A Comparison of Different Air Filters

The Falco shares the same filter element as the Mille. It's no surprise then that there are a few aftermarket air filters available. Reports on these have been mixed. It seems the majority of people are convinced that there are no performance benefits to using an alternative filter. In most cases, though, the aftermarket filters are renewable, so it's more likely that they will be free-flowing and they will be cheaper in the long run. Click on any image to enlarge it.

Getting access to the filter is quite simple. See my airbox page for a quick look at how to get to the filter.

The stock filter is a pleated paper element. There is plenty of surface area. In fact, I'll venture a guess that this filter is larger than those used on most automobiles. Construction is certainly identical. I do not know the cost of this element.

The stock disposable element. Paper pleats with a wide wire mesh on the exit side of the element.

The most sought-after aftermarket element seems to be the K&N filter. Made by K&N Engineering, this reuseable filter is a proven design. The filter is made of cotton, sandwiched between two layers of thin profile mesh which reportedly "orient" the airflow to prevent turbulence. The trapping ability of the filter comes largely from the fact that the element is conditioned with a tacky oil. K&N filters are typically expensive in the US, and not all elements are imported. If you want a K&N filter for your Falco, you'll need to find part number AL-0003 overseas (this part number does not exist in the US). Both Red Racing in Italy and PDQ in England will export filters at reasonable cost ($45), but the lead time has been known to be long at times. K&N filters come pre-oiled, but eventually you will want to buy their renewing kit containing a mild detergent and a spray can of oil. Never use engine oil, as it breaks down in the presence of water.

K&N renewable filter. Cotton pleats with fine wire mesh on the intake and exit sides. K&N filter oil is red so you can see how even your coverage is.

Tired of not being able to get filters for resale from K&N, Ken Zeller contracted to have his own made using the same materials. You can find these filters at his site, Evoluzione Cyclesports. Their part number is 75000. The filter prices are currently sale priced at $31 delivered in the US, $41 overseas. Their site claims 2 BHP increase with this filter. The filter is pre-oiled.

Evoluzione Cyclesports filter.

Factory Pro Tuning is selling a filter made by BMC that they claim is the only filter they've tested for the Mille that made a horsepower difference (although it was something like 1 HP). Their website mentions Evolutione filter, but its not clear to me if this is the same filter sold by Ken Zeller at Evolutione or not. Contact Factory Pro for more information about the filter, number FI-BMC-20306. BMC makes street and race filters, and it seems from the website that this is a street flow. The filter prices are $60.

I've been told that the Mille SP comes with a performance filter made of oiled foam in a wire cage, similar to Uni filters. In general, these foam filters flow extremely high, even higher than the cotton filters. Although it uses a different airbox, the filter is supposed to be a bolt on item for the Mille and should also fit the Falco. The possible downside is that an Aprilia representative has said that the filtering ability of the SP airbox is not great. Its a race only item.

For those of you looking for the ultimate in performance and value, I've found an inexpensive element with more surface area than all the other filters. This will require a bit of airbox modification but I think the results would be worth it.

Sears Shop-Vac filter. Paper pleats. This filter has stood up for 12 years in my 8 gallon shop-vac.

Go back to the Falco home page.