2008-2015 Harley-Davidson K&N Air Intake System Boosts Airflow, Horsepower, Torque
- 15 Aug 2016
Motorcycles from American manufacturer Harley-Davidson® may arguably be the most popular motorcycles on the road today. The company offers a wide assortment of models that include the Road Glide, Street Glide, Ultra Limited, Street Glide, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, the Road King and the three-wheel trikes –- the Freewheeler and Tri Glide Ultra Classic.
The Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide and Electra Glide models fall under the Touring family, also known as “dressers” or “Baggers.” The Road King has a “retro cruiser” look and is reminiscent of the big-twin models Harley-Davidson offered in the 1940s and 1950s that featured large clear windshields. Electra Glide is distinguished by its full front fairings and most include a fork-mounted fairing dubbed the “Batwing.” The Road Glide and Road Glide Ultra Classic includes a frame-mounted fairing, known as the “Sharknose” that also features a dual front headlight. Touring Models in general include large saddlebags, rear coil-over air suspension and the only models to include full fairings with radios and CBs. All Touring Models share the same frame, which was first introduced with a Shovelhead motor in 1980 that have been carried forward with some improvements until 2009, when it was dramatically redesigned. It also has a unique frame that is differentiated from other Harley-Davidson motorcycle frames by its steering head located in front of the forks. Moreover, it was the first Harley® frame to rubber mount the drivetrain to separate the rider from the vibration of the big V-twin engine. The Touring cycles went through a refreshing in 1994 when the oil tank was moved to a location under the transmission and the battery was moved inboard from the right saddlebag to under the seat. Another modification took place in 1997 with the frame changed to permit a larger battery to go under the seat and the seat height was lowered. Harley-Davidson introduced a new engine to power these motorcycles in 2007. The 96-cubic inch (1,570 cubic centimeters) Twin Cam was mated to a 6-speed transmission and delivered higher speed on the highway. The company introduced the FLHX Street Glide in 2006 into the Touring family. It actually was the personal motorcycle of Harley-Davidson’s senior vice president and chief styling officer William (Willie) G Davidson. In 2008, the company added anti-lock braking systems, cruise control as factory installed option, a new six-gallon fuel tank and throttle-by-wire to the Touring models.
In 2009, Harley-Davidson made changes to the touring models with the introduction of a new frame, new swingarm, revised engine mounting system, 17-inch (430mm) front wheels for all models except the Road King Classic, and a 2-1-2 exhaust. All of this resulted in better load carrying capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, longer-range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the rider and passenger. Also in 2009, Harley-Davidson debuted its first three-wheeled motorcycle since it discontinued the Servi-Car in 1973, the Tri-Glide Ultra Classic. A 103-cubic inch (1,690 cc) engine was also unveiled that exclusively powers the trike. Harley-Davidson again made modifications to the touring motorcycles in 2014 that included a new 103CI high output engine, one handed easy open saddlebags and compartments, a new boom box Infotainment system with 4.3-inch or 6.5-inch screens, Bluetooth and made available GPS navigation and Sirius XM Radio, and USB ports and charging. K&N offers the RK-3947 air intake system for these Harley-Davidson models. The system is guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque and replaces the stock air filter cleaner backing plate assembly. The air filter inside the intake system is washable and reusable. K&N recommends checking and cleaning the filter once a year, depending on driving conditions. The filter features multiple layers of cotton gauze media that is treated with a special grade of filter oil so it captures and holds dirt particles. K&N offers air filter cleaning kits that cleanse the filter in seven easy steps so that it can be reused. The air intake system features an oversized black, powder-coated aluminum backing plate for solid mounting to the cycle and built-in breathers that are designed to replace the external original equipment breathers. The breather directs pressure into the throttle body opening and not out into the air filter. K&N backs the air filter with a unique Million Mile Limited Warranty® that promises that the filter will last for up to 10 years or 1,000,000 miles without needing replacement. The RK-3947 air intake system is designed for the following H-D® models: 2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRXS ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL 103 CI - All |
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