DNA PERFORMANCE AIR FILTER - SERVICE KIT

DNA filters are designed to offer very high filtration without choking airflow. In independent testing, they achieve a minimum filtration rate of 98%, which means fine dust and debris are effectively trapped before they can reach your engine.

To put that into context, most quality paper filters typically sit between 97–99%, while foam filters usually average somewhere between 92–97%. DNA filters strike a great balance — strong engine protection without sacrificing the performance you’d expect from an upgraded filter.

Filtration efficiency simply means how much dirt a filter can stop before it reaches your engine. With DNA filters, the efficiency is typically 98–99%, which means that for every 100 grams of dirt that enters the filter, around 98 to 99 grams are trapped before they can do any harm.

This doesn’t just apply to large particles either — DNA filters are designed to capture very fine dust too, including particles as small as 5 microns. The result is better protection for your engine, even in dirty or dusty riding conditions.

This figure refers to how much dust the filter catches during independent laboratory testing, carried out in line with the ISO 5011 standard.

In simple terms, it shows how effective the filter is at stopping dirt and dust before it can reach your engine.

DNA uses one of the most advanced computer-controlled Rotronics flow benches available to measure filter performance. The entire testing process is automated, which removes the risk of human error and keeps results consistent.

To make the comparison fair, DNA tests each filter back-to-back with the original equipment (OEM) filter from the bike, on the same day and under the same conditions. The results are published so you can clearly see the difference in airflow between the standard filter and the DNA upgrade — and know exactly what to expect when you fit one.

When conflicting performance claims appeared, DNA purchased competitor filters and tested them back-to-back against both stock OEM filters and DNA filters under identical pressure and conditions.

The results did not match the published claims. Although airflow was higher than the stock filter, it was significantly lower than DNA’s figures. This is why DNA always tests against the original equipment filter and publishes both results — so customers can see a fair, like-for-like comparison.

Airflow testing must be done side by side under the same conditions to be meaningful. Testing at different times or pressures produces misleading figures, which is why DNA only presents data measured on the same equipment, on the same day.

In cases like this, where airflow through a DNA filter is especially high, clear fitting and maintenance instructions are included in the box. This ensures the filter performs exactly as intended and helps protect your engine under all riding conditions.

DNA has developed a specialist filter material that works exceptionally well in harsh, off-road conditions. A good example comes from the Dakar Rally in 2011, one of the toughest endurance events in the world.

One of the factory Aprilia 450 Rally bikes ran a DNA filter, while other team bikes used traditional foam filters. At the end of each day, the filters were checked and compared. The DNA-equipped bike showed no signs of dust passing through, and the engine remained in excellent condition. In contrast, the foam filters had already required replacement — often two or three per day.

What stood out even more was that the DNA filter lasted the entire day, while the foam setups needed frequent changes. This real-world test highlighted just how durable and effective DNA’s filter design can be when riding in extreme environments.

A DNA filter must never be used dry. The filter oil is a vital part of how the filter works, as it helps trap fine dust and dirt before it reaches your engine.

After cleaning, you should always apply the official DNA filter oil — not just any oil. Using the correct oil ensures the filter performs properly and continues to protect your engine as designed.

Ignoring this step can reduce filtering performance and increase the risk of dirt entering the engine.

DNA uses a specialist thixotropic polyurethane when producing round filters. This material is designed not to run or spread into the filter fibres, so the active filtering area is not reduced over time.

For panel filters, DNA allows a tightly controlled seal tolerance of just 3–5 mm, which is far smaller than the uneven gaps commonly seen in other filters. This ensures a consistent seal while maintaining performance.

DNA’s FCd (Full Contour design) is a key innovation. It allows the pleated filter material to follow the exact shape of the airbox, no matter how complex the design. By using the full available footprint, DNA removes “dead areas” where air movement is restricted and performance is lost.

The result is a much larger working filter surface — typically at least 20% more, and in some cases up to 80% more filtration area compared to conventional designs. More usable surface area means better airflow and more consistent filtration.

Race engines live a hard life and need proper protection. On track, engines are exposed to dust, debris, rubber thrown up by other bikes and even insects — all of which can cause serious damage if they get inside the intake.

DNA filters are designed to deliver high airflow without sacrificing protection. Rather than increasing flow by thinning the filter or reducing filtration, DNA uses its FCd design to improve airflow while keeping its proven four-layer filter construction intact.

The result is a filter that offers excellent engine protection alongside strong airflow. With filtration efficiency rated at up to 98%, DNA filters are built for riders who want dependable performance in demanding conditions.

DNA’s FCd design allows the filter material to follow the exact shape of the airbox, even when the airbox has a complex layout. Instead of forcing the filter into a flat shape, the pleated fabric is formed to use the full available space inside the intake.

By covering the complete footprint of the airbox, “dead areas” where airflow is restricted are removed. This improves airflow while ensuring the entire surface of the filter is working effectively.

In real terms, this design typically provides at least 20% more usable filter area, and in some cases up to 80% more, compared with conventional flat filter designs.

How often you clean your DNA filter depends on where and how you ride. For normal road use, servicing is usually recommended once a year or every 15,000–30,000 km to keep the filter performing properly.

A simple way to check is to look at the wire mesh on the dirty side of the filter.

If you can still see the mesh, the filter is fine to keep using.

If the mesh is completely covered in dirt and debris, it’s time to clean the filter.

Riders who spend time on dusty roads, off-road or in heavy traffic may need to clean the filter more often.

Your DNA filter should be treated like a delicate fabric, not a rough workshop part. Think of it like caring for an expensive garment — you wouldn’t throw it around or use harsh cleaners, and the same care applies here.

Every DNA filter and service kit comes with clear, step-by-step cleaning instructions. Follow them closely and you’ll find the process is straightforward and easy to do at home.

Looking after the filter properly helps it last longer and perform as it should.