Here’s an overview of the Best Air Cleaners that we’ll explore today:
Air cleaners for Harley-Davidson models, including the 103 cubic inch Big Twin variants, matter because intake efficiency directly impacts throttle response, combustion efficiency, and engine longevity. In a market with multiple fitments and generations (from CV carburetors to Delphi EFI, and from air box intakes to cold air systems), choosing the right cleaner means balancing fit, filtration quality, airflow, and install effort. For this comparison, I reviewed five products spanning NicMachine, K&N, and TOPRAMETAL, with prices ranging from $67.17 to $217.83. Our methodology combined a close fit assessment based on model compatibility notes, a review of technical specifications (filter media, size, weight, mounting compatibility), and practical testing considerations including installation simplicity, airflow potential, and durability. Each product is evaluated for Harley models commonly associated with the 103 engine families or compatible 103 ci platforms, including 883/1200 Sportster lineage, Twin Cam, and Milwaukee-Eight iterations, to reflect real-world usage scenarios.
1. For harley davidson Sportster Air Cleaner filter street road glide M8 softail dyna 103 107 air intake Road King touring (OPS Black – Gray -Black spike
- Brand: NicMachine
- Manufacturer: NicMachine
Overview: This NicMachine round air cleaner intake is marketed as a vehicle-specific fit across multiple generations of Harley models, covering Sportster 883/1200, Twin Cam 1999-2017, and Milwaukee-Eight 2017-up lines, with separate model variants (A through E) that align to different generations and FBW/Fly-by-Wire considerations. It emphasizes a bottom-right positioning and a weight around 3.4 pounds, with a 7.8″ x 7.8″ x 3.5″ footprint and OEM reference NIC-957A. The kit appears to offer a robust, round filter housing with a replacement filter and mounting hardware, designed to maximize airflow while maintaining compatibility with a wide set of air cleaner intakes. Prospective buyers will note the broad compatibility and the explicit delineation of model applicability, which helps avoid mismatches on mixed-era bikes.
Performance-wise, the product is positioned as a performance part rather than a stock replacement, with a focus on low-to-mid RPM airflow improvements typical of high-flow round filters. However, the lack of a quantified airflow increase or Dyno-proven claims in the listing means real-world gains will vary by configuration (carb vs. Delphi EFI, FBW compatibility). The multiple sub-models (A–E) suggest careful selection is essential for proper fitment on 08-17 FLT Touring, 16-17 Softail/Dyna with FBW constraints, and 2017+ M8 engines. Users should expect straightforward installation but must confirm exact compatibility with their specific year/model to ensure the internal crankcase breathers and mounting geometry align.
Pros
- Broad model coverage across Sportster, Twin Cam, and M8 platforms
- Round, compact housing with standard mounting footprint
- Clear model differentiation (A–E) to improve fit accuracy
- Includes mounting hardware and replacement filter
- Relatively affordable compared to premium intake kits
Cons
- Non-uniform support for FBW throttle-by-wire configurations on some years
- No quantified horsepower gains published
- Potentially confusing if the wrong sub-model is selected
2. K
- Brand: K&N
- Manufacturer: K&N
Overview: The K&N HD-1614 is a long-standing, high-flow replacement air filter designed for Harley-Davidson models in the 2014-2017 range (Softail Slim, Heritage, Softail Classic, Fat Boy, Deluxe, Breakout, and others). It carries K&N’s 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty and emphasizes reusability, lower long-term cost, and a performance-oriented media that aims to increase horsepower and acceleration. With dimensions around 2.49 x 1.38 x 2.58 inches and a weight of 13.4 ounces, this is a compact, plug-and-play filter designed for easy installation without requiring a full intake system overhaul.
In terms of performance and usability, the HD-1614 is a straightforward upgrade that typically yields noticeable throttle response improvements and a smoother intake note due to higher flow. The filter is pre-oiled and designed for quick swap, and K&N asserts significant savings over disposable filters while offering an eco-friendly, washable solution. Real-world gains depend on the existing intake design and whether the bike uses a closed air box or a more open setup; this filter excels as a cost-effective, maintenance-friendly option that doesn’t require extra hardware beyond the filter itself.
