock Harley Davidson sound. It makes Harley-Davidsons a lot louder, and it sounds so much more impressive.

A nice little bonus is that this filter is also easy to install. However, it doesn’t come with any tools to do so, which is not a big deal.

Most of the tools you will require are everyday tools that the majority of people own.

We only mentioned this to have at least one drawback to the K&N Cold Air Intake Kit, but there isn’t any in reality.

Pros

• Extremely long-lasting
• Increases performance drastically
• Makes your bike sound better
• Straightforward installation

Cons

• Doesn’t come with the tools required for installation

02. K&N Engine Air Filter – Best Quality Harley Cold Air Intake

 

Highlighted features

• Long-lasting
• 50 % improved performance
• Easy to install
• Washable
• Eco-friendly

The K&N Engine Air Filter will last you a lifetime. It is designed with longevity in mind as it can be easily washed and reused, which is perfect for people who drive on muddy terrain.

Furthermore, it also drastically improves the performance of your Harley by improving airflow and removing dirt from the engine.

One of the main selling points for the K&N Engine Air Filter is its eco-friendly design.

Because this air filter is so rugged, it will save you buying and replacing air filters frequently. In turn, this will help the environment and your wallet.

It is also effortless to install and comes pre-oiled.

Something that may be a downside to some is that this air filter doesn’t have much of an effect on the engine’s sound.

Other air filters usually make the engine sound louder and awe-inspiring, but the K&N Engine Air Filter has little to no effect.

However, for those of you who don’t want your Harley to be heard from a different country, this may be the best air intake for Harley Davidson.

Pros

• High-quality and long-lasting
• Improved performance
• Easy installation
• Eco friendly

Cons

• Doesn’t affect the sound much

03. K&N Air Intake System: Air Cleaner Kit

 

Highlighted features

• Improves horsepower
• Improves throttle response
• Makes the engine louder
• Washable and reusable

The K&N Air Intake System: Air Cleaner Kit is a fantastic air intake.

Not only does it improve the performance of your Harley, but it also has the additional benefit of making the throttle more responsive.

This, in turn, makes for a much more fluid ride and gives a delightful riding experience.

Furthermore, this air intake will make your Harley sound like a monster. It adds an awe-inspiring sound that builds upon the already established “Harley” sound.

As well as all the points we mentioned above; it’s also one of the air filters that will last you a lifetime. Its high quality, cleanable, and reusable.

If you take good care of your bike and filter, you’ll never have to repurchase another filter.

There’s only one thing you should look out for with the K&N Air Intake System: Air Cleaner Kit, and that is the fragile installation process.

There are quite a few reports of people breaking some of the components when trying to install, so it may be best to leave this one to a professional.

Pros

• Improved performance
• More responsive throttle
• Louder engine
• Reusable

Cons

• Can be fragile to install

04. Arlen Ness 18-803

 

Highlighted features

• No banjo fittings or hoses needed
• Increased power
• Easy to install

The Arlen Ness, 18-803 has the unique feature of not requiring banjo fittings or hoses.

This is very unusual as most air filters require both of these components to be installed on other air filters.

This, in turn, makes the installation process much easier and quicker, and people who are not mechanically adept will be able to install this filter with ease.

The Arlen Ness 18-803 also increases the power and efficiency of any Harley Davidson installed on by a land mile.

The performance boost from this air filter is truly impressive.

Although, the color tends to come off quite easily from wear and tear.

This means that you may need to spend a lot of time repainting it if you don’t want it to be blank.

However, this is just a cosmetic issue. For some people, this is not a problem as you could simply leave it blank.

Pros

• Doesn’t need banjo fittings or hoses
• Increases power
• Easy to install

Cons

• Colour washes out with rain

05. K&N Air Intake System 63-1126

 

Highlighted features

• The average gain of 8.7 horsepower
• Improved throttle response
• Increases engine sound
• Washable and reusable

The K&N Air Intake System 63-1126 offers a guaranteed average horsepower increase of 8.7 percent.

This is amazing as many other air filters claim to provide a power increase, but they don’t state how much.

Because of this, it makes the K&N Air Intake System 63-1126 much more specific in what it can offer as it tells you precisely what you will get.

Furthermore, this air intake also provides a noticeable improvement to the throttle response of a Harley Davidson. As a result, it makes the riding experience much more fun and responsive.

