The engine air cleaner is a paper/wire mesh air filter element. Inspect the filter element. Inspect more often under dusty conditions. Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Service Records → Regular Service Intervals: 2017 V-Rod Models.
Remove the air cleaner:
  1. Open seat.
  2. VRSCF: Remove front side covers. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Front Side Covers: VRSCF Model.
  3. See Figure 1. Remove the air box cover by turning the bailhead fastener 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Pull the air box cover away from the front locating holes.
  4. See Figure 2. Remove electrical connector (3) by pushing down on bail wire to unlock. Eight clips, three per side, one at the rear and one in the front under the snorkel, secure the air box top. Release the clips. Remove the air box top.
1Air box cover
2Bailhead fastener
Figure 1. Air Box Cover
1Air box top
2Mounting clips
3Electrical connector
Figure 2. Air Box Top
1. See Figure 3. Unscrew the wing nut securing the air cleaner cap. Remove the air cleaner cap and paper/wire mesh air filter element.
NOTICE
To prevent objects from falling down the velocity stacks, temporarily reinstall the air cleaner cap. (00208a)
2. Temporarily install the air cleaner cap.
3. Wash the paper/wire mesh air filter element in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
WARNING
Compressed air can pierce the skin and flying debris from compressed air could cause serious eye injury. Wear safety glasses when working with compressed air. Never use your hand to check for air leaks or to determine air flow rates. (00061a)
4. Allow the filter element to either air dry or blow it dry from the inside with low-pressure air.
5. Hold the filter element up to a strong light source. If light is uniformly visible through the element, it is sufficiently clean. Replace the filter element if it is damaged or if the filter media cannot be adequately cleaned.
NOTE
Do not use air cleaner filter oil on Harley-Davidson paper/wire mesh air filter elements.
6. Remove the air cleaner cap. Place the air filter element in the bottom tray of the air box. Install the air cleaner cap over the air filter element. Secure with the wing nut.
NOTICE
Install air filter before running engine. Failure to do so can draw debris into the engine and could result in engine damage. (00207a)
7. Position the air box top over the air filter assembly and fasten the clips along each side and the clip at the rear.
8. See Figure 4. The front clip under the snorkel is attached to the air box top. Fasten the clip over the lip on the air box bottom.
9. See Figure 1. Position the air box cover with the locating pins in the holes on the frame tabs.
10. Turn the bailhead fastener 1/4 turn clockwise to secure the air box cover to the motorcycle.
11. VRSCF: Install front side covers. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Front Side Covers: VRSCF Model.
12. Close seat.
1Air filter element
2Air cleaner cap
3Wing nut
Figure 3. Air Cleaner Assembly
Figure 4. Front Air Box Clip