Pros
- Proven performance heritage and positive user feedback
- 10-Year/Million Mile warranty and washable design
- Easy installation with no additional parts required
- Compact size fits many stock air boxes
- Eco-friendly, long-term cost savings over disposables
Cons
- May require re-tuning on some EFI setups for optimal AFR
- Limited to specific model years (2014-2017) and may not fit all Big Twin variants
- Not a full intake system upgrade; limited airflow gains compared to cold air kits
3. K
- Brand: K&N
- Manufacturer: K&N
Overview: The K&N RK-3952 Cold Air Intake System is a complete intake upgrade designed to maximize airflow with a high-flow, reusable air filter. It is marketed as compatible with 2008-2017 Harley-Davidson models, with a focus on increasing horsepower, torque, and throttle response. The system includes a high-flow filter, intake tubing, and mounting hardware, featuring K&N’s reusable filter media and a user-friendly installation process that can typically be completed in under an hour with standard tools.
Performance-wise, the RK-3952 is aimed at customers seeking noticeable power gains and more aggressive engine sound during acceleration. K&N supports wheel-based dynamometer tests and provides testing reports with the kit, which adds confidence in reported gains. The system is built in the USA and is designed to preserve factory warranty coverage, backed by a No-Hassle Lifetime Limited Warranty. Potential drawbacks include the higher upfront cost relative to simple filter replacements and the need to ensure model compatibility with specific year ranges and throttle-by-wire configurations to avoid fitment issues.
Pros
- Significant potential horsepower and torque improvements
- Includes complete intake components for easy installation
- Dyno-tested results and included performance reports
- Lifetime warranty and US-based support
- Improved intake sound and throttle response
Cons
- Higher price point versus disposable or simple replacement filters
- Compatibility must be confirmed for exact year/model to avoid fit issues
- Potentially more intrusive install than a simple replacement filter
4. For harley davidson Sportster Air Cleaner filter street road glide M8 softail dyna 103 107 air intake Road King touring (OPS Black – Gray -Black spike
- Brand: NicMachine
- Manufacturer: NicMachine
Overview: This listing mirrors the NicMachine NIC-957A/B/C/D/E family with the same fitment intent as Product 1 but appears as a separate listing with the same technical footprint and model variants. It emphasizes fitment across Sportster, Twin Cam, and M8 models, including ejectable notes about FBW compatibility and 2017-up engine configurations. The lack of a listed price here creates an ambiguity for buyers evaluating value against the other NicMachine variants.
From a performance perspective, this alternative brings the same design language: a round intake housing, multi-model compatibility, and the expectation of a performance-oriented air path. Users should verify exact sub-model alignment (A–E) and ensure the final selection aligns with their bike’s carburetion or injection system, throttle-by-wire, and year. Given the identical product family, gains are expected to be similar to Product 1, contingent on precise fitment.
Pros
- Continuation of NicMachine’s versatile fitment family
- Round, compact housing supports straightforward installation
- Includes all necessary hardware and replacement filter
- Good value within the NicMachine lineup
Cons
- Pricing and availability can vary between listings
- Exact fitment requires careful model selection to avoid incompatibilities
- Lack of explicit performance figures in some listings
5. For harley davidson air cleaner filter sportster Touring street glide road king electra Dyna Softail motorcycle air intake (Chromed- red filter
- Brand: TOPRAMETAL
- Manufacturer: TOPRAMETAL
Overview: TOPRAMETAL’s air cleaner kit is designed to fit a broad range of Harley-Davidson platforms, including Sportster Iron XL 1200/883, Dyna FXR, Softail, Touring models, and Milwaukee-Eight iterations through 2024. The listing highlights a chromed housing with a red-filter element and notes multiple type fitments (A–D) to cover various generations. The package emphasizes a backing plate for smooth airflow into the carb or throttle body, built-in internal crankcase breathers, a replacement high-volume air filter, and the mounting hardware necessary for installation.
Performance implications center on improved airflow due to a refined backing plate and exposed filter, potentially yielding better throttle response and a marginal to moderate boost in air intake efficiency. The inclusion of built-in breathers can simplify installation on some setups, while the chromed finish adds an aesthetic appeal for riders who value look as well as function. Real-world gains will depend on the bike’s original air box, carburetor, or throttle body configuration and whether this is paired with an intake tube upgrade.
Pros
- Broad compatibility across multiple Harley generations
- Backplate design aims to optimize airflow and hide internal breathers
- Chromed housing with red filter adds aesthetic value
- Includes mounting hardware and a high-volume filter
- Reasonable price for a full intake kit
Cons
- Some fitments may require careful year/model verification (Type A–D variants)
- No explicit dyno-proven gains published in listing
- Quality and consistency of finish may vary across batches
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about air cleanerss to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
.
.
Final thoughts here.