Is there an alternative for expensive Filter oil??

[OldSchoolin86]

this actually is helpful cause ive always bought the K&N recharge kits and they do get a bit pricey, but i dont know if i have the nads to try something else haha

The recharge kits are a rip! Klotz also makes a filter oil for K&N style filters. You don't want to use anything made for a foam filter. I think the Klotz is 7.99 for a can and it will last you several cleanings. When I ran K&N's I used soap and water to clean it and a similar product as the Klotz. I always let the filter dry out over night and oiled in the morning.

[ProCarbine2k1]

"I wouldnt use anything other than the right stuff."
Ill see if I can find the read up I had on filter oil, from what I read there is A LOT more to it than typical engine oil. Im with ya on saving a little here and there, but there are some things I will NEVER scrimp on, filter oil is one. Ill see if I can pull the article up for ya.

[86waterpumper]

No I cannot give the breakdown of air filter oil and motor oil or wd40. (The latter is a water displacer and has very little oil in it, so it is really stupid to even suggest it) I'm not a scientist but it doesn't take a engineer to know some things are better than others and worth the price. Let me ask you, are you a electrical engineer? I'm not but I have sense enough to know to flip a switch rather than to collect candles and matches. The same can be said for any newer invention. The amount of chemicals and items in general available for our bikes has increased 10 fold since the 80's so no I'm not surprised that a honda manual says use motor oil or whatever, and if you notice I did say it was the best alternative. What about water wetter, newer synthetic oil blends, new riding gear technology, helmet cams, the list could continue of things that were not available when our bikes were built should they not be used just because honda didn't have some crystal ball and approve them? I doubt there were very many specific air filter oils available in the 80's therefore they aren't listed. Who here mixes their 250r oil at 20:1 honda said to do that also it says so right on my frame LOL...There are more things to consider than just "what will trap dirt" Just about any sort of oil or sticky liquid you want to put will trap some dirt heck I could probably pour the rest of my 32 ounce big gulp coke or what have you in the filter and let it setup and I'm sure it would block dirt. It's not going to flow any air worth a crap is it, and let's just say the filter gets wet (which it can even with a airbox)? Now we have a problem don't we because it's going to wash out and then provide no protection. Lithium grease is nice and cheap, you can get a tube or spraycan of it at walmart or autozone for 2 or 3 bucks probably however it is certainlyl not "just like filter oil". The problem is, is that once it is introduced to water, it emulsifies quickly and turns into a goopy mess. Regular motor oil will work, but its not tacky enough to trap small particles or to resist water. The 250sx manual reccomends 80/90 which would work but the stuff smells like total ass, you are probably going to smell it everytime you ride. Are there other items that would block dirt and work, sure thousands, including canola oil, olive oil, your wife's hair conditioner etc lol. The bottom line is, you know the air filter oil works better than these things, and it's not going to attack the foam on your filter like some other products might. I gave my opinion because you have started 20 other people guessing at what goofy products they may can use to take the place of the high dollar "rip off" filter oil but it's your bike I am just trying to save you some money and headache. I think most here would agree air filter oil is the best, I use klotz spray type it is nothing like the old crappy bel ray oil that you mentioned by any means...