When chasing maximum horsepower and throttle response on your Harley-Davidson, upgrading your air intake system is one of the most effective modifications you can make. A high-performance air intake kit allows your engine to breathe easier, delivering cooler, denser air to the combustion chamber. While intake upgrades focus on raw performance, don’t neglect how proper lighting enhances your ability to safely harness that extra power during night rides or low-visibility conditions. Here’s your guide to the best air intake kits for Harleys and why visibility matters when you’re pushing your bike’s limits.
Why Upgrade Your Harley’s Air Intake?
Stock airboxes are designed for quiet operation and emissions compliance, not maximum airflow. Aftermarket intakes offer:
- Increased horsepower (typically 5-15% gains)
- Improved throttle response
- Aggressive intake sound
- Cooler air charge (with proper heat shielding)
- Custom styling options
Top Air Intake Kits for Harley-Davidson
1. Arlen Ness Big Sucker Stage 1
The gold standard for bolt-on performance, featuring a massive 5″ intake mouth and high-flow filter. Works with stock or tuned ECMs.
2. Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather
Harley’s own high-performance option with a sleek, aerodynamic design and washable filter media. Ideal for warranty-conscious riders.
3. K&N High Flow Air Intake Kit
Features K&N’s famous oiled cotton gauze filter in a low-profile design. Excellent for bikes with limited clearance.
4. S&S SuperStreet Air Cleaner
Minimalist “teardrop” design with outstanding airflow. Popular with builders going for a clean, old-school look.
5. Vance & Hines VO2 Naked Intake
Aggressive naked filter design that showcases your engine while delivering serious airflow. Includes heat shield.
Lighting and Performance: Seeing Your Power
When you unlock additional horsepower with an air intake upgrade, you’ll likely find yourself riding more aggressively – which makes proper lighting even more critical. High-performance LED Harley Davidson headlights cut through the night with crisp white illumination, letting you spot road hazards sooner when testing your bike’s newfound power. Consider auxiliary lights like Denali D4 pods for enhanced peripheral vision in corners. Bright, instant-response LED brake lights ensure traffic behind you reacts quickly when you decelerate from higher speeds. These lighting upgrades complement your performance mods by helping you ride safer at the limits of your bike’s capabilities.
Installation Tips
- Always reset your ECU or install a fuel tuner after intake upgrades
- Check for proper throttle body clearance during installation
- Use included heat shields to prevent hot air intake
- Regularly clean and oil reusable filters (every 5,000-10,000 miles)
Harley Davidson Motorcycle Upgrade
Upgrading your Harley’s air intake is one of the most satisfying performance mods you can make, delivering immediate gains in power and throttle response. Whether you choose the massive airflow of an Arlen Ness Big Sucker or the sleek styling of a Vance & Hines VO2, you’ll enjoy a transformed riding experience. Just remember that with great power comes the need for great visibility – pair your intake upgrade with proper lighting to fully enjoy your bike’s enhanced performance day or night.