Replacing the OEM Air Filter On a Buell Blast Motorcycle
The Buell Blast, produced from 2000 to 2009, was a machine that exuded style, reliability, and affordability. It was lauded for its ease of maintenance and garnered a dedicated following among riders. However, despite its merits, production of the Buell Blast abruptly ended when Erik Buell, its namesake, gleefully announced its discontinuation in mid-2009. The subsequent year saw Harley-Davidson shutter Buell altogether, leaving many owners of America’s only mainstream sport bikes in a predicament when it came to sourcing replacement parts.
One such part that has become increasingly elusive is the OEM air filter for the Buell Blast. With production discontinued more than a decade ago and no new old stock available even on platforms like eBay, owners are left to seek alternative solutions for maintaining their beloved bikes.
According to Buell’s official service guidelines, the air filter should be inspected and serviced as needed every 10,000 miles. While some say it’s possible to wash the air filter with soap and water, they generally agree it’s only possible or practical to do so with the stock part once or twice. By the time a Buell Blast reaches the 10,000-mile mark, the OEM filter is usually soiled and clogged enough to warrant replacement rather than cleaning.
Many Buell Blast owners have explored aftermarket options, with some opting for custom intakes that promise improved airflow. However, these custom solutions often come at high expense and may require additional modifications such as re-jetting. Moreover, they deviate—in my view, detract—from the stock aesthetic of the bike. I personally love the appearance of my Blast, so when I reluctantly accepted the need to replace the OEM air filter on my 2003 model after 15,000 miles, I was adamant about finding a direct substitute.
Fortunately, there is a drop-in replacement option available for the Buell Blast: the K&N BU-5000 high-flow air filter that is readily accessible from Amazon. The K&N filter offers several advantages over the stock counterpart. Not only does it boast a lifespan that can match that of the motorcycle itself, but it also provides superior breathability.
Additionally, the filter is reusable and easily cleanable with a widely available K&N cleaning/reoiling kit, making maintenance a breeze. The following short video tells you how to clean and reoil the filter.
Although the K&N filter may not look identical to the original, it shares the same dimensions, ensuring a seamless fit in the Buell Blast’s airbox. When the airbox cover is refitted, the filter is completely hidden from view.
One drawback of K&N filters is their higher cost compared to the original ones. For instance, OEM air filter elements for a Harley-Davidson Sportster can be found for around $35, whereas the K&N filter for a Buell Blast is priced at $80 at the time of this writing. However, it’s worth noting that K&N is renowned for producing premium quality products, and the BU-5000 filter is no exception. Considering its longevity and superior performance, I consider it a good value.
Replacing the air filter is a straightforward process. It took me about 10 minutes, with the bulk of the time spent removing and installing screws on the airbox. You may also want to budget an additional 5-10 minutes for cleaning the airbox itself.
For Buell Blast owners seeking to prolong the life and performance of their machines, the K&N air filter offers a reliable and cost-effective solution. With its ease of installation and long-term benefits, it’s a worthwhile investment for maintaining the vitality of this fun-to-ride, low-cost-to-run motorcycle.
You can buy the K&N BU-5000 high-flow air filter here.