In addition, this air filter will give a drastic Improvement to your Harley Davidsons engine sound. It may even be too loud for some.

The K&N Air Intake System 63-1126 is illegal to use in quite a few locations.

Because of the drastic increase in engine noise and the increased emissions, many countries have outright outlawed this air filter.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Improved engine sound
• Washable
• Improved throttle sensitivity

Cons

• Not legal in a lot of places

06. MOTOKU M533-A014

 

Highlighted features

• Fits a wide range of Harley Davidsons
• Washable
• Changes the sound drastically

The MOTOKU M533-A014 is an air filter that was made for a wide variety of different Harley Davidsons.

If you have a Harley Davidson, this air intake will most likely fit it.

This is potentially a great stress reliever for people worried about getting an air filter that isn’t compatible with their bike.

Furthermore, this air intake will increase the sound of your Harley ten-fold.

So not only will it make your bike louder, but it will also give it a much more “meatier” sound and feel.

The MOTOKU M533-A014 is also super quality and long-lasting.

It is washable and reusable, so if you take good care of it, it could last a lifetime.

Although, this air filter maybe a little more complicated to install than some of the other options out there.

If you plan on getting this air filter, you will need to have a good idea of what you’re doing and have basic mechanical knowledge.

However, this can all be negated by getting a professional to install it for you.

Pros

• Compatible with a wide range of Harley’s
• Improves the sound drastically
• Washable
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Hard to install

07. Vance & Hines Cage Fighter VO2 Air Intake

 

Highlighted features

• Sleek and stylish design
• Washable
• Available in different colors

For those of you out there who put more of an emphasis on the aesthetics of your bike, then the Vance & Hines Cage Fighter VO2 Air Intake will be right up the best air intake for Harley Davidson.

The Vance & Hines Cage Fighter VO2 Air Intake is exceptionally stylish and has a modern design and look.

In addition, it is also available in a multitude of different colors and styles.

This air filter is washable, which in turn means you can reuse this filter indefinitely.

This can save you from the hassle of replacing your air filter frequently, and it will also save you some of your hard-earned cash.

However, despite all of the effort put into the look of this air intake, it will be hidden for most of the time.

This is because this air intake is minimal, and it is usually fully covered by your leg when riding.

So, if you don’t mind that this super smart and sleek air intake will be covered while you are riding, this filter will be a great addition to your bike.

In reality, the only time your bike looks will genuinely matter is when you look at it while you are not riding, which will give the Vance & Hines Cage Fighter VO2 Air Intake a chance to shine.

Pros

• Very stylish
• Reusable
• Available in a variety of colors

Cons

• Small/hidden

08. Arlen Ness 08-16

 

Highlighted features

• Large surface area
• Water-resistant
• Reusable
• O-ringed breather technology

The Arlen Ness 08-16 is available to produce a more noticeable performance boost than most of our other entries on our list.

This is because this air filter has a much larger surface area than usual to take in more air.

For those who are focused on getting the best overall performance out of your Harley, this would be an excellent choice.

Like many of our other recommendations on this list, the Arlen Ness 08-16 is also washable and reusable.

This will save you the headache of replacing an air intake once it gets too clogged up – something which a lot of lower quality air intake struggle with.

Interestingly, this air filter is water-resistant. This feature means that this air intake is perfect for people riding in sub-par conditions or moist climates.

The only thing to note with the Arlen Ness 08-16 is that it is only compatible with a few Harley Davidson models, so it’s not widely available to most riders.

If you happen to be one of the lucky few that can use this air filter, then you have a great option in your hands.

Pros

• Larger surface area than other air filters
• Water-resistant
• New O-ring technology

Cons

• Only fits a few specific Harley models

09. Black ops air intake

 

Highlighted features

• Built-in internal crankcase breathers
• high-volume air filter
• Sleek design
• Available in multiple colors
• All mounting hardware included
• Exposed filter design

This air filter takes an exciting approach that is not followed by the majority of its competition.

The Black ops air intake has an exposed filter design that allows air to be pushed through it much more efficiently.

This, in turn, makes a significant and noticeable difference. The performance increase this air intake offers is one of the more impressive on this list.

You can tell the difference when using this air intake compared to other air intakes.

In addition, it has one of the most impressive sounds too. Because of the exposed filter, it manages to take in so much air at once, which creates a truly monstrous sound.

