Whether you are looking for a performance boost or an increase in engine life for your Harley Davidson, improving the stock air cleaner might be a considerable option. For the engine to run smoothly without any issue, ensuring a clean airflow is a must. An air cleaner is an ideal modification for that.
You just cannot randomly visit some air cleaner manufacturer website and select a product on a whim. That will take too much of your precious time and you also may not get the best air cleaner for Harley 103. So, we constructed this article for you to learn the different traits of an air cleaner and buy the most reliable product for your Harley. Thus, by reading this article you will get to know
- The importance of an air cleaner for Harley 103
- What defines the best type of air cleaner
- Properties required to know before selection of an air filter
- How to install one yourself
We also reviewed some of the best-valued air cleaners suitable for your Harley 103 engine. We Included their unique traits and features which may make them the best air cleaner for Harley 103. So, continue reading this article and boost away you Harley Davidson!
#1 Air Cleaner for Harley Davidson

Vance and Hines VO2 Air Cleaner Naked - 71011
If you are looking to retain that sleek look of your stock air filter but achieve a greater performance underneath then this may be the right product for you. This air cleaner will suck in cleaner air than your stock air filter with increased airflow, boosting the performance significantly.
The filter element is cleanable and reusable. Even in heavy rain and storm, no damage will be done to the filter. It is modeled for every Sportster model from 1991 to 2020. This product made our top-rated pick for its long-lasting durability and achieving a greater airflow. For such a price this is the finest air cleaner for Harley 103 bikes.
Top Features
- Manufacturer: Vance & Hines
- Product: VO2 air intake naked
- Model No: 71011
- Weight: 3.95 pounds
- Dimensions: 13” x 10” x 7”
Pros
- Retains the stock appearance
- Boosts performance by increased airflow
- Filter cleanable and reusable
- Precision venturi system ensures clean air
- A larger backing plater prevents unfiltered air from entering
Cons
- Won’t fit with OEM cover
- Instruction manual a bit unclear
The Best Air Cleaner For Harley 103
Now that you know all the essential things about an air cleaner and how to install one, you are ready to choose one for your Harley 103. But choosing an air cleaner by checking the technical specification product-by-product is a time-consuming task.
So for the sake of your convenience, we reviewed the best air cleaner for Harley 103 you can find on the market. Chose the suitable one for yourself by checking the mentioned pros and cons and the features of the product.
Product Name | Key Features |
---|---|
Vance and Hines VO2 Air Cleaner Naked – 71011 |
|
K&N Engine Air Filter For Harley Davidson 2008-2014 HD-1508 |
|
Cobra PowrFlo Air Cleaner 606-0102 |
|
K&N Harley Davidson Performance Intake Kit 63-1125 |
|
Arlen Ness Air Cleaner Kit 18-560 |
|
K&N Harley Davidson Filter Kit RK-3932 |
|
Turbine Harley Air Cleaner For Harley Touring 2008-2016 |
|
The top best product [hide]
Vance and Hines VO2 Air Cleaner Naked - 71011

Vance and Hines is a well-known brand for enhancing motorcycle performance. And by manufacturing this product they outdid themselves again. This is undoubtedly the best air cleaner for Harley 103 out there. Every feature is said to be made for enhancing your motorcycle.
You can keep that stock look and increase the performance at the same time using this air cleaner. The backplate, adapter plate, and all the bolts are already included in the product. You just have to buy the product and install it on your Harley Davidson!
K&N Engine Air Filter For Harley Davidson 2008-2014 HD-1508

This air cleaner from K&N is one of the most inexpensive options for boosting the performance of your Harley. The filter has a multi-layer cotton fabric that is washable and reusable. It does a great job of cleaning the intake air and the larger size sucks in more air to boost the performance.
You don’t even have to reinstall the stock backplates and breather tubes. Just change the air filter and replace the stock cover and you are done. You can even use a custom cover of skull air cleaner for Harley Davidson to get that monstrous look on the engine.
Cobra PowrFlo Air Cleaner 606-0102

