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The top triple clamps were modified with mounts to support the gauges originally housed in the factory fairing and handlebar risers to adapt the top mounted RSD handlebars

The TL’s paint scheme came to life by way of Chris Redpath at MotoGP Werks but takes inspiration from 2-time AMA Superbike champ Wes Cooley & his factory Yoshimura Suzuki motorcycles

The American novelist Ray Bradbury, probably best known for his novel Fahrenheit 451, once said “Love what you do and do what you love.” While we can’t all be professional artists, sports figures, or racers; working for a company such as K&N Air Filters does allow the opportunity to apply a passion for performance into a real world career. Nick O’Kane, who serves as K&N’s Powersports Sales Manager, is just one of many examples of K&N employees who, in their spare time, build, customize, and even race vehicles with two wheels or four. Nick has a particular flair for building custom motorcycles that ride just as good as they look. Nick’s latest creation is a salvaged 2002 Suzuki TL1000R reincarnated as a beautiful café racer blending modern technology with styling cues from the past.

Nick was born and raised just outside the city of Liverpool in England. While Liverpool is famous for being home to The Beatles, Nick prefers to draw inspiration for his custom motorcycle builds from classic European and American motorcycle racing. The café racer look is a uniquely British style created by a subculture of young Britons which modern society would describe as hooligans. Early café racer motorcycles were stripped down Triumph, BSA, Norton, or even Vincent motorcycles intended, not for comfort, but for speed and handling. The café racer look has developed into a very unique style that continues today, usually with classic or modern British twins. Nick’s 2002 Suzuki TL1000R café racer is a bit out of the norm, but the TL’s excellent presentation is sure to please café racer purists.

The often criticized stock TL1000R shock was swapped for a fully adjustable unit from Hyper-Pro and a custom dual exhaust was created with mufflers sourced from Roland Sands Design

The original TL1000R gas cap and handlebar levers were swapped for anodized billet aluminum pieces from PSR USA which also serve to compliment the VooDoo Moto rear sets

Nick acquired the base for his café racer canvas as a salvaged motorcycle from the nearby shop of Motopia Cycles. Nick described it as a “smashed up dog” when he acquired the crashed bike for a mere $800. Removing the Superbike’s damaged fairings and bent sub-frame revealed a bike with just the right lines to serve as the starting point for this café racer build. The 2002 Suzuki TL1000R was torn down completely with many components, such as the frame, swing arm, and wheels sent off to be powder coated in flat black. To achieve the café racer look several components needed to be fabricated. The entire sub-frame is a custom one-off unit designed around the custom tail section and seat pan. The top triple clamps and gauge mounts were fabricated with risers to adapt the top mounted RSD handlebars and the gauges originally supported by the factory fairing.

Another issue encountered by removing the factory fairings was the lengthy and unsightly OE wiring harness of the Suzuki TL1000R. Nick describes the process of shortening the wiring harness as a “Nightmare which took days of cutting and soldering.” His efforts were not in vain as it allowed Nick to neatly tuck the wiring underneath the fuel tank and behind the Ducati Monster head light. The TL’s paint scheme was inspired by two-time AMA Superbike champion Wes Cooley and his factory Yoshimura Suzuki racing motorcycles from the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Nick chose to apply the number 7 to the TL’s café racer tail section as a tribute to another of his favorite racers, Barry Sheene, who won the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship in 1976 and 1977 aboard a factory Suzuki 500.

Nick chose to apply the number 7 to the TL’s café racer tail section as a tribute to British racer Barry Sheene while the seat is all American from the folks over at Saddlemen Seats

When the fairings were removed the Suzuki TL1000R wiring harness was an unsightly mess, but with a lot of time cutting and soldering it tucks neatly behind the Ducati Monster headlight

As a crashed motorcycle the stock front forks were bent, but instead of repairing the stock units Nick opted to swap them for a set of Suzuki GSX-R forks from a newer motorcycle. To complement the GSX-R forks, and cure the often criticized rear suspension, the stock TL1000R shock was swapped for a fully adjustable unit from Hyper-Pro. Yamaha R6 calipers were adapted to the front Suzuki GSX-R forks. The R6 calipers combined with EBC brake rotors and pads helped to bring the TL’s braking up to par with newer sportbikes. Rear-sets from VooDoo Moto replace the stock foot pegs for a touch of class that is equally at home on the race track.

