Kawasaki Vulcan Air Filter Cleaning
Replacing the air filter in a Kawasaki sport cruiser is pretty straightforward. However, if the air filter is reusable and in good shape, you can clean and oil it instead of replacing it.
If you run your motorcycle in dirty or dusty conditions, you'll need to clean or replace the air filter at least every 3,000-4,000 miles. Watch the video above and follow the steps below to clean and reinstall the air filter in a Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero motorcycle.
NOTE: We did an air filter cleaning on a 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero, but the steps are the same or similar for most Kawasaki cruisers.
Tools and Parts - Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero Air Filter Change
- 5mm Allen
- Air filter (OEM or aftermarket)
- Foam filter cleaner
- Foam filter oil
NOTE: We found an aftermarket K&N air filter instead of an OEM air filter inside our Kawasaki motorcycle. The K&N air filter is reusable, so we cleaned and oiled it before reinstalling it. If you’re replacing the stock OEM filter with another one, skip the steps below that cover cleaning and oiling the filter.
Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero Air Filter Replacement
Step 1. Remove the 5mm Allen bolts that hold the air filter cover in place, followed by the air filter cover itself.
Step 2. Remove the three bolts that hold the air filter in place, then pop the air filter out and inspect it to make sure it’s reusable.
NOTE: The next steps involve cleaning and oiling the reusable K&N air filter. If your bike has a factory air filter with a paper element, it’s not designed to be cleaned and oiled. The only thing you can do to clean a stock air filter is to blow it out with air, but it’s better to replace it entirely.
Step 3. Shake up a can of air filter cleaner, then spray down the inside and the outside of the air filter evenly on both sides and let it soak for about 15 minutes.
Step 4. Rinse out the air filter with water and let it air dry.
PRO TIP: You can use a little bit of compressed air to get the surface sprayed off, but don't spray directly into the air filter because it could damage the fabric. Be patient and let the filter air-dry completely.
Step 5. Spray air filter oil the same way you did with the cleaner, coating both sides of the filter evenly, then wipe down the outer edges.
Step 6. Reinstall the air filter and the three bolts that hold the filter in place, making sure not to lose their washers.
NOTE: The K&N air filter is directional, and it’s reinstalled with the lettering facing out.
Step 7. Reinstall the 5mm Allen air filter cover bolts and the cover itself and you’re done.
NOTE: The shorter bolts go up top and the longer ones go on the bottom through the cover, the filter itself and then to the backside of the cover.
Ready to do a little more maintenance on your Kawasaki motorcycle? Watch the video below to see how to change the oil in a Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero.