Kawasaki KRX and Ridge New Heavy Duty UNI Cleanable Reusable Air Filter

If you’ve been running the stock paper air filter in your Kawasaki KRX or Ridge, you might be playing a risky game with your engine. Stock paper filters are prone to tiny cracks and tears under stress, letting fine dust and trail silt slip directly into your engine to cause major havoc.

To protect your machine, reusable oiled foam filters are the ultimate upgrade. Here is a breakdown of the design options, crucial maintenance rules, and trail tips to keep your UTV breathing easy.

Original vs. Heavy-Duty: Choosing Your Filter

While both options outperform stock paper filters, matching the right filter to your typical riding environment is key:

• The Original Red Filter (Everyday Use): Features a balanced 60/40 pore-per-inch (picosity) design. It provides excellent airflow and protection for everyday trail riding and standard group trips.

• The New Heavy-Duty Yellow Filter (Extreme Dust & Silt): Engineered with an 80/60 picosity configuration, this design drastically increases the filter's surface area. It traps ultra-fine silt dust when you are stuck riding in the back of the pack or pushing through harsh, powdery terrain.

Maintenance & Cleaner Warnings

Proper cleaning and re-oiling are critical to ensuring your engine stays protected. Follow these guidelines to avoid damaging your filter:

• Avoid Alcohol-Based Cleaners: Never use alcohol-based cleaners (such as Bel-Ray filter cleaner). Alcohol degrades the internal glue binding the foam layers, causing the filter to fall apart.

• Use the Right Service Kit: The UNI Service Kit is strongly recommended. Because UNI manufactures the foam filter, their proprietary cleaner and oil are formulated specifically to maximize filter lifespan and dirt retention.

• Oil Selection: While thick oils like Bel-Ray are popular, ensure whatever oil you choose is designed specifically for foam air filters and applied evenly across all surface area pores.

Pro-Tip for Long Trail Rides

Always prep a pre-oiled backup filter before heading out on a multi-day trip or long group ride. Stashing a spare in a sealed bag allows you to do a quick swap right on the trail without waiting for a cleaned filter to dry and re-oil.

Upgrade your airflow, stick to alcohol-free maintenance, and keep your KRX or Ridge running strong for seasons to come.