Narrow Air Cleaner (2019)

marshg246

marshg246

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The "hamcan" air cleaner is difficult to get on and off by yourself. It seems so simple to make one that's thinner, but I haven't been able to find an appropriate filter element. Some time ago, I found that RGM Norton sells one. It's not particularly expensive but like so many things from the UK, it becomes expensive when shipping is added.

I finally gave up and ordered from them. Here's my take:
  1. Works
  2. The supplied bolts are too short - you need 2-1/4" bolts. I barely got the 2" ones supplied without washers so I could take the picture. They are only caught by about two threads.
  3. The filter element is slightly too large a diameter. It is difficult to get into the metal gauze but with effort and care you can get it in.
  4. The metal gauze is OK. The quality could be a little better and it's not shiny. It is the right shape.
  5. The standard Andover Norton carb connector hoses (06.2537) work (just) but you must install the carb adapter rings (03.3027) backwards - see the picture.
  6. Installing/removing the air cleaner element is easy and access to the carb banjo bolts and drain plugs is much easier.
  7. The extra room will make it possible to use 150 degree 5/16" Amal banjos and 5/16" fuel line like some other British Bikes use.
I plan to space the back mounting plate (06.4894) out 3/16" using 2 spacers (06.2170) at the bottom and add another at the top bracket (two at the top instead of the standard one). The filter will still be easily removable but the connector hoses will fit a little better.

Narrow Air Cleaner (2019)
Narrow Air Cleaner (2019)
 
I've heard K&N can supply a slimmer filter as well. I run the standard K&N replacement for OEM and find it quite easy to remove it when needed unless I'm also fitting the oem grill. Without the grill, I take off the forward plate and rotate the filter out easily.
 
Tornado said:
I've heard K&N can supply a slimmer filter as well. I run the standard K&N replacement for OEM and find it quite easy to remove it when needed unless I'm also fitting the oem grill. Without the grill, I take off the forward plate and rotate the filter out easily.
Click to expand...

I've heard that too, but there's not one on their site and when I wrote them providing dimensions, they said they had nothing the right dimensions that is flexible. They do have 8" diameter and 2" tall which would be perfect, but it cannot be reshaped to fit - already wasted money on that.

They do have the one that looks nothing like the stock filter - I have that on my rider and don't like it.
 
Recently fitted the RGM thinner ham can to replace a K&N filter. Agree with most of Greg's comments - it's a good improvement and much easier to get on and off.

I didn't have an issue with the bolts supplied. Not near the bike so can't measure what was supplied but pretty sure they were set screws not bolts. I remember as mine's an Interstate and the RHS side panel was just catching near the head end of the bolt/screw. I pushed some tubing over the screw to prevent it (bonus that it also retains the screw in the cover).

I discovered that you have to reverse the adapters too.

Looks much better than the K&N too IMHO.
 
Gadge said:
I didn't have an issue with the bolts supplied. Not near the bike so can't measure what was supplied but pretty sure they were set screws not bolts.
Click to expand...

UK verses US English. They are set screws in UK English as they are fully threaded hex head bolts. In US English, This is a set screw:

Narrow Air Cleaner (2019)
 
Aha - been working with US colleagues for many years but not realised that UK vs US English was different for set screws. That beastie pictured is a grub screw over here. Not sure which grub it fits though!

I did look at the picture you added but hard to tell they are fully threaded in the picture - hence my assumption...
 
marshg246 said:
I've heard that too, but there's not one on their site and when I wrote them providing dimensions, they said they had nothing the right dimensions that is flexible. They do have 8" diameter and 2" tall which would be perfect, but it cannot be reshaped to fit - already wasted money on that.

They do have the one that looks nothing like the stock filter - I have that on my rider and don't like it.
Click to expand...

I simply shortened the length of the boot or throat of the standard K&N. Now I just relieve the clamp pressure surrounding the two boots and it is easy to slip on and off the intake throats of the Amals without the usual wrestling match.
 
The issue I see with the specialty slim filter is it now locks you in to RGM being your filter supplier. An expensive solution for a regular maintenance item especially for those having to pay high shipping rates.
 