A custom 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust system was fabricated using mufflers sourced from Roland Sands Design. The custom exhaust was designed to let the TL’s 1,000 cc race inspired v-twin engine exhale, and let others know the TL isn’t your typical inline-four. As a loyal K&N employee, Nick’s 2002 TL1000R café racer is fitted with a high-flow K&N air filter, number SU-0015 and a K&N wrench-off oil filter, number KN-138. A Dynojet Power Commander was installed to supplement the TL1000R’s stock ECU for the increased airflow into and out of the engine. Further engine tuning was performed by MotoGP Werks to ensure Nick’s TL café racer performed well across the entire RPM range.

Nick is quick to admit that this project wouldn’t have been possible without the help of his friends and key industry partners. K&N air filters, Roland Sands Design, Dynojet, MotoGP Werks, EBC Brakes, PSR USA, VooDoo Moto, Hyper-Pro, Goodridge and Continental tires are just a few of the companies Nick would like to thank. As the seventh custom bike on Nick’s resume, this 2002 TL1000R certainly won’t be the last. Something about the TL1000 must have caught Nick’s fancy as he has already picked up another crashed TL with a new design in the planning stages.

The K&N reusable air filter for 2015-2016 Honda Fit models with a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine is designed to increase airflow and reduce restriction over the stock automotive air filter

The 2015 and 2016 Honda Fit made its U.S. debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and was released for sale in mid-2014. The chassis is said to have been improved by reducing weight while increasing rigidity. Perhaps most exciting about the 2015 and 2016 Honda Fit is the new 1.5L dual overhead cam (DOHC) i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams Technology. Through improvements in friction reduction, and implementation of direct injection technology, the Earth Dreams Technology equipped 1.5L engine in the 2015-2016 Honda Fit promises a combination of fuel efficiency and high-output.

The USDM Honda Fit is now in its third generation of production and improvements, such as Earth Dream Technology, have made this car better than the first generation

Owners of 2015-2016 Honda Fit 1.5L models can now equip this surprisingly powerful and efficient engine with a the high-flow technology used in every K&N washable and reusable cotton gauze air filter. The K&N 2015-2016 Honda Fit air filter is designed to fit into the stock air filter box of 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC models 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, a K&N replacement air filter can flow more air than a typical paper automotive air filter. More air and less restriction for such a high tech engine can result in a boost in performance and better acceleration.

K&N engineers place filtration efficiency and dirt retention as a priority when developing a replacement air filter and part number 33-5027 was shown to be 98.72% efficient overall

It would be false to assume that an increase in airflow with a K&N air filter comes at the expense of filtration efficiency and engine protection. K&N engineers place filtration efficiency and dirt retention as a priority when developing a replacement air filter. K&N performs filtration efficiency testing following the internationally recognized ISO 5011 protocol with ISO coarse test dust to ensure that our air filters will provide high airflow without sacrificing engine protection. The K&N 2015 and 2016 Honda Fit 1.5L replacement air filter 33-5027 was shown to be 98.72% efficient overall when using the ISO 5011 test procedure. K&N has made these test results available for viewing.

Perhaps more exciting than an increase in performance from installing a K&N replacement air filter is the fact that they are also a washable and reusable air filter. The ability to wash and reuse a K&N air filter means that it will pay for itself over time. The K&N air filter for 2015-2016 Honda Fit 1.5L i-VTEC models can be washed and made like new using one of the K&N Recharger air filter service kits. A K&N Recharger air filter cleaning kit includes a specially formulated degreaser and K&N air filter oil necessary to restore air flow efficiency and bring your K&N oiled cotton air filter to like new condition.

The replacement K&N reusable air filter for 2015-2016 Honda Fit 1.5L models with an Earth Dreams Technology advanced engine is manufactured in the United States and backed by the K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty. Replacement air filter 33-5027 is designed to provide increased performance, reusability, and long air filter service intervals without any need for modifications or tuning for the following Honda Fit models:

2016 Honda Fit 1.5L L4
2015 Honda Fit 1.5L L4

K&N performance air filter 33-5027 is designed as a direct air filter cross reference for the following part numbers:

Honda 172205R0008

K&N air filters for the Honda Fit can be found on the Honda Fit Air Filters page. K&N products for other vehicles can be found using the Vehicle Search Tool. To find a K&N dealer near you, use Search for K&N Dealer.

Racing in temperatures well below the freezing point takes its toll on man and machine “I have never been so tired after a race, this cold weather does something to you,” said Menzies

The Red Bull Frozen Rush event is intended to put nine invitation only off-road truck racers to the test as they compete on the snow and ice of the Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine

By invitation only, nine professional off-road truck drivers traveled to Newry, Maine to take part in the second running of the Red Bull Frozen Rush event. These drivers are highly skilled at short-course stadium truck and desert style off-road racing. However, the Red Bull Frozen Rush is intended to put these racers to the test as they must compete on the snow and ice of the Sunday River Ski Resort. The 2015 Red Bull Frozen Rush course featured extreme jumps, eight-foot tall berms, various obstacles, 50 foot gaps, and bracket-style elimination racing for the trophy. The trucks were equipped with one-off spiked tires specifically made for this event and other than set-up adjustments, these trucks were identical to those they race in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing series.

