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In 1969 Gary Whitehead purchased a Yamaha 250cc DT-1 motorcycle from K&N and is seen here racing in the Canyon Crest area of Riverside, California in a Hi-Jinx motorcycle club race

Gary Whitehead began racing at 10-years-old on a 50cc Honda C110 motorcycle in 1963 at the famed Perris Raceway and Prado Park

K&N was formed by Ken Johnson and Norm McDonald in the early 1960’s. The duo ran a motorcycle dealership selling Yamaha and Indian motorcycles as well as their own line of motorcycle accessories. Ken and Norm were avid motorcycle racers and they channeled their passion for the sport into a rather large K&N race team. In those early days K&N helped foster the careers of many influential names in the world of motorcycle racing including 3-time world grand prix champion Kenny Roberts, and the legendary star of Bruce Brown’s On Any Sunday, Malcolm Smith.

Gary Whitehead was an aspiring motorcycle racer in the early days of motocross. He began racing at just 10-years-old on a 50cc Honda C110 motorcycle in 1963. At that time Gary did most of his racing at the famed Perris Raceway and Prado Park; home-turf of the K&N racing team. In 1969 Gary looked to the K&N motorcycle dealership when he decided to step up to a new 250cc Yamaha DT-1 motorcycle. At its introduction in 1968 the Yamaha DT-1 almost single handedly defined a new market for off-road motorcycles and K&N, one of the oldest Yamaha dealers in the nation, was perfectly situated in Southern California’s hot bed of motorcycle racing.

Gary Whitehead aboard his 1970 Husqvarna (Husky), that he purchased from the K&N motorcycle dealer, racing in the Lamb Canyon area of Beaumont, California

Gary Whitehead’s passion for performance never waned despite his technology focused career and in 1991 he decided to build a kit car based around a 1933 Ford Victoria

As Gary says, he began racing in the very early days of motocross. Early motocross tracks were composed of natural terrain, unprepared, and marked out across the terrain of the area. Many times motocross tracks went through grass fields and narrow cow trails. The now fabled Saddleback and Carlsbad tracks of the area were just beginning to emerge. It was also during this time that K&N invented the high-flow washable and reusable K&N air filter to meet the air filtration needs of early motocross and desert racing pioneers. Gary Whitehead was invited to be a K&N racing team member in 1969 and used one of the earliest K&N air filters in his 1969 Yamaha DT-1. Gary described the filter as being housed in a gold colored round aluminum case that replaced the factory Yamaha unit.

After racing the DT-1, Gary Whitehead moved on to a 1970 Husqvarna (Husky); also purchased from the K&N dealership. Unfortunately Gary’s serious racing efforts were put to an end in 1971 when he broke his leg at Saddleback Motocross Park. However, it seems as if Gary was always on the verge of new and promising industries. After attending college Gary entered the computer industry. He spent the last 19 years of his career as a Chief Information Officer before retiring in July of 2014. According to Gary, “Retirement has been fun. I bought a street bike and ride at least twice a week. I also take my street rod out on the weekends.”

Gary Whitehead has become a lifelong K&N fan saying, “The filters work well and are easy to maintain. The hot rod, like the motorcycles, has a K&N air filter.”

According to Gary Whitehead, “Retirement has been fun. I bought a street bike and ride at least twice a week. I also take my street rod out on the weekends.”

Gary’s passion for performance never waned despite his technology focused career. In 1991 he decided to build a kit car based around a 1933 Ford Victoria. The body, frame, and interior pieces came from a now defunct company based in Florida. Gary gathered the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and all the other pieces from junk yards or parts stores. It took him about 6 months to build the car and get it on the road. He’s been driving it around town ever since. “I enjoy driving the car and the people involved in the hot rod community are fun to be around,” said Gary. He has also remained a loyal K&N fan through the years. Of K&N Gary commented “The filters work well and are easy to maintain. The hot rod, like the motorcycles, has a K&N air filter.”

The K&N brand has stood for performance for over 45 years. K&N offers performance motorcycle air filters, motorcycle air intake systems, and high-flow motorcycle oil filters. To find K&N performance products for your car, truck, motorcycle, or semi-truck use the search by vehicle tool. To find an authorized K&N dealer near you, use the Find Dealer search function.

