[Heratik]

I would suggest any new owner check their stock air filter before using the vehicle.

Reading the forums here made me decide to get an after market filter for my ZForce 800.  Once I got the new filter, I opened up the air box to swap out the stock filter and found the stock filter just laying in the bottom of the air box - not connected!

So, I have driven about 120 miles on extremely dusty trails with no air filter!  I am sure this will mean a premature death of my engine 

[NMKawierider]

I would suggest any new owner check their stock air filter before using the vehicle.

Reading the forums here made me decide to get an after market filter for my ZForce 800.  Once I got the new filter, I opened up the air box to swap out the stock filter and found the stock filter just laying in the bottom of the air box - not connected!

So, I have driven about 120 miles on extremely dusty trails with no air filter!  I am sure this will mean a premature death of my engine 

Yes it will...I'm so sorry. She'll probably be gone by 500-800 miles. Call and make note of it with your dealer. Maybe they will cover it under warranty.

[MN Ben]

My new-to-me Z800 came with a new filter installed. I do not know if it's the stock or an aftermarket. I was expecting it to be a pita to get to, but the previous owner removed the cover to where the air box resides. Now it is a matter of just unsnapping the air box cover.
A couple of questions regarding this...
1- Is it OK to to leave the air box shield (not the cover itself) off?
2- What air filter is best for these engines? (Model and part number)

MN Ben

[Ponytail]

I’m pretty new here but what I’ve read and seen it is not safe to leave the cover off. With the design of the system you need as much protection as you can get. The filter you want is a uni-filter. Part #UP-6229AST. I just put one on mine. Amazon. Is your friend.

[NMKawierider]

The tires throw all kinds of stuff at everything in line with that tire all the time..not to mention all the sticks and other tree parts that get flipped-up and break plastics every day. Your choice..but know that plastic shield is way cheaper to replace then the airbox. Same for the battery shield on the other side.

[doug80638]

found the stock filter just laying in the bottom of the air box - not connected!

Before you panic ....

How dirty was the air filter? I ask only to try to determine if it was off from the start, in which case it would be pretty clean, or if it fell off sometime between 1 and 120 miles. A picture of the filter might help if you can post one.

If still under warranty, absolutely bring this to the attention of the dealer, including a picture of the filter, as evidence of the problem.

They may wish to do a compression test, a valve adjustment, (I would recommend re-lapping the valves) and perhaps check the content of the oil and even inspect the cylinder walls with a scope. I would insist on it.

It may well be that the engine is fine, but you have to look to verify and protect yourself.

[Heratik]

How dirty was the air filter? I ask only to try to determine if it was off from the start, in which case it would be pretty clean, or if it fell off sometime between 1 and 120 miles. A picture of the filter might help if you can post one.

I wish I had taken a picture.  The air filter was completely covered in thick dust except for two clean spots where it was in contact with the bottom of the box.

If still under warranty, absolutely bring this to the attention of the dealer, including a picture of the filter, as evidence of the problem.

I brought to the attention of the dealer and they said the software they use for CFMoto didn't have a spot to list this issue and told me to just keep good records for use if it dies in the future.  They weren't interested in looking into it at this point.

[NMKawierider]

How dirty was the air filter? I ask only to try to determine if it was off from the start, in which case it would be pretty clean, or if it fell off sometime between 1 and 120 miles. A picture of the filter might help if you can post one.

I wish I had taken a picture.  The air filter was completely covered in thick dust except for two clean spots where it was in contact with the bottom of the box.

If still under warranty, absolutely bring this to the attention of the dealer, including a picture of the filter, as evidence of the problem.

I brought to the attention of the dealer and they said the software they use for CFMoto didn't have a spot to list this issue and told me to just keep good records for use if it dies in the future.  They weren't interested in looking into it at this point.

This was Bobby J's? Well, I would call CFM-USA directly myself and get them involved.

[Heratik]

How dirty was the air filter? I ask only to try to determine if it was off from the start, in which case it would be pretty clean, or if it fell off sometime between 1 and 120 miles. A picture of the filter might help if you can post one.

I wish I had taken a picture.  The air filter was completely covered in thick dust except for two clean spots where it was in contact with the bottom of the box.

If still under warranty, absolutely bring this to the attention of the dealer, including a picture of the filter, as evidence of the problem.

I brought to the attention of the dealer and they said the software they use for CFMoto didn't have a spot to list this issue and told me to just keep good records for use if it dies in the future.  They weren't interested in looking into it at this point.

This was Bobby J's? Well, I would call CFM-USA directly myself and get them involved.

Yes, it was Bobby J's.  I will go ahead and contact CFM and see if they will help.