Of the nine racers invited to the 2015 Red Bull Frozen Rush event, five of them are K&N sponsored drivers. In the end it was the K&N sponsored Red Bull Menzies Motorsports team of Bryce Menzies and Ricky Johnson standing upon the podium in first and second places. Motocross racing legend, and accomplished K&N sponsored Pro-4 truck driver, Ricky Johnson won the inaugural Red Bull Frozen Rush in 2014 and if not for a mistake in the final round may have taken the checkers once again.

The 2015 Red Bull Frozen Rush course gave spectators their money’s worth with extreme jumps, 8’ tall berms, various obstacles, 50 foot gaps, and bracket-style elimination racing

The trucks are equipped with one-off spiked tires specifically made for the Red Bull Frozen Rush but are essentially the same trucks raced in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing series

Ricky Johnson got the better start off the line; however Bryce Menzies was literally right on his tail. Menzies made contact with the back of Johnson’s truck with the spiked tires chewing up and spitting out bits of Johnson’s Red Bull Pro-4 truck body panels. After the race Bryce Menzies stated, “Off the start he got me, and then I got a little traction and almost drove over the back of him. That start was a little scary for a second.” Johnson held his lead for a few more turns until he nearly spun out following one of the biggest jumps on the course. “My wheels landed a little bit off the groove and sent me sideways,” said Johnson.

While Johnson was able to recover much of the time he lost, Bryce Menzies held a commanding lead for the remainder of the six-lap race. “It’s amazing, (Ricky has) been my teammate for four years and he’s helped me through pretty much everything…and to start off the season with a win is huge,” said Menzies after the race. Rob MacCachren and Scott Douglas battled it out in the Trophy Race to determine who would place third. The four-lap race saw the two drivers swap the lead several times, yet in the end MacCachren crossed the finish line in the lead and claimed the third spot upon the podium. Chad Hord finished fifth, K&N racer RJ Anderson took sixth, Brian Deegan claimed seventh, K&N driver Carl Renezeder ended in eighth, and the K&N Filters sponsored racer Todd Leduc finished ninth. LeDuc had blown his engine in practice and missed qualifying. Renezeder and LeDuc battled it out in the closest contested race of the event during the last chance qualifier.

The final round of the 2015 Red Bull Frozen Rush saw Menzies Motorsports teammates Bryce Menzies and the 2014 Frozen Rush winner Ricky Johnson lined up together on the starting line

In the end it was the K&N sponsored Red Bull Menzies Motorsports team of Bryce Menzies and Ricky Johnson standing upon the 2015 Frozen Rush podium in first and second places

An excited Bryce Menzies said of winning the race “I have never been so tired after a race, this cold weather does something to you. I just want to thank my team, and all of my sponsors. Thank you to the wonderful people here in Maine that came out to show all of us support and allowing us to race up your mountain!” The 2015 Red Bull Frozen Rush will air on NBC Sunday, March 1st, 2015 at 2:00 pm ET.

This filter uses design elements that go above and beyond our standard on-road replacement air filters with six layers of special tight weave cotton gauze formed into extra deep 1-1/4” pleats

The Polaris Sportsman Ace family of off-road vehicles combines the versatility and compact size of a Utility ATV with the safety features and ease of use normally found in a two or four passenger Side by Side UTV. By retaining the trail compliant width of a standard ATV with the safety of a roll cage and a three point safety harness, Polaris hopes the Ace family of off-road vehicles will fill a void being left in the current off-road market and attract new enthusiasts.

The K&N 2014-2016 Polaris Ace replacement air filter is designed to improve performance while still fitting into the stock air filter box without any need for modifications or tuning

The Polaris Sportsman Ace is currently offered with two different engine configurations. The Ace 325 is rated at 32 horsepower and the more powerful Polaris Ace 570 is rated at 45 peak horsepower. Owners of both 2014, 2015 and 2016 Polaris Ace models looking to upgrade the performance of their ATV can do so with the high-flow air filter technology incorporated into K&N replacement air filter, part number PL-3214. The K&N 2014-2016 Polaris Ace replacement air filter 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 replacement air filters can flow more air than a typical paper air filter. More air can result in increased performance and improved throttle response.

