SAFETY FIRST: Protective gloves and eyewear are recommended at this point.
A dirty air filter can result in engine damage and reduced performance. Clean and oil your air filter at regular intervals for peak engine performance.
Clean the air filter every 5,000 km or 3,000 miles, more often if the motorcycle is ridden in dusty conditions. Kawasaki recommends that the air filter be replaced after being cleaned five times.
Remove the right side cover. See the Side Cover Removal topic for more information.
Remove the Phillips head screw and remove the air filter housing cover.
Remove the wing nut bolt that secures the air filter to the housing.
Remove the air filter from the housing.
Separate the foam element from the filter cage.
Wipe out the dirt and debris in the air filter housing with a shop towel.
Place the filter in a bucket and saturate it with foam air filter cleaner. Products like Simple Green, dish soap, or most non-flammable solvents will work if foam filter cleaner is unavailable.
Let the filter soak for approximately 5 minutes – follow cleaning product instructions if different.
Rinse the element in warm water until the water runs clear. You may squeeze the filter to remove excess cleaner but never twist it.
Repeat this cleaning procedure a second time if needed.
Clean the air filter cage.
Let the air filter dry in the sun or using a hair dryer. Once the element is completely dry, oil the filter with a foam air filter oil and press out any excess oil. Do not use engine oil or air filter oil intended for gauze air filters as it will drip off the filter and provide inadequate air filtering protection.
Avoid twisting the air filter element. You may press a paper towel against the element to remove additional oil as needed.
Check for obstructions in the air filter housing drain and tube located underneath the air box. Inspect the rubber boot and mount to carburetor for cracks or tears.
Apply a thin coat of sealing grease on the air filter base where it makes contact with the airbox.
Installation
Install the air filter in the reverse order of disassembly.