The Cobra PowrFlo air cleaner kit will boost your engine performance significantly as it comes with a K&N air filter element which is noted for its 50% more airflow. There is also a stainless steel mesh over the filter that will prevent bugs and debris from entering.
The chrome finished cover will also look better than your stock cover. The kit already comes with everything needed to install it yourself. You won’t need any extra bolts, support plate, gasket, or any other parts.
K&N Harley Davidson Performance Intake Kit 63-1125

This K&N air cleaner is much larger than your average air cleaner. A larger air filtration system means more clean air will enter through the intake. The Softail Harley Davidson model Is also dyno tested at a 10.21 hp increase mentioned on the webpage of the manufacture.
The appearance looks like a spike air cleaner for Harley Davidson. You can buy a spike air cleaner cover and install it over this custom air filter.
Arlen Ness Air Cleaner Kit 18-560

If you want to keep that stock cover of yours and increase the horsepower of your Harley 103 then we will recommend you to buy this air cleaner. The shorter radial filter element will not protrude from the side of your engine thus you will get better legroom. The filter is also pre-oiled so it is ready to install on your Harley 103 just after buying.
K&N Harley Davidson Filter Kit RK-3932

This K&N air cleaner especially made for Harley Davidson is notable for its attractive styling and performance boost. The higher the engine capacity the greater the performance boost. For a 96 cu in Harley, you will get a 9.84 hp increase. Even greater for a Harley 103.
The installation manual is easy to follow and a pre-oiled cotton filter with a given support plate with bolts will take no time to install. It also has a flat classic teardrop-shaped look which is both stylish and comfortable.
Turbine Harley Air Cleaner For Harley Touring 2008-2016

This turbine air cleaner for Harley Davidson has the most exposed filter design than any other products from our article to maximize the airflow. The uniquely designed backplate also induces more air to the throttle increasing throttle response. This product will fit in any touring (2008-2016), Softail (2016-2017), and Dyna Harley models.
Product: VO2 air intake naked
Model No: 71011
Weight: 3.95 pounds
Dimensions: 13” x 10” x 7”
How to Install an Air Cleaner on a Harley Davidson
Now that you can select an air cleaner you should know how to install one by following these steps.
- Tools required: Allen wrench, Torque wrench, Scew drivers, and air cleaner kit.
- Always read the instruction given with the aftermarket air cleaner so you don’t void any warranty.
- Now remove the air filter cover with the Allen wrench. You will find the stock air filter bolted underneath it.
- Unscrew the filter and carefully remove it with the breathing hoses intact.
- Next, take off the backplate and take the breather assembly from the aftermarket cleaner and screw it gently.
- Now sequentially screw the gasket and adapter plate and then aftermarket backplate with the gasket.
- Lastly, place the new filter over the backplate and screw the new cover plate. That’s it! You are done.
Replacement and Cleaning of Air Filter
Depending on the Harley you own, you already have to replace the stock air filter after 12,000-15,000 miles. So why not replace it with a performance air cleaner! Typical foam and cotton air filters have to be cleaned every 10,000-15,000 miles. You can then reuse it again. For a paper one, you may have to replace it after 7,000-8,000 miles. The filter life may vary depending on your driving condition.
To clean your used air filter first take it out from the intake housing. Carefully brush off the dry debris. For the sticky waste, you can’t just use soap to clean it. You have to use a proper air filter cleaner. Their chemical composition has a corrosive element that easily removes all the filtered waste without damaging the filter.
Always wear gloves while washing the filter. After washing it wait till the filter is properly dried or water particles will enter the cylinder and can damage your engine. Then carefully strap it around the housing and reinstall it in the intake of your engine.
Air Cleaner For Harley 103 – FAQs
Is custom air cleaner for Harley better than stock?
Will the air cleaner fit any Harley Davidson?
Is aftermarket air cleaner durable in rain?
Is every air cleaner washable?
Can you reuse the stock cover?
Verdict
Increasing the performance of your Harley by replacing the stock air filter with an aftermarket one is a cheap investment. You will also protect your engine from harmful debris and unwanted particles. Thus increasing the durability of your engine.
You don’t even need to pay a mechanic to install the air cleaner in your Harley. We already described how to install one and you can easily follow it. Seeing all the benefits such as increased performance, better protection, better fuel economy, etc you cannot deny the fact that it is an upgrade for your money. So, install a custom air cleaner for your Harley and cruise away down the highway!