K&N performs filtration efficiency testing following the internationally recognized ISO 5011 protocol using ISO coarse test dust reminiscent of the silt beds found in the Mexican Baja peninsula

The specially made K&N cotton gauze air filter media allows a K&N replacement air filter to be washed and reused. The ability to wash and reuse a K&N replacement air filter is perhaps more exciting than the increased performance that comes with additional airflow. When the cost of repeatedly replacing the expensive disposable Polaris Ace air filter is taken into consideration, a K&N air filter will pay for itself after just the second cleaning. K&N PL-3214 can be washed and made like new using one of the K&N Recharger air filter service kits. K&N cleaning products are also available in larger sizes for off-road enthusiasts who need to clean their K&N air filter more often.

K&N engineers know that a Polaris Ace ATV will be used in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. That is why K&N always seeks to increase performance without sacrificing filtration and engine protection. K&N placed filtration efficiency and dirt retention at the top of the priority list when developing PL-3214 for 201-2016 Polaris Sportsman Ace models. This filter uses design elements that go above and beyond our standard on-road replacement air filters. K&N used 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 allows this filter to outflow the stock air filter, hold more dirt for long service intervals, and offer 98.56% 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 to 8 microns across and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Detailed filtration testing results are available for K&N Polaris Sportsman Ace replacement air filter PL-3214.

Part number PL-3214, for 2014-2016 Polaris Ace models, is backed by a one year limited warranty. The K&N Polaris Sportsman Ace replacement air filter is designed to provide increased performance, reusability, and long air filter service intervals without any need for modifications or tuning for the following Polaris Ace models:

2016 Polaris Sportsman Ace 570 567
2016 Polaris Sportsman Ace 325
2015 Polaris Sportsman Ace 570 567
2015 Polaris Sportsman Ace 325
2014 Polaris Sportsman ACe 325

K&N high-flow replacement air filter PL-3214 serves as an air filter cross reference for the OE Polaris Air filter number 7082037.

K&N air filters for the Polaris Sportsman Ace models can be found on the Polaris Sportsman Ace Air Filters page. K&N products for other vehicles can be found using the Vehicle Search Tool. To find a K&N dealer near you, use Search for K&N Dealer.

K&N Filters and Lucas Oil sponsored racer Carl Renezeder is set to make his second appearance at the Red Bull Frozen Rush event but other drivers like RockStar sponsored Todd LeDuc aren’t far behind

Nine of the world’s best Pro-4 Off-Road truck drivers have been invited to Maine to take part in the second running of the Red Bull Frozen Rush event. Last year’s inaugural event stunned fans and the 2015 course promises to take Pro-4 truck racing to the next level. The track is said to feature extreme jumps, eight-foot tall berms, various obstacles, 50 foot gaps, all while trying to take the lead and bring home the trophy. All this is part of a Pro-4 short course driver’s weekend routine, except for the fact that instead of dirt they’ll be flying across snow and ice at the Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine.

Even with spiked tires racing on snow requires the drivers to adjust their normal racing tactics. Besides having to compensate their driving technique for the physical changes made to the truck, such as lower gearing, both braking and turning on snow will require an unfamiliar skill. Adding other factors such as frozen hands, a numb face, and poor visibility to the mix means these drivers, as well as their machines, will have to be on top of their game.

New kid on the block and K&N driver RJ Anderson is looking to prove himself against some of the biggest names in LOORS Pro-4 truck racing such as AMA legend Ricky Johnson and Bryce Menzies (Sean Hodgdon photo)

Of the nine racers invited to the 2015 Red Bull Frozen Rush event, five of them are K&N sponsored drivers. Winner of the 2014 Red Bull Frozen Rush, motocross racing legend, and accomplished K&N sponsored Pro-4 truck driver Ricky Johnson is the man to beat this year. That’s not to say he won’t have his work cut out for him. Ricky Johnson’s K&N sponsored Red Bull Menzies Motorsports teammate; Bryce Menzies is the 2014 SCORE Baja 500 overall champion and has the skills to win the 2015 Red Bull Frozen Rush. K&N filters sponsored racer Todd LeDuc, son of the legendary off-road racer Curt LeDuc, has racing in his blood and is looking to better his 2014 Red Bull Frozen Rush finish. Carl Renezeder has earned multiple Pro-4 championships and the K&N sponsored driver finished fifth at the 2014 Frozen Rush. The final K&N sponsored racer, RJ Anderson, is the youngest racer in the field and as such is looking to prove himself.

The nine drivers will have a chance to practice on January 7th, before heading on to qualifying on Thursday, January 8th. Racing action will begin on Friday, January 9th and fans will have the ability to watch the event live online at 12:30 pm ET on RedBullTV.com. The 2015 Red Bull Frozen Rush will also air on NBC Sunday, March 1st, 2015 at 2:00 pm ET.