I get it, but still, kind of a superstition I guess. That and actually I find it hard to believe there is any flow issue with the stock filter since it is darn near as big as the one on the KLX650 which is sucking in nearly 3 times as much air in each intake stroke and running around 2/3 the rpm. Plus it's easier to clean and darn hard to crush and ruin a foam filter.

 

Yeah, the cleaning regimen for a K&N required a shallow tray to hold the cleaning fluid...which was gasoline. I like living dangerously...LOL! After letting the K&N air dry for a day from the gas, I then washed it in soapy detergent and water...then a rinse. This isn't even close to K&N's recommended method or chemicals, but I refused to buy their cleaning fluid(s). I do use their oil, however. I'm not that cheap. All the many K&N's over decades that I've cleaned this way survived just fine.

Like you, I have no heartburn running the foam elements I'm using now. After all, this is a KLX, and it's been a couple of years since I was AMA National Enduro champion.

 

As long as you don't fire up a stogie/cigarette or work too close to an open gas flame (pilot light on a water heater can bite - did a friend who was actually a plumber was cleaning with some flammable cleaner in his basement and should have known better) gas isn't too bad. Besides you can start your fire pit with it now, can't you.

 

The same filter material already used on the back
K & N filter with excellent results without
experience problems.
My guide is not racing.

 

My guide has been mud, dust, and water splashing. Thus the lid w/220 snorkel.

 

I used stock air filter with a filter sock over it, worked very well and made it easy to clean the filter

https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...lter-sox-6951/