Decent alternative to cheap universal air filters?

[method]

Hey all,

Recently picked up a new project, a 1980 Kawasaki Z250 which happened to come with a pair of those cheap universal air filters (http://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/images/products/large_1074_pod-42mm-universal-motorcycle-air-filter-photo-1.jpg). From the various threads I've read on the ton these things are worthy of fire. Now ideally I would like to put the old air filter box back on the bike but when it arrived to me in a box of old parts that came with the bike, it appears as though it has been butchered beyond repair.

So my question is besides these bodgy chrome filters is there any kind of filter out there that will give me decent performance where I ideally don't have to play around with re jetting. Surely even a K&N pod filter has to be better than these things or would something like http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RAMAIR-Kawasaki-Z250-A1-A2-Race-Pod-Air-Filter-48mm-/350770821654?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51ab91fa16&_uhb=1 be a somewhat better.

My technical knowledge on carby's is still somewhat average so I appreciate any suggestions on the matter!

 

[method]

Also does the shape of the filter change the performance dramatically when it comes to pods? http://www.knfilters.com/universal/universal.htm I've seen a few people running the oval straight/tappered but not sure if the amount of air flow differs much from your standard pods.

Cheers!

 

[edukaycheon]

Unless you can find OEM filters for your bike or something you'll probably have to rejet if you want to run right. Pods are way less restrictive so you'll be running lean (if you can run at all) without tweaking some things. Good air filters like K&Ns are much better than the cheap Emgo ones, but again, you'll still need to tune it to work properly

 

[stroker crazy]

Good air filters like K&Ns are much better than the cheap Emgo ones, but again, you'll still need to tune it to work properly

K&Ns are good only compared to some truly terrible options. Effective filtration and power maximization take more than whacking on some pods. Efficient airbox design can work wonders, but few without factory support and experience can achieve this. The 'look' popular with the cafe racer community is antipathetic to good induction characteristics.

That said, it can still be worthwhile to make the effort!

Crazy

 

[cyclefreak]

If your stock air boxes are in too bad of shape to re-use check EBay for some new ones. I just picked up a pair for my xs for $20.

 

[method]

Thanks guys, I might have a go at trying to repair this box then and trying to source a filter to fit then. Wasn't planning on re-jetting but if it doesn't work out with the box I may have a play around with some rough figures I've found on another forum.

Would be great to pick up another air box of ebay but unfortunately I've found it a bit hard to find original style parts for this old girl haha.

Cheers for the suggestions

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Till I restored my stock airboxes, I used UNI 4 inch foam "sock" filter. My CB360 has stock jetting and ran fine with them....They may be the closest non-stock filters that work. Use them until you find the replacement airboxes.