Washable and reusable K&N air filter, number SU-1014, for 2014, 2015 and 2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom models is designed to fit in the stock air filter box without modifications

The Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom Adventure Touring motorcycle gets its name from a combination of V for its V-Twin engine, and the German word Strom meaning stream or current. Production of the DL1000 ended a few years ago, while its smaller sibling the DL650 continued on. As great of a bike as the DL650 V-Strom is, there truly is no replacement for displacement. Redesigned and reintroduced for the 2014 model year, the 2014, 2015 and 2016 DL1000 V-Strom hosts a number of updates including Suzuki’s first version of traction control in a motorcycle. An adventure touring motorcycle, like the 2014-2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, is designed to eat up miles of highway as well as some of the roads less traveled. Owners of 2014-2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom models should equip their bikes with the World’s Best Air Filter from K&N.

Replacement K&N air filter, SU-1014, for 2014-2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom adventure touring motorcycles is designed to fit into the stock air filter box without any need for modifications. K&N replacement air filters are made with specially woven cotton gauze. Because cotton, by nature, is more breathable than paper, K&N motorcycle air filters can flow more air than a typical paper air filter. Superior airflow from a K&N replacement air filter can result in superior performance and improved throttle response. Additionally, the pleated design, combined with the depth loading nature of K&N cotton gauze air filters allows for increased air filter service intervals. A K&N cotton gauze air filter, like a trusty pair of denim jeans, is designed to be repeatedly washed and reused with one of the K&N Recharger air filter service kits.

K&N replacement air filter SU-1014, for 2014- 2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom models, is designed for superior airflow and superior performance without sacrificing engine protection

The ability to wash and reuse a K&N air filter means that it will pay for itself over time. Part number SU-1014 can be washed and made like new using one of the K&N Recharger air filter service kits. Recharger 99-5000 includes 12 fluid ounces of air filter cleaner and a 6.5 ounce aerosol bottle of air filter oil for quick and easy application. Recharger Kit 99-5050 differs in that it includes an 8 ounce squeeze bottle of K&N filter oil for a more precise application.

It would be false to assume that the superior airflow and superior performance of a K&N air filter comes at the expense of filtration efficiency and engine protection. K&N engineers placed filtration efficiency and dirt retention at the top of the priority list when developing SU-1014 for 2014-2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom models. This filter uses design elements that go above and beyond our standard on-road only replacement air filters. K&N knows that a 2014-2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom could be subjected to some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. This is why K&N used our special tight weave cotton gauze sandwiched between wire mesh to form the air filter’s pleats. Four layers of pleated tight weave cotton filter media allows SU-1014 to outflow the stock air filter, hold more dirt for long service intervals, and offer 99.15% filtration efficiency.

K&N performs filtration efficiency testing following the internationally recognized ISO 5011 protocol with ISO coarse test dust to guarantee that our air filters will provide high airflow without sacrificing engine protection. Calling this test dust coarse is almost preposterous, as 22% of the dust is rated at 10 microns or less. To provide perspective, a human blood cell is typically between 6 and 8 microns across. Detailed air filtration test results are available for viewing.

K&N air filter for 2014, 2015 and 2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom adventure touring motorcycles is backed by a one year limited warranty. Replacement air filter SU-1014 is designed to provide increased performance, reusability, and long air filter service intervals without any need for modifications or tuning for the following Suzuki V-Strom models:

2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-STROM ABS 1037
2015 Suzuki DL1000 V-STROM 1037
2014 Suzuki DL1000 V-STROM ABS ADVENTURE 1037
2014 Suzuki DL1000 V-STROM ABS 1037

K&N Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom replacement air filter SU-1014 is designed as a direct air filter cross reference for the following manufacturers’ part number:

DNA PS10E1401 Suzuki 1378031J00

To find additional Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom performance parts from K&N, such as K&N high-flow replacement oil filter KN-138, use the search by vehicle tool. To find an authorized K&N dealer near you, use the Find Dealer search function.

Dalton Sargeant led the first 16 laps of the NAPA Auto Parts 150 before surrendering the lead to series veteran David Mayhew in the number 17 MMI Service Chevrolet

Dalton Sargeant started off his weekend with a strong qualifying run earning himself the 21 means 21 Pole Award presented by Coors Light

Fresh off a solid second place finish in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East season opener at New Smyrna Speedway just outside of Daytona Beach, Florida, the rookie Dalton Sargeant headed out west to try his hand in the NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Kern County Raceway in Bakersfield, California. The 17-year old Boca Raton, Florida native drives for HScott Motorsports in the NKNPS East series and has earned himself a seat with the first-year team Jefferson Pitts Racing in the NKNPS West series.

