Why Air Filters Matter More Than You Think
When a classic motorcycle isn't running properly, many people immediately suspect the carburettor.
But sometimes the problem starts much earlier in the process.
An air filter's job is simple: allow clean air into the engine while keeping dirt and debris out. Over time, filters can become blocked, damaged or even home to spiders, insects and nesting materials if a motorcycle has been standing for years.
A restricted air filter can affect starting, performance, fuel economy and overall running. On some barn find motorcycles, the condition of the air filter can tell a story all of its own.
Before diving into complex diagnostics, it's worth checking whether the engine is getting the clean airflow it needs.
What's the strangest thing you've ever found inside an old motorcycle air filter or airbox?