Do you want to clean your MWR air filter and re-oil it, but aren't quite sure how to do it correctly? We'll show you step-by-step how to maintain your MWR performance air filter – ensuring it provides optimal long-term protection and allows your engine to unleash its full power.
In a nutshell: To clean an MWR air filter, first soak it in MWR filter cleaner for 30 minutes. Then, wash it out using hot water and dish soap, rinse with clean water, and let it dry completely. Finally, oil the filter on both sides with MWR filter oil. Street filters should be maintained once a year, racing filters after every two race weekends.
How often should you clean an MWR air filter?
The maintenance interval depends on whether you have installed an MWR street filter or a racing filter:
- MWR street filter: once a year – regardless of mileage
- MWR racing filter: after every two race weekends
- Hot, humid regions (e.g., around the equator): street filters twice a year – however, the interval for racing filters remains the same
Even if you have ridden very few kilometers in a year, you should clean and re-oil your MWR air filter. It is crucial that the foam never dries out – it must always be “wet” with filter oil.
Street filter or racing filter – what is the difference?
The foam of the MWR racing filters has a significantly more open structure than that of the street filters. While the protective effect is at the same level, it only lasts for a shorter period. That is why the maintenance is much more intensive.
What you need to clean your performance air filter
- MWR Biodegradable Filter Cleaner
- MWR Biodegradable Air Filter Oil (spray can or bottle)
- hot water
- dish soap
- a container in which the filter can be fully submerged
You can get filter cleaner and filter oil together in the MWR maintenance kit (MWR-002) in our shop.
Please use only MWR filter cleaner and MWR filter oil. This is the only way to ensure the filter is also protected against backfire from the intake.
Cleaning and oiling MWR air filters – a 5-step guide
1. Soak the filter in MWR filter cleaner for 30 minutes
First, place the removed air filter completely into the MWR filter cleaner for 30 minutes. This will loosen the old filter oil and accumulated dirt from the foam.
2. Wash out with hot water and dish soap
Afterward, wash the filter in hot water with dish soap. This removes the remaining residue of oil, cleaner, and dirt.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
In the next step, rinse the filter with clean water until there is no more soap left in the foam.
4. Let the filter dry completely
Then, leave the filter to dry. Only start oiling once the filter is completely dry.
5. Oil the MWR air filter
Now spray the dry filter on both sides with MWR filter oil and gently massage the oil into the foam. Make sure that no dry spots remain.
If you are using a standard bottle instead of a spray can, hold the filter almost vertically and let the oil drip evenly onto the filter on both sides. Once again, gently massage it into the foam.
As soon as the foam is oiled everywhere, you can reinstall the filter.
The right MWR maintenance products
The following products are available for the maintenance of your MWR filter:
- Maintenance kit 250 ml with spray can (MWR-002)
Why performance air filters and software go together
An MWR performance air filter changes your engine's airflow. Specifically, the MWR High Efficient (HE) filters provide a significantly more uniform air distribution across all cylinders – for twin-cylinder, V2, three-cylinder, four-cylinder, and V4 engines. To exploit the full potential, MWR therefore recommends adjusting the engine management.
This is exactly where our FLAWLESS ECU Performance Flash comes in: we tune the software individually to your installed air filter, your exhaust system, and other modifications. The result is more power, more torque, and clean throttle response.
Checklist: Cleaning MWR air filters without mistakes
A quick check is worth it during every maintenance:
- Maintenance interval adhered to – even with low mileage?
- Exclusively MWR filter cleaner and MWR filter oil used?
- Dish soap completely rinsed out?
- Filter completely dry before oiling?
- Foam oiled seamlessly on both sides?
If all these points are met, your MWR air filter is perfectly prepared for the next season.
Frequently asked questions: Cleaning MWR air filters
Do I have to clean my MWR air filter if I have hardly ridden?
Yes. You should maintain the MWR street filter once a year – regardless of mileage. The foam must not be allowed to dry out.
How long does the filter need to soak in the cleaner?
The filter should remain completely in the MWR filter cleaner for 30 minutes. Only then should it be washed out with hot water and dish soap.
Can I use other filter oil or other cleaners?
No. Only MWR Biodegradable Filter Oil and MWR Biodegradable Filter Cleaner are intended for MWR air filters. This is the only way to ensure the filter is also protected against backfire.
When can I oil the filter after washing?
Only when the filter is completely dry. Afterward, oil it on both sides and work the oil evenly into the foam.
How do I oil an MWR air filter without a spray can?
Hold the filter almost vertically and let the oil from the bottle drip evenly onto the filter on both sides. Then, gently massage it in until no dry spots remain.
Suitable products for your motorcycle
→ Maintenance kit (MWR-002) – Filter cleaner & filter oil
→ Performance air filters from MWR in the FLAWLESS shop
→ ECU Performance Flash – Software optimization for your motorcycle
Still have questions?
Are you unsure which MWR air filter fits your motorcycle or whether your software should be tuned to the filter? Then simply contact us. We are happy to help.