I'm sure you can tell I'm new to GSTWIN.com and I'm a new owner of a 96 GS500E completely stock in a very nice candy apple red color.  I want to get a K & N air filter for my GS but I'm confused on the two I found doing a google search. What is the difference between the SU-5589 and the RU-2970 and what do you recommend? Also where can I get a K & N air filter for the best price? Thank you for taking time to read my post....

the RU2970 is the non street version.. its technically meant for off road / compettion.. but we use it.

Its an clamp on filter that fits over both intakes of the carb. You have to take off the airbox to put it on.. but when you do put it on, you will HAVE TO rejet.

The stock GS500 runs lean from the factory, however you can rejet using srinaths method.


to get the RU2970 check the thread about merchants stickied on FS/FT

I assume the other one is a drop in for the stock air filter in the stock airbox.. it will still need rejetting as that sends more air than the paper airfilter.

Quote from: The_good_guyI assume the other one [SU-5589] is a drop in for the stock air filter in the stock airbox.. it will still need rejetting as that sends more air than the paper airfilter.

See my K&N Stock Replacement Air Filter page for some pictures of the SU-5589.  I think you can use it as part of a Stage 1 kit (whatever that is) or you can install the restrictor if you want to keep everything else stock.  Like me!  :mrgreen:

As for a good source, I bought my SU-5589 through my Suzuki dealer back before I knew anything (hadn't discovered mail order).  I haven't tried to source one since, so I'm afraid I can't help you there...yet.

EDIT: Changed link from sisna.com to bbburma.net.

Seamax is the handle name... search for it - He had one for sale a few weeks ago. The airbox drop in un used... hit him and see if he has it still.
Cool.
Srinath.

Does anyone have a link or resource other than my local Suzuki dealer to pick up a stock filter if I just wanted to stick with stock instead of a K & N? I'm sure I'll go with the K & N filter either way.

OH BTW the stock paper filter can be washed in gas and reused... just slosh it around in gas and sorta pull it out with the open end down... so all the crap gets out the mouth not deposited on the bottom... and do it till it gets clean and white... and dry it and put it back in. I figure 3-4 times easy.... every 8-10K miles. And believe me it has to survive gas and oil soaking... cos these bikes put out a ton of blow by which all ends up in the airbox... and if the filter disintegrated making contact with gas or oil... you'd have to buy one every other day... not that they wont like that... but they'd have gone broke in the warranty period replacing the filters. Hence they made it so it will survive gas and oil showers... but the manual says clean it with air... which does nothing... and replace it... whoo hooo - nice scam... worked for many years till I tried to get one un glued ... (dont ask) by soaking in gas and it came out clean... but still in 1 piece.
Cool.
Srinath.

mawonline.com

They have the SU-5589 for $49.95 which is about average I think.  If you search around you can probably do a little better.

http://mawonline.com/kandn.htm#Air%20filters

ASLAM.

does the K & N SU-5589 come with the restrictor or do you need to purchase it separate?

comes with the restrictor.

ASLAM.

here yah go...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=35597&item=2469840259&sspagename=STRK%3AMESSE%3AIT

What's up with this restrictor?  Does this affect airflow to the point that you can slide by with stock jetting with restrictor installed?  Then, it can be removed after rejetting appropriately for a boost in power?

Yep... I beleive so...
Cool.
Srinath.

that's what Kerry told me, and he's got one, so I'm assuming he knows what he's talking about...   he usually does.

Quote from: JLKasperWhat's up with this restrictor?  Does this affect airflow to the point that you can slide by with stock jetting with restrictor installed?  Then, it can be removed after rejetting appropriately for a boost in power?

Just to weigh in myself - YES.  I've been running my otherwise-stock GS with the K&N SU-5589 In-Airbox Replacement filter with the restrictor installed.  (See my post above for a link to pictures.)

My understanding is that for a "Stage 1" rejet you remove the restrictor and bump the jetting up a bit.  If you want to go "Stage 3" you install the pod filter(s) instead, bump the jetting even further, and get yourself a more free-flowing pipe.

I installed the K & N SU-5589 on my GS ('89) last year and it ran great with the restrictor in, but really rough with it out.  I rejetted in late fall with #40 pilots, 127.5 mains. 2 #4 washers with stock exhaust.  The bike runs great with the restrictor removed.  Definitely recommend rejetting, even with stock set up.  The second best mod after progressive springs