Dalton Sargeant started off his weekend with a strong qualifying run earning himself the 21 means 21 Pole Award presented by Coors Light. Sargeant led the first 16 laps of the NAPA Auto Parts 150 before surrendering the lead to series veteran David Mayhew in the number 17 MMI Service Chevrolet. Mayhew led the next 85 laps, taking the Autolite Iridium XP Lap Leader honors, however, Sargeant was able to once again take control of the race on lap 102.

David Mayhew led 85 laps, taking the Autolite Iridium XP Lap Leader honors, however Dalton Sargeant once again took control of the race on lap 102

Rookie Dalton Sargeant earned his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series victory in the NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Kern County Raceway outside of Bakersfield, California

A pair of late cautions pushed the NAPA Auto Parts 150 to 160 laps. Despite a fierce challenge from Mayhew on every lap, Sargeant was able to out-last the 33-year-old Atascadero, California Native. Sargeant’s Jefferson Pitts Racing teammate Noah Gragson brought the Alert I.D. Ford across the line for a third place finish. 2014 Sunoco Rookie of the Year winner, James Bickford finished fourth, and Chris Eggleston rounded out the top five.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will head to Irwindale, California for the King Taco Catering/NAPA Auto Parts 150 race at Irwindale Speedway on April 11th.

2015 N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Men’s XC Pro racer Brad Bakken

2015 N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Men’s XC Pro racer Jordan Ashburn

The N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Race Team is compiled of the world’s best and brightest off-road motorcycle racers. The team has stood the test of time and has proven to be an elite force in the off-road racing industry. The N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Race Team is led by 7-time National Champion and AMA Hall of Fame Member Randy Hawkins. Hawkins, who is the team owner and manager, continues to be a vital part of the off-road racing community and is an enduring ambassador for the sport. The team’s goal is to create a platform of opportunity for talented young riders across the country and turn them into National Champions.

Hawkins has a massive list of past accomplishments including 73 AMA National race wins and knows what it takes to win a championship. When choosing an air filter Randy Hawkins, and the whole N-Fab AmPro Yamaha race team, relies on the superior airflow and superior performance of K&N replacement high-flow air filters and performance oil filters. In reference to K&N motorcycle air filters Randy Hawkins stated, “Team AmPro Racing is excited to be involved with a state of the art air filter system that K&N has designed for dirt bikes. We are honored for the AmPro Team to be leading their testing on the dirt bike side. K&N is a worldwide cutting edge company in every form of motorsports and Team AmPro is excited to be a part of that family.”

2015 N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Men’s XC Pro racer Grant Baylor rides the number 314 YZ450F

2015 N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Men’s XC Pro racer Daniel Milner

The N-Fab AmPro Yamaha race team’s roster of professional athletes includes Brad Bakken (Men’s XC Pro), Grant Baylor (Men’s XC Pro), Daniel Milner (Men’s XC Pro), Jordan Ashburn (Men’s XC Pro) as well as female athletes Jessica Patterson (Women’s XC Pro) and Rebecca Sheets (Women’s XC Pro). In addition to off-road motorcycles, the N-Fab AmPro Yamaha race team incorporates professional ATV racers Walker Fowler (Men’s XC Pro) and Cole Richardson (Men’s XC2 Pro). The N-Fab AmPro Yamaha race team’s 2015 race schedule is jam packed with Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) and National Enduro races all across the mid-west and south-east United States.

Team owner/manager Randy Hawkins has equipped the entire N-Fab AmPro Yamaha race team with K&N air and oil filters. Ensuring the team’s Yamaha YZ450F off-road motorcycles are running smoothly are K&N Motocross air filters YA-4514XD and K&N performance oil filters KN-140. N-Fab AmPro Yamaha ATV racers Walker Fowler and Cole Richardson are running K&N YFZ450R replacement air filters YA-4504 wrapped in K&N Precharger YA-4504PK and K&N performance oil filters KN-140. Even the N-Fab AmPro Yamaha race team’s semi-truck and trailer is running K&N air filter 38-2012S and K&N heavy duty Wrench-Off oil filter HP-8028. Rounding out the team’s list of air filtration needs is K&N light industrial air filter E-4552 for the team’s Onan generator.

