Drop-in air filter upgrade?

[UFOmoplata]

Since the lip of the throttle body on the air filter side is so short, my pods are difficult to secure to the carb. I'm getting an air leak from there so, I'm brainstorming ways to mitigate that. I'm thinking about modifying the airbox to have the drop in filter open to air and see how that goes.

[Ghostt]

Feel free to try, but be forewarned the Ninjette uses CV carburetors, they need unturbulate air, and need the proper pressure/vacuum caused by the OEM airbox.

Kawasaki invested time and money developing the airbox.

I'm not saying pods don't work, but they don't produce the power gains they would on a different type of carburetor.

I use the K&N filter in my OEM airbox, and it works nicely. I've also done the airbox/battery tray modification, so removing the carburetors is a lot easier now, and quick.

[JohnnyBravo]

I just dropped in a K&N and pulled off the snorkel, I was gonna run pods, but rain and all. Chone modded his airbox lid, then bought a new lid for it and replaced it if that tells you anything.

[Ghostt]

The only thing is you need the snorkel to use the K&N on the PreGen, but it's still the best option for the Ninjette IMHO.

[UFOmoplata]

Swiss cheese the airbox?

[Ghostt]

I wouldn't

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by UFOmoplata

Swiss cheese the airbox?

Choneofakind did his, posted a thread about it around here, then bought a new cover to change it back to stock, I didn't Swiss cheese mine after I saw that thread... I'd say the air box is good on the ninjette

[Ghostt]

Kinda reminds me of a modification for the EX500 called "FOG AIRBOX MOD

Here's the link to the article, I suggest reading it carefully, as it explains why the airbox is need, and it also explains the modification.

It's a good read, and being that the EX500 and Ninjette is similar in many ways, this might provide some insight into doing something similar to the Ninjette.

Good luck

http://www.ex-500.com/wiki/index.php...27s_Airbox_Mod

[soonerbillz]

Here's my answer to the air box question...

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...4&postcount=65

[Nu2Street]

Which K&N air filter would be a direct replacement filter for my 06 250? Stock original air box. Thanks.

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by Nu2Street

Which K&N air filter would be a direct replacement filter for my 06 250? Stock original air box. Thanks.

K&N KA-2586

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000F...13957------4-0



It does require the snorkel, due to it attaches to said snorkel.

The K&N drop-in does not just "drop in". It doesn't fit where the stock one did, so the original has to come out. The original is held in by a pair of plastic brackets which have to be removed. With A LOT of force. The instructions tell you that you can leave the bracketry in place. You also have to cut a useless chunk off of the lid to the airbox, which is surprisingly difficult to do. Then the thing clamps onto the two tubes in the lid with a pair of hose clamps. Have fun.

Below is the K&N PDF install instructions. This is the filter I use in my 98, after 3 years I've had no issues whatsoever.

[juliusmichaelhonrada]

are there any plug and play Pod Filters for the pregen?

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by juliusmichaelhonrada

are there any plug and play Pod Filters for the pregen?

I personally don't recommend pod filters, due to the carburetor type.

Here's why, I would highly recommend that you DO NOT REMOVE THE AIR BOX, the carburetors on the bike are CV type and need to box to function properly, buy a K&N that fits the OEM airbox

PreGen K&N KA-2586 Kawasaki High Performance Replacement Air Filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGI50G..._sp0SxbGTXHE2J

Long boring but important answer, CV carbs stands for "constant velocity". The function of the carbs is dependent on having a calm reservoir (airbox) from which to intake air at said constant velocity. Pods draw from the turbulent, unpredictable air swirling past them as you ride, which is anything but constant. Other carbs work fine with pods. CV's = no bueno, save yourself the headaches.

Now onto jetting, first you need to tune the idle mixture screws first, I recommend 3 full turns out from bottom as a good starting point, then fine tune them afterwards. As far as buying a jet kit, I personally don't have one on either my 250, or 500 ninjas.

[soonerbillz]

I agree that pods are worthless on the 250.. and unless you are going racing the factory box ought be left as is.. and the K&N is a good filter upgrade in conjunction..
I do disagree as to the statement that cv carbs.. can't be tuned properly without the box. I know that isn't exactly what was said but it seemed that was the implied impression... As long as you are using a filter that is keeping atmospheric pressure equalized across the inlets you will have success.. a box does this..but so does a filter like the K&N or one similar. The problem is getting them to stay attached... The box cures that issue.. so does some form of other bracket.

[UFOmoplata]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

I personally don't recommend pod filters, due to the carburetor type.

Here's why, I would highly recommend that you DO NOT REMOVE THE AIR BOX, the carburetors on the bike are CV type and need to box to function properly, buy a K&N that fits the OEM airbox

PreGen K&N KA-2586 Kawasaki High Performance Replacement Air Filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGI50G..._sp0SxbGTXHE2J

Long boring but important answer, CV carbs stands for "constant velocity". The function of the carbs is dependent on having a calm reservoir (airbox) from which to intake air at said constant velocity. Pods draw from the turbulent, unpredictable air swirling past them as you ride, which is anything but constant. Other carbs work fine with pods. CV's = no bueno, save yourself the headaches.

Now onto jetting, first you need to tune the idle mixture screws first, I recommend 3 full turns out from bottom as a good starting point, then fine tune them afterwards. As far as buying a jet kit, I personally don't have one on either my 250, or 500 ninjas.

So, are you recommending we use the airbox and the pods? Do the pods fit inside the box?

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by UFOmoplata

So, are you recommending we use the airbox and the pods? Do the pods fit inside the box?

No I'm saying use the replacement K&N or even another type like the UNIFILTER in the OEM airbox.

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by soonerbillz

I agree that pods are worthless on the 250.. and unless you are going racing the factory box ought be left as is.. and the K&N is a good filter upgrade in conjunction..
I do disagree as to the statement that cv carbs.. can't be tuned properly without the box. I know that isn't exactly what was said but it seemed that was the implied impression... As long as you are using a filter that is keeping atmospheric pressure equalized across the inlets you will have success.. a box does this..but so does a filter like the K&N or one similar. The problem is getting them to stay attached... The box cures that issue.. so does some form of other bracket.

For everyday use, driving in the real world, commuting, etc... The OEM airbox is the way to go, less headaches, etc.... Kawasaki spent a lot of time, money, they did it for many reasons, like EPA, noise etc.. but they also did it with making the CV CARBURETORS work with as little problems as possible, if Kawasaki could have gotten away with a cheaper, easier solution, they would have.

[UFOmoplata]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

No I'm saying use the replacement K&N or even another type like the UNIFILTER in the OEM airbox.

Perfect. I have an unused UNI filter at home.

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by UFOmoplata

Perfect. I have an unused UNI filter at home.

Try that, your goal is to find a less restrictive air filter, I've used K&N filters for many many years now on my bikes, as well as other vehicles. I know they work, and have never had an issue with one in over 30 years. It's a company I trust, and like, it's that simple for me.

Worst case scenario, try the uni, and if not satisfied, order the K&N.

[UFOmoplata]

Does K&N have a drop-in for pregen? I've only seen pods.

Edit: http://www.knfilters.com/air_filter/...50R_Ninja.aspx

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by UFOmoplata

Does K&N have a drop-in for pregen? I've only seen pods.

Edit: http://www.knfilters.com/air_filter/...50R_Ninja.aspx

Yes, see my above post #11

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...9&postcount=11


Link to K&N
http://www.knfilters.com/mobile/mPro...x?prod=KA-2586