Everyone in your whole town will know when you are out riding with this filter.

Also, it looks incredible. It has an innovative and sleek design that is certain to appeal to many people.

It also can come in multiple different colors, so there are different variations of this filter out there.

The only drawback to the Black ops air intake is that there are quite a few complaints from people who bought this air intake stating that it didn’t fit their Harley even though it claimed to be compatible with their bike model.

This can be a big issue, which could even mean that you completely waste your time and money.

To remedy this issue, it would be a good idea to check in with other Harley riders who have the same bike model as you and ask them if the Black ops air intake will fit your bike.

Pros

• Amazing atheistic
• Colour options
• Increased air intake

Cons

• It may not fit all the Harleys it claims too

10. HTTMT MT227-BK

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Highlighted features

• Aggressive and cool style
• 360-degree spike cover
• Washable
• Increases performance

The HTTMT MT227-BK is one of the most unique-looking air filters on our list. It has a highly aggressive and bold look to it, and it just looks so good.

It takes a different approach to design than most other air filters by opting for a triangular cone shape, making it stand out from the crowd.

This is by far the best-looking air intake on our list. It looks imposing.

In addition, this air filter will give a nice boost to the performance of your bike, and it is also reusable.

There is a big issue with the HTTMT MT227-BK, and that is that it is known to come off easily and fall off bikes while riding.

This can be remedied by installing it optimally, but even then, there’s a chance it could come loose and eventually fall off.

If it weren’t for this drawback, this air filter would find itself much higher on our list. It’s a significant-looking air intake that gives a drastic boost to performance.

If you can get past the thought of your air intake potentially coming off while riding, this truly is a fantastic and unique air filter.

Pros

• Looks amazing
• Reusable
• Unique design
• Increases horsepower

Cons

• It is known to fall off easily

11. XMMT Black Clear Air Cleaner Intake

 

Highlighted features

• Exposed filter
• Sleek design
• Increases performance

The XMMT Black Clear Air Cleaner Intake has an immaculate and intelligent appearance.

It has an exposed filter which not only makes this air intake look tremendous and unique; it’s also practical.

The exposed filter allows the combustion process to be more efficient as more air can get to the filter in a shorter amount of time.

This, in turn, directly correlates to an increase in horsepower and efficiency.

A major you need to look out for with the XMMT Black Clear Air Cleaner Intake is that it seems to get clogged up much quicker than other air filters.

This means you will frequently have to clean this air filter to get the maximum performance out of your bike, which will undoubtedly annoy some people.

In addition, this air filter is only compatible with a limited number of Harleys, which drastically reduces the number of people who will use this best air intake for Harley Davidson.

Pros

• Looks amazing
• Boosts performance
• More efficient air intake

Cons

• It isn’t compatible with a lot of Harley models
• Get clogged up quickly

12. Motor Deep Edge Cut Air Cleaner

 

Highlighted features

• Exposed filter
• Black and chrome design
• Improves airflow into carburetor/throttle body
• Mounting hardware included

The Motor Deep Edge cut Air Cleaner does a great job of mixing looks and functionality.

This filter looks excellent, and it also increases the performance of Harley bikes in several ways.

It has an exposed filter which drastically increases the air intake compared to other filters, which can increase horsepower significantly.

In addition, it also has the added effect of making the throttle more responsive, which makes the whole riding experience a lot more fun.

Although, this filter is known for being a little troublesome on occasion.

There seem to be quite a few people who claim to have bought the Motor Deep Edge cut Air Cleaner for their bike, only for It not to fit.

This is even the case with motorbikes which it claims to be compatible with.

Pros

• Sleek look
• Increases horsepower
• Improves throttle response

Cons

• Doesn’t always fit on bikes it claims to

13. AGECO Air Filter Intake

 

Highlighted features

• Unique theme
• Easy to install
• High volume

The AGECO Air Filter Intake is perhaps one of the most exciting air filters on our list.

It has a unique look due to its blue and white theme, which makes it stand out.

Most air filters opt to go for a more basic theme of all black, which is excellent, but for people who like something a little different, this one has got you covered.

Aside from its looks, it’s also got the performance to back them too.

This air filter allows for a high volume of air to reach inside your engine, which can drastically improve your Harley’s horsepower.