2015 N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Women’s XC Pro racer Jessica Patterson

2015 N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Women’s XC Pro racer Rebecca Sheets rides the number 551 YZ450F

K&N believes in supporting racers at the uppermost level as well as up and coming racers competing in grassroots racing. K&N is proud to sponsor the N-Fab AmPro Yamaha Race Team and will follow the team’s results during the 2015 GNCC and National Enduro season. To find K&N performance replacement air filters for your motorcycle, ATV, or just about anything with an engine, use the search by vehicle tool. To find an authorized K&N dealer near you, use the Find Dealer search function.

K&N knows that a Polaris Ranger or RZR Side by Side UTV will be subjected to some of the most extreme conditions on the planet

K&N engineers place filtration efficiency and dirt retention at the top of the priority list when developing a K&N replacement air filter for 2000-2014 Polaris Ranger models, as well as the 2014 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 1000. K&N designs Polaris Ranger, and RZR air filters with elements that go above and beyond K&N’s standard on-road replacement air filters. K&N knows that a Polaris Side by Side UTV will be subjected to some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. This is why K&N uses two extra layers, totaling six, of our special tight weave cotton gauze sandwiched between wire mesh to form extra deep 1-1/4” pleats. Six layers of 1-1/4” deep pleated cotton filter media when building 2000-2014 Polaris Ranger, and 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 replacement air filter. Using this special media in deeper pleats allows K&N Polaris RZR and Ranger replacement air filters to provide superior airflow, hold more dirt for long service intervals, and offer approximately 99% filtration efficiency.

A K&N Drycharger air filter wrap is designed to provide an extra barrier of protection for K&N air filters and add minimal airflow restriction

A K&N Drycharger air filter wrap is designed to provide an extra barrier of protection for K&N air filters and add minimal airflow restriction. K&N Drycharger air filter wraps cover a K&N air filter in a durable polyester material containing uniform micron openings. K&N Drycharger air filter wraps extend K&N ATV air filter service intervals by preventing larger dirt particles from being trapped in the filter’s pleats. A K&N Drycharger air filter wrap is pre-treated with a proprietary hydrophobic process designed to prevent splashes of water or mud from saturating a K&N air filter. Depending on conditions, and usage, this water repellent treatment is good for 1 to 2 years. K&N Drychargers are custom made to fit each application for an excellent fit. K&N Drycharger air filter wraps are meant to be run dry and can be cleaned with K&N Power Kleen air filter cleaner.

K&N Drychargers, like PL-5008DK, are custom made to fit each application for an excellent fit

K&N Drycharger air filter wrap PL-5008DK is designed to fit over K&N replacement air filter PL-5008 for the 2000-2014 Polaris Ranger side by side models listed below:

2014 Polaris Ranger 4X4 400 455
2013 Polaris Ranger CREW 500 498
2013 Polaris Ranger 4X4 EFI 499
2013 Polaris Ranger 4X4 400 455
2012 Polaris Ranger CREW 500 498
2012 Polaris Ranger 800 HD EPS 760
2012 Polaris Ranger 4X4 EFI 499
2012 Polaris Ranger 4X4 400 455
2011 Polaris Ranger CREW 500 498
2011 Polaris Ranger 800 HD EPS 760
2011 Polaris Ranger 4X4 EFI 499
2011 Polaris Ranger 4X4 400 455
2010 Polaris Ranger CREW 800 EPS 760
2010 Polaris Ranger CREW 800 760
2010 Polaris Ranger 800 XP 760
2010 Polaris Ranger 800 HD 760
2010 Polaris Ranger 6X6 800 760
2010 Polaris Ranger 4X4 EFI 499
2010 Polaris Ranger 4X4 400 455
2009 Polaris Ranger XP 700
2009 Polaris Ranger HD 700
2009 Polaris Ranger CREW 700 700

K&N Drycharger air filter wraps, like PL-1014-1DK, will to prevent splashes of water or mud from saturating a K&N air filter

K&N Drycharger air filter wrap PL-1014-1DK is designed to fit over K&N replacement air filter, number PL-1014, for the 2014 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 1000 side by side models listed below:

2014 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 EPS 999
2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS 999

To find additional Polaris Ranger and Polaris RZR performance parts from K&N, such as K&N high-flow replacement oil filters, use the search by vehicle tool. To find an authorized K&N dealer near you, use the Find Dealer search function.