I have heard the OEM filters can last 20k miles, and you are proof of that! But for $40 a replacement OEM is cheap enough to replace every 10k miles IMO. I bought a new one recently and it appears to be just a K&N material-wise but they are throw aways from what I know.

Looking at this page, the Gen2 filter looks just like the Gen1 but a K&N can't be paper, can it? I thought the race filter and the regular K&N was removable foam you wash out.

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=8A5E74B9-1B78-59F6-02FEA02CECC33E7F

It was the Kawi dealer who told me that they were reusable and that was what most guys did. They had to order the Bike Master filter since they did not have any in stock, not even a stock filter. The parts guy "Dave" (very knowledgeable) recommended this one for the bike. They did have the oil that you are supposed to apply to the filter after cleaning it. The original one is a paper substance as you said Rook.
I looked into getting a K&N filter for it but they do not make them for the '15 (yet). I was at K&N Yamaha here in Tulsa and the guys themselves there were surprised to find this out. The owner is the original designer of the K&N filter but he sold that part of the business years ago is what they told me. Great bunch of guys.

I saved the OEM (23,000 mi.) and here it is with the sun behind it. I already brushed the bugs off of it in this photo.

I'm with you BobZ, I'll just order another Kawi filter next time.

Rook, I can't see these being reusable either. Maybe "Dave" was referencing riders who already changed over to the synthetic type of filters.

* Last updated by: doznkoz on 5/20/2017 @ 3:38 PM *

My SM says replace the air filter at 20K Km or 11250 miles. Strange maintenance point, change the platinum plugs at 7500 mile but the air filter at 11250 miles? I never ride in rain or dusty conditions so I think when I do change the plugs the filter goes also.

^^^ it looks like i see some woven mesh behind the paper but paper's paper. I have a BMC but I rarely use it. I think OEM is safer and the race filter doesn't make enough difference to warrant the risk.

I agree with you Rook.
Cruderudy, I have yet to change the plugs. It still runs like the day I brought it home but I guess I better do that pretty soon. I'll take a look at Rook's tutorials tomorrow.

* Last updated by: doznkoz on 5/20/2017 @ 9:19 PM *

The other side of the OEM Filter has a metal screen, which some people remove thinking that it improves air flow. And yes, the OEM is paper and only looks like a K&N since those are the same color when new.