air filter fire, K&N filters, etc

had my air filter light up and smolder when my bike spit back mildly when starting it, got it out OK but don't want to repeat the experience....the element was a paper Fram, are others less flammable? a quick google search brought up some similar fires, interestingly looks like most were big singles and that maybe K&N elements are somewhat fire resistant but they get mixed reviews here. Does the K&N element that fits in the stock filter housing work well? got the one piece K&N clamp on replacement as a spare with the bike but from what I've read here (and heard from the PO) sounds like they are lousy for performance

I don't think there would be much difference in the resistance to fire. What burns first is a bit of gasoline that was spit out onto the filter. From there paper or foam will burn. The K&N will just cost more to replace.
I haven't seen a big difference in power with the K&N pod if you can get the jetting worked out. That part can be trying. Jim

I've had a smouldering filter on a big single with an oiled foam filter after it spat back.

Never had a problem with a K&N.
If you play with an engines induction system expect to have to rejet, if you're not prepared for that leave well alone and use stock filters.

No more or less fire proof. You may want to check your timing if it's spitting fire regularly.
The PO added the duel filter on mine. The black and blue pipes look like jetting it was...interesting.

The oiled foam filters were the rage years ago - I dunno if they're even made any more. I had one burst into flames on my Commando and managed to put it out before serious damage was done. My buddy was not so lucky, his 72 Combat burned to the ground.

I haven't used anything but the stock pleated paper element since. I'll get a puff of smoke from the intake once in a while and it scares me to death, but never had a fire with them.

I would think that the stainless steel wire that envelopes the K&N type filters' cotton guaze would prevent any flames from igniting even an ember in their gauze - even if the gauze were saturated with gasoline.

Not that I'm a big fan of the K&N type; I had a piece of wire fall out of one and it trashed a cylinder - caught in the ring area and dug a thin trench up and down the bore.

I can say from experience a K&N will not stop a flame. The wire is too coarse. Jim

thanks to all for the info, guess I'll go with a stock filter.....or maybe take extreme measures and use this an an excuse to get PWK carbs :wink: aside from the fire changing the original filter is a huge PITA

You'll like the PWKs