Air filters...

This has probably been done to death, but:

the bandit air filter... (on a 1200, I presume it's the same for a 1250?)

Jesus Christ, what a pain in the arse having to take off the petrol tank... makes one less willing to check it often....

Anyway... the one on mine is on the way out, was pretty dirty, gave it a good clean with compressed air and a white tshirt   but it'll need replacing next time I clean it.

Any comments / experience on aftermarket options?

K & N filter is the way to go. Not so much maintenance.  If you are Brisbane based, I have a K & N filter in it's box along with a recharge kit, also in its box. PM me if interested.

Thanks.... less maintenance because why?

I'm not close to Brissy...

The OEM filter gets thrown out when dirty.  The K & N gets washed and re-oiled and re-used.  Literally a lifetime purchase,the same as a BMC filter

Sorry to high jack this thread. I purchased a K&N air filter and have yet to fit it. The bike is fitted with a Yoshi and has the Power Commander on it. If I fit the K&N, does anything need to be done to the air/fuel mixture? ie: should the bike be dyno'd to ensure it is not running lean or will the PC/computer fix the mixtures? Cheers cal

If the bike is otherwise tuned to the pipe, the K and N won't in itself cause a problem.  The OM setup cops just fine with a pipe and K and N, so odds are the PC has richened it anyway.  Ideally you'd get it dyno'd, but see how it goes.  Probably won't notice any difference except a little freer revving.

Cool, will give it a go. I was a little concerned about it running lean, not really any way to know if it is (that I can think of) Back in the days of leaded fuel it was easy to look at the end of the exhaust to see what shade of grey it was putting out. Unless anyone has a 44gal drum of leaded fuel tucked in the shed??

If it's lean it'll surge at low revs.

Thanks Kewwig, very helpful!

Cal wrote:Sorry to high jack this thread. I purchased a K&N air filter and have yet to fit it. The bike is fitted with a Yoshi and has the Power Commander on it. If I fit the K&N, does anything need to be done to the air/fuel mixture? ie: should the bike be dyno'd to ensure it is not running lean or will the PC/computer fix the mixtures? Cheers cal

  If you really want to get some benefit from what you have, suggest you do the stage 2 airbox lid mod and get a map.  I have one for a PC-V and you may be able to use one from another member or off the powercommander site.  More better, get it dyno'd and mapped by someone good.

Either way you will not look back.

Thanks Dekenai, will try it as is with the current map and see how it goes. If it feels like its starving for fuel I will investigate the local Dyno's. The only maps I can see on the Powercommander site is what I already have.

Dekenai wrote:

Cal wrote:stage 2 airbox lid mod and get a map. 

 Is this jargon for cut a hole in the top of the airbox!

which map do you recommend?

It's more jargon for "cut the entire back out of the air filter cover leaving only enough frame to retain the filter element in the housing".  As stated I have a map for a PC-V in roughly the same mod state as mine i.e. stage 2 with headers.  It might pay to put up a post with your PowerCommander model and mod state to see if someone has a better fit.  But, as I say, happy to share what I have.

Dekenai wrote:It's more jargon for "cut the entire back out of the air filter cover leaving only enough frame to retain the filter element in the housing".  As stated I have a map for a PC-V in roughly the same mod state as mine i.e. stage 2 with headers.  It might pay to put up a post with your PowerCommander model and mod state to see if someone has a better fit.  But, as I say, happy to share what I have.

 thanks for that. I'm guessing that such a change would significantly change the flow of air... meaning fuel changes would be absolutely necessary?

I have carbies on my 06 so power commander not much use, unfortunately. Anyone have any idea how much carbie tweaking would be required for the air box mod?

STU, I have an '04 carby model. Are you sure your bike isn't an '05 as I thought that was the last of the carby models? But hey, I may certainly be wrong. Anyhow, if you have an aftermarket pipe you can replace the paper filter with the K&N ( part no SU6000 ), without any drama. Also whilst your there remove the rubber snorkel protruding out of the back of the airbox. This will give you better air flow again. If you start cutting away the air box you will certainly need to put a Jet Kit through the carbies. Your bike will probably pop and fart a bit on deceleration and the only way to get rid of that is to get it dyno tuned and balanced properly. Mine used to pop with just a Yoshi slip on. So, I got Moto Garage in Canberra to fit K&N Filter & install Stage 1 Jet Kit, tune and balance carbies on the dyno for about $700. I know it sounds expensive but I would do it again in a heartbeat. My bike was on the dyno for 5 hours and the result was amazing. A gain of about 15hp and the noticeable difference in response and smoothness is incredible. No more popping either. Ps, I have no affiliation with Moto Garage, he was recommended by a mate who takes his R1 track bike there.

