Changing the Air Filter ( ST1300 ) *

[KoTAOW]

Contributed by Scott Fairchild, STOC #4728.
Original article can be found here: http://www.thefairchilds.org/bikes/

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Changing the Air Filter ( ST1300 )

Changing the air filter is one of the two most cost-effective ways of increasing the life and maintaining the performance of your motorcycle (the other is changing the oil). This is an easy maintenance procedure, and it only takes about 15 minutes. The only difficulty comes in that you need to go through a bit of a hassle to actually get to the filter. Before you begin, have the following tools available:

• 8mm deep socket (I use a 1/4" ratchet with an 3" extension bar and a universal joint) It helps to prevent scratching the tank as you ratchet
• 10mm deep socket (I use a 3/8" ratchet with a 3" extension bar)
• #2 Phillips® screwdriver
• Magnetic parts tray

What air filter to get? K&N's® filters tend to be the best in my opinion (and opinions do vary) and I use them on all my vehicles regardless of the number of wheels. They don't just use physical filtering in the form of micro holes, but also coat their filters with oil, which helps trap even more dust, while at the same time letting more air flow through. This results in a tiny bit of increased horsepower, so they claim. They aren't cheap - about $55, so judge for yourself (model HA-1302 fits the ST1300).

When the time comes, instead of replacing them, you just wash them off and "recharge" them with a new shot of oil (kit sold separately). I recharge my filters in the spring and in the fall, otherwise every 5000 miles. Just like changing the oil, you can't really change your air filter too often.

In general, they are expensive filters, but you only need to buy them once.

Step 1: Lift the tank. Unscrew the 8mm bolts at the top and the 10mm bolt at the base of the tanks and lift it up as you slide it back.

DO NOT LOSE ANY PARTS DOWN THE BIKE WHEN YOU DO THIS AS YOU WILL NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN. This includes the two metal collets under the rubber grommets that hold the 8mm bolts you removed. If you do, here's the part number (61104-422-000 0692202) to request a replacement from Service Honda.

Prop up the tank with the bar stored in the back. To prop it up, you need to pop out one of the plastic caps on the handlebar (don't lose it). I use a standard screwdriver to pop it out - be careful, they scratch easily.

Now take a #2 Phillips® screwdriver and remove the 9 screws holding down the cover. Don't lose these screws as you remove them. Leave the two at the top for last as they are a bit harder to actually remove. Loosen those two, then lift the cover slowly. As you do this, grab the screws and save them, then lift the cover the rest of the way.

There's the filter. Lift it out, recharge (or replace if you're using a basic one) and then reverse the steps above and you're done. Again, be VERY careful not to drop things down into the bowels of the bike throughout the entire process.

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Thank You again for your contribution Scott Fairchild, STOC #4728

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Comments by Paul R. Buettner, STOC #3499:

There seems to be some differences in the instructions that come with the K&N filter HA-1302 for the ST 1300.

Some owners were reporting the instructions stated that the K&N Sealing Grease (part number 99-0704) should be used and others stated their instructions did not call for the use.  Related to this are reports of poor sealing between the bottom edge of the filter and the air box.  

Contacting K&N I was told the sealing grease should be used to insure a proper seal.

There is reference to the use of high temperature white lithium grease in some instructions as a alternative if the 99-0704 grease is unavailable.
While it might do the job you will find it quite messy to both use and clean up.  The K&N Sealing Grease is a extreemly thick almost wax like grease and is easy to apply and much easier to clean up  than lithium grease.
 
Auto Zone did not have it on the shelf but ordered it and had it in under 24 hours.  Parts Unlimited carries it so any motorcycle shop can order it for you.  One tube will do at least two and perhaps a third application.  

In my opinion the sealing grease is critical to a proper seal in a injection molded air box such as in the ST 1300.