Tornado said:
The issue I see with the specialty slim filter is it now locks you in to RGM being your filter supplier. An expensive solution for a regular maintenance item especially for those having to pay high shipping rates.
Click to expand...
I agree wholeheartedly and am still trying to find a suitable filter. I would much prefer to use the standard perforated cover (gauze) and cut it down.

The part that really annoys me is that I tried to work with RGM a while ago to be a dealer for these and to make a bulk purchase to sell in North America. Buying in bulk makes the shipping hurt less normally and bulk purchases normally come with a discount. For 10 sets plus 10 extra filters in an initial order, they were only willing to slightly reduce the shipping from ordering one by one and wanted full-price on the items. I hate doing business with people with no business acumen!

So, I ordered two filters and one gauze because the shipping was 20 pounds minimum and for that order it was still 20 pounds. My total came to 80.70 pounds. as the filters are 15.90 each and the gauze is 28.90. I recommend anyone doing this to not order the gauze and cut theirs down. I ordered it thinking I wouldn't have to screw with getting the right bolts and that the quality would be better.

If I was sure I could sell them, I would have this all manufactured but the last couple of things I've had manufactured have not sold well.
 
Lineslinger said:
I simply shortened the length of the boot or throat of the standard K&N. Now I just relieve the clamp pressure surrounding the two boots and it is easy to slip on and off the intake throats of the Amals without the usual wrestling match.
Click to expand...
Ya, that's what the PO did too. However they are too short and too hard so it is infuriating to get the filter installed. The silly part is that it's a MK2A with the plastic air box removed so there's plenty of room to work and he didn't need to cut them short. They may have a long warranty but when the rubber gets hard the warranty is of little use.
 
Anyone thought about hacking down a standard size filter element and making or refitting the sealing surface to the now slimmer filter element? Should be possible using adhesive on the paper material.
 
Tornado said:
Anyone thought about hacking down a standard size filter element and making or refitting the sealing surface to the now slimmer filter element? Should be possible using adhesive on the paper material.
Click to expand...
Ya, tried it and may try some more. Not too hard to cut down, but making a mold and working with liquid silicone to form the new seal has proved to be hard for me. If you had a way to make the mold that silicone wouldn't stick to, it is certainly possible.
 
According to RGM they are 1.95 inches wide. Couldn't you go to a friendly auto accessory store and find a similar width filter? If it's too big cut it down to length and silicone the ends together. Too small just clamp it in place between the plates. (or get two and join them).

Cheers,

cliffa.
 
cliffa said:
According to RGM they are 1.95 inches wide. Couldn't you go to a friendly auto accessory store and find a similar width filter? If it's too big cut it down to length and silicone the ends together. Too small just clamp it in place between the plates. (or get two and join them).

Cheers,

cliffa.
Click to expand...
It's not problem whatever to find one the right diameter and height. Finding one that also flexible - have not been able to.
 
I run a Fram round air cleaner in mine but I do not see the part number in my log book. The round can just be squeezed into an oval. I did find this site for Wix air filters that might be of use. I also believe I have seen a K&N in my spares that is for the stock set up. The trick to getting the filter to go in is to really shove the boots and the front plate up onto the carb throat and then slip the filter into place. Ha Ha he says! Found it Fram CA146 Air Filter
Or try this https://www.knfilters.com/search/universal/oval-air-filter/
 
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What about those open cell foam types used as "high performance" filters on lots of modern aftermarket cars and bikes. "DNA" is one brand. These might be easier to work with/shape how we want than the pleated paper or cotton-gauze sort.
 
Narrow Air Cleaner (2019)
Narrow Air Cleaner (2019)
Narrow Air Cleaner (2019)
Only slightly off topic. This is the shortened air cleaner we made for use with the CNW starter. I preferred to retain as much of the classic look as possible. Uses a standard air cleaner but just cut, shortened and reglued.

The side bolts moved up, shortened and slim plates added to clear the frame tubes at this point

Now I have seen the slimmer one I wonder if it would have worked too. I shall check when I get the bike assembled. Just picked up the refurbished engine this morning.
 
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