Jimmy the Boy wrote:STU, I have an '04 carby model. Are you sure your bike isn't an '05 as I thought that was the last of the carby models? But hey, I may certainly be wrong. Anyhow, if you have an aftermarket pipe you can replace the paper filter with the K&N ( part no SU6000 ), without any drama. Also whilst your there remove the rubber snorkel protruding out of the back of the airbox. This will give you better air flow again. If you start cutting away the air box you will certainly need to put a Jet Kit through the carbies. Your bike will probably pop and fart a bit on deceleration and the only way to get rid of that is to get it dyno tuned and balanced properly. Mine used to pop with just a Yoshi slip on. So, I got Moto Garage in Canberra to fit K&N Filter & install Stage 1 Jet Kit, tune and balance carbies on the dyno for about $700. I know it sounds expensive but I would do it again in a heartbeat. My bike was on the dyno for 5 hours and the result was amazing. A gain of about 15hp and the noticeable difference in response and smoothness is incredible. No more popping either. Ps, I have no affiliation with Moto Garage, he was recommended by a mate who takes his R1 track bike there.

 Hey Mr The Boy....

2006 was the only 3rd generation bandit.... a few changes over the 05 (2nd gen) model, most noticably the bodywork.... It was the last of the 1200, and then in 2007 the 1250 water cooled FI engine came into being.....

I like to think of the 06 as the pinnacle of the oil cooled bandits   Or perhaps the pinnacle of the bandits full stop

I have been looking at the stage II Jet Kit today online... unless I am mistaken (probable...) this kit is aimed more at lower and mid range improvements, while the stage I at higher end. Am I right?

Was that $700 you mention the price you paid to motogarage in addition to supplying the parts, or did it include the parts? I've used motogarage for some stuff before, but never the dyno which is really where they shine isn't it? Got my Pilot Road 3s there recently.

My bike pops and farts on decel, but I like it   Not sure if it means I'm wasting fuel though....

stu wrote:

Jimmy the Boy wrote:STU, I have an '04 carby model. Are you sure your bike isn't an '05 as I thought that was the last of the carby models? But hey, I may certainly be wrong. Anyhow, if you have an aftermarket pipe you can replace the paper filter with the K&N ( part no SU6000 ), without any drama. Also whilst your there remove the rubber snorkel protruding out of the back of the airbox. This will give you better air flow again. If you start cutting away the air box you will certainly need to put a Jet Kit through the carbies. Your bike will probably pop and fart a bit on deceleration and the only way to get rid of that is to get it dyno tuned and balanced properly. Mine used to pop with just a Yoshi slip on. So, I got Moto Garage in Canberra to fit K&N Filter & install Stage 1 Jet Kit, tune and balance carbies on the dyno for about $700. I know it sounds expensive but I would do it again in a heartbeat. My bike was on the dyno for 5 hours and the result was amazing. A gain of about 15hp and the noticeable difference in response and smoothness is incredible. No more popping either. Ps, I have no affiliation with Moto Garage, he was recommended by a mate who takes his R1 track bike there.

 Hey Mr The Boy....

2006 was the only 3rd generation bandit.... a few changes over the 05 (2nd gen) model, most noticably the bodywork.... It was the last of the 1200, and then in 2007 the 1250 water cooled FI engine came into being.....

I like to think of the 06 as the pinnacle of the oil cooled bandits   Or perhaps the pinnacle of the bandits full stop

I have been looking at the stage II Jet Kit today online... unless I am mistaken (probable...) this kit is aimed more at lower and mid range improvements, while the stage I at higher end. Am I right?

Was that $700 you mention the price you paid to motogarage in addition to supplying the parts, or did it include the parts? I've used motogarage for some stuff before, but never the dyno which is really where they shine isn't it? Got my Pilot Road 3s there recently.

My bike pops and farts on decel, but I like it   Not sure if it means I'm wasting fuel though....

Gday again Stu, I didn't know the 06 was third gen carby model. in that case Sir, you have the pinnacle of the Bandits in my opinion. Im not sure about Stage 1 being more top end? it certainly could be felt mid range ( where you need it ). I think if you go straight to Stage 2 you will have to remove a lot of the airbox, its mainly for when you install pod filters ( I think ), and start messing with engine internals. I don't know too much about it but I did a lot of research on line and thought Stage 1 was enough. Maybe it might be worth your while to talk to Brett at Moto Garage and see what he thinks. The $700 was including parts and as I said he spent so much time getting the fuel/air mixture right and balancing the carbys ( thats why it pops, mixture isn't right ). Some of the other guys might help out on Stage 1 or 2 Queries, although they're mostly riding 1250's. Look up Dale Walkers site and also Fast Larrys Bandit, theres a wealth of info on there. Good luck, happy to help if I can, Jim.

