The air filter prevents dust and stray particles from entering and damaging the engine internals. Unless you are willing to risk finding a fluttering fly inside your engine, it’s a good idea to clean it regularly and thoroughly. A dirty and clogged air filter reduces airflow & makes the bike run slightly on the richer side burning more fuel, thereby decreasing fuel economy and affecting the performance negatively.

The air filter prevents dust and stray particles from entering and damaging the engine internals. Unless you are willing to risk finding a fluttering fly inside your engine, it’s a good idea to clean it regularly and thoroughly. A dirty and clogged air filter reduces airflow & makes the bike run slightly on the richer side burning more fuel, thereby decreasing fuel economy and affecting the performance negatively.

What you will need:

1. Kerosene
2. Diesel
3. Petrol
4. Engine Oil
5. 8mm T-spanner
6. Bottle equipped with a Sprayer

CAUTION: Never turn on the bike without the air filter. Foreign particles can enter into the chamber & damage the engine internals. So don’t let any dust enter the air filter box when it is open. Also remember that not all air filters are washable. Some can only be blown with pressurized air.

STEP 1:
To locate the air filter in your motorcycle, put your motorcycle on its centre stand and scoot down to the side where the air filter is located. It was on the right hand side on our Pulsar 220. Remove the plastic side panel and you’ll find a box secured with some bolts. The air filter is located behind the plastic plate. Remove the bolts securing the cover with the 8mm T-spanner and pull it off to reveal the air filter.

STEP 2:
You will find a protrusion on the lower part of the air filter, grip it and pull it out with ease. Now, remove the black frame from inside the air filter. Also pull out the mesh which faces the engine side. Keep them on a surface away from dust or sand preferably on a clean paper. Remember how you have removed the filter and its components so that you know the correct alignment later when you have to put it back.

STEP 3:
Liberally spray some kerosene and diesel over both sides of the filter foam. Or pour the liquid in two different containers and first soak it in kerosene then in diesel. Fold the air filter in the middle and gently rub it thoroughly, then squeeze it thoroughly so all the excess kerosene and diesel drips out. But do be careful not to damage it. Do not twist and squeeze the air filter as it will tear it apart. Check for proper cleaning of the filter & repeat the same process if required. Also, make sure you don’t dip the foam in water. Incase dropped in water, let it dry completely for ample amount of time under the sun. If you do have an air blower at arm’s reach, use it to remove the remnants of the kerosene and diesel. If you don’t have an air blower, just tap the filter repeatedly in your palm until the remaining kerosene and diesel is drained. Set it aside on a clean paper.

STEP 4:
Now spray Petrol on the black colored support frame of the air filter & the mesh and rub over it using your fingers & tap it gently on the palm to clean it. Then place them on clean paper as well. Next, get your hands on some engine oil (any grade will do) and pour a few drops on the yellow side of the air filter. Gently squeeze the air filter so that the oil spreads evenly on the foam. We do this so that dust and particles stick more easily on the air filter.

STEP 5:
Now put back the black colored support frame of the air filter into the foam & keep it aside. After this, put the mesh back into the air filter box. The round notches on the edge should face outside. When completely in they should lock into the slot provided for it. You’re almost done. Gently push the air filter back into the air filter slot with the white side facing the engine. Also, make sure the protrusion is facing you and remains on the lower side.

Close the air filter cover & tighten the 4 bolts using the 8mm T-Spanner. Do not over-tighten them as their treads may slip. Fit the side cover back, switch the bike on, let it idle for a minute & badabing badaboom, you’re done. Give yourself a pat on the back.