Overview of the Arlen Ness Black Deep Cut Air Cleaner Kit - Dennis Kirk

A very, very important component to any aesthetic or performance upgrade is the air cleaner assembly itself. A factory air cleaner, although not ugly on a motorcycle, is designed to absorb some of the mechanical sounds from the engine, that's why they run a thick, black, plastic backing plate, and it is also a fairly restrictive airflow into the engine. Any time you change an exhaust system, reduce back pressure, increase noise output, you have to do something with the air cleaner assembly to introduce more fresh air flow into the engine. That way the air can only enhance an exhaust system change. Went on denniskirk.com, typed in 2009 1200 Sportster C, came up with a number of air cleaner options. We chose the Arlen Ness, inverted series air cleaner. It's a nice, husky, pleated, deep pleated air cleaner assembly, CNC machine, very nice quality, black anodized, which will look dynamite to accentuate any color on the motorcycle, or any exhaust system change. As with any product you buy, you must read the instructions. Read the packing list. Read the manufacturer and the supplier's warranty. Make sure you install it correctly, per the manufacturer's instructions. That way if you do have an issue that you feel is manufacturer or quality related, the warranty can be utilized to address the issue you may have. Always check all your hardware. Always make sure, don't take for granted what comes in the box is what you need for your motorcycle. Before you take anything apart, check, make sure you have all the correct hardware, all the correct gaskets, O rings and spacers, for your model. As usual, you need a factory service manual. This not only gives you a reference for removing stock components, but also when you install an air cleaner assembly, an exhaust, or any other product, it gives you correct torque specs to bolt it to the motorcycle.