Hey JTB, I also have an 06 Bandit. Try as I might, I still can't find any fuel injection! Buggered if I know where to put any water for the radiator either , oh, there only seems to be 5 gears in the box too!
Sorry to take the piss mate. You are in Oz aren't you? The 06 came out in most countries with the old air cooled motor & 5 speed box, but has the later model frame & body work. This model wasn't available in the USA

Jimmy the Boy wrote:
Gday again Stu, I didn't know the 06 was third gen carby model. in that case Sir, you have the pinnacle of the Bandits in my opinion. Im not sure about Stage 1 being more top end? it certainly could be felt mid range ( where you need it ). I think if you go straight to Stage 2 you will have to remove a lot of the airbox, its mainly for when you install pod filters ( I think ), and start messing with engine internals. I don't know too much about it but I did a lot of research on line and thought Stage 1 was enough. Maybe it might be worth your while to talk to Brett at Moto Garage and see what he thinks. The $700 was including parts and as I said he spent so much time getting the fuel/air mixture right and balancing the carbys ( thats why it pops, mixture isn't right ). Some of the other guys might help out on Stage 1 or 2 Queries, although they're mostly riding 1250's. Look up Dale Walkers site and also Fast Larrys Bandit, theres a wealth of info on there. Good luck, happy to help if I can, Jim.

 Turns out there is the stage I, then the stage II with and without the air box.... I was looking at the "middle" one...the stage II with air box mods, while the last one does away with the airbox altogether and puts on two "external" oval K&N filters.... not sure how good that would be in the rain....

they all look good though... but yeah I'll go back to Brett.... get  him to tell me what I think I should do....

Kiwisteve wrote:Hey JTB, I also have an 06 Bandit. Try as I might, I still can't find any fuel injection! Buggered if I know where to put any water for the radiator either , oh, there only seems to be 5 gears in the box too!
Sorry to take the piss mate. You are in Oz aren't you? The 06 came out in most countries with the old air cooled motor & 5 speed box, but has the later model frame & body work. This model wasn't available in the USA

 Hey Steve, I just had it in my head that '05 was the last of the carby models. Im just disappointed that I'm now 2 years off the best one, Id convinced myself I'd only missed by one. The engine/gearbox is the same but you have better frame and suspension. Now that you've finished gloating, can you help Stu with his airbox carby mods? What have you had done? Besides a sheepskin seat cover! OOOOOOOOHHHHH!!!! Back at ya!

Have a look at Holeshot's stage II kit, with timing advancer. The kit comes with very detailed installation and tuning instructions. It's a fairly easy job to rejet a bandit. 

I did away with the airbox on mine. I had 4 individual pod filters on first, then two oval K&N filters now. It's a daily ride and the rain doesn't affect them.

It's a fairly very easy job to rejet a bandit.

Or this

Classypete wrote:Or this

Looks good  

Rolls,  how do you find the 2 compared to the pods?

There has to be a difference between your FI version and my carbied bike though in terms of work....

The pod filters I bought were cheap and needed a fair bit of modifying to work well. Holeshot stage II comes with two oval filters -or- a flat filter. If you go for the flat filter you cut the whole top off the lid of the air box, leaving only the frame of the lid to screw down the filter. I still have the frame ~somewhere~ in the shed if you don't want to cut yours to bits.

Getting rid of the airbox completely, apart from performance benefits, makes working on the bike so easy. Worth doing it for that bit alone, especially if you are going to pull the carbies out often.


pod filters......

rolls wrote:The pod filters I bought were cheap and needed a fair bit of modifying to work well. Holeshot stage II comes with two oval filters -or- a flat filter. If you go for the flat filter you cut the whole top off the lid of the air box, leaving only the frame of the lid to screw down the filter. I still have the frame ~somewhere~ in the shed if you don't want to cut yours to bits.

Getting rid of the airbox completely, apart from performance benefits, makes working on the bike so easy. Worth doing it for that bit alone, especially if you are going to pull the carbies out often.


pod filters......

 Thanks. I do like the look of the oval filters and the fact that you don't have to TAKE THE TANK OFF, which is where this thread started....  

So, easier access, more torque and I presume power, and I have to assume more fuel consumption?

Is the dyno tune necessary?

.... and why would I want to take carbies out often.....

If you are giving away your cut up box, sure it would be great...