It’s also one of the more accessible air filters to install on our list, as it has been explicitly designed to make the installation process as easy as possible.

This makes it perfect for people who want to have a go at installing their air filter but don’t have the mechanical know-how.

However, the AGECO Air Filter Intake sacrifices some of its reliability to make it easy to install.

A common thing that happens to people who have the AGECO Air Filter Intake is that the bolts vibrate and eventually become loose.

This means it’s not unheard of for this air filter to just fall off randomly on the road.

Pros

• Very unique
• Easy installation
• High air volume

Cons

• Can fall off your Harley easily

14. NewYall Air Cleaner Intake Filter System Kit

 

Highlighted features

• Increases sounded of engine

The NewYall Air Cleaner Intake Filter System Kit is known for one thing, and one thing only – it’s sound.

This filter will significantly change the sound of your Harley’s engine to the point where it sounds like a monster truck.

Seriously. The noise that this air filter produces is mind-boggling. For people who are looking to make their Harley as loud and intimidating as possible, you can’t go wrong with this filter.

Although, that is where the positives end.

This air intake is known to only last a couple of months at best due to its sub-par quality. This means that you will have to constantly buy this filter over and over again to use it consistently.

In addition, it’s tough to install. There plenty of people stating that to install the NewYall Air Cleaner Intake Filter System Kit, they had to get highly creative. Also, it just looks pretty plain and doesn’t stand.

Overall, this filter is only suitable for people who want to make their Harley sound as excellent as possible.

Pros

• Improves sound

Cons

• Looks plain
• Doesn’t last long
• Hard to install

 

FAQ’s About Best Air Intake For Harley Davidson

Is it legal to put an air intake on my Harley Davidson?

An air intake’s legality depends on two things; the air intake and where you live.

It’s always important to check what air filters are allowed where you live and that you only stick to the ones that are allowed.

If you don’t adhere to the air filter regulations, you could face huge fines and repercussions.

To check if the air intake you want to use to do a quick google search of your area’s regulations, and the majority of the time, you will be able to find out with ease.

How do I Install an air intake?

The way you install an air intake can be different for every air intake.

Although, it shouldn’t be too hard, and you will probably be able to do it yourself after searching for a few guides and explanations.

However, if you are not confident in installing an air filter, it’s always recommended to get it installed by a professional.

If you don’t set up your air filter correctly, you could potentially damage your Harley Davidson and your best air intake for Harley Davidson.

How long will an air intake last?

A good quality air filter could last you a lifetime. If you go for a super high-end air filter, it could last for a mind-boggling amount of time.

This is because high-end air intake manufactures for Harley Davidson built their products to last as long as a Harley Davidson motorbike does, which can span over multiple lifetimes.

However, if you get a low quality or poorly made air intake, you could have to replace this within a matter of months or even weeks.

Will an air intake make my bike shoot flames?

Unless you get a faulty air intake, it will not make your bike shoot flames.

Even though shooting flames from your exhaust looks impressive, it Is not a positive thing for your bike, and it usually means that there are some issues.

So, no. An air intake that is high quality and functions correctly will not make your Harley Davidson shoot flames from its exhaust.

What does an air intake do?

Air intakes provide air and oxygen to your engine to cool it down and improve the efficiency of the combustion process.

In turn, this can improve the performance of your vehicle drastically.

Is it hard to install an air intake on a Harley Davidson by myself?

No. Air intakes can be relatively easy to install, and most people will be able to do it just fine all by themselves after doing a little research.

However, if you are uncomfortable with basic bike mechanics, it will always be better to get a professional to install your intake.

Is an air intake safe to put on my bike?

If you get a well-made and high-quality air intake, then it will be completely safe to install an air take on your Harley Davidson as long as you get the correct one for your bike.

Although, if you get a lousy air intake, it may damage or make your bike function worse.

In addition, if the air intake you get is too big for your bike or isn’t installed correctly, there are many ways this could damage your Harley Davidson.

Conclusion

You should now have a much better understanding of Harley Davidson air intakes as a whole.

After reading our article, you will know exactly what to look for in a Harley Davidson air filter and what to avoid.

To choose the best option for you, go through all the buying considerations we mentioned and then go back through our top recommendation list and see which one appeals to you the most.

Although all the air intakes we featured on our list are excellent air filters, and you can’t go wrong with any one of them.