Introduction
A high-flow replacement air-filter is the logical first step for those looking for an easy, early and affordable upgrade for their two-wheeler centred around performance. For starters, it is not very expensive. It also requires no modification. Plus, the benefits are tangible. Moreover, unlike older times wherein one would have to jet and re-jet carbs to match the increased airflow to extract the best from this upgrade, today, with FI, it is as simple as plug-and-play.
We took this first step recently for the Hero Xpulse 200 4V with the Ngage Hyper Flow performance air filter. We have used air filters from Ngage before - erstwhile marketed under Moto Wings - and the performance improvement offered by them has been telling.
The Claims
Given that it takes zero modifications to install the filter, all you get in the box is the air filter with a couple of stickers and key chains. The box also doubles up as an information pamphlet - it lists the benefits of using the hyper-flow filter and the maintenance instructions. We would have liked to see information about the filter’s construction and the materials on the box as well. This info is available on Ngage’s website, nonetheless.
According to the info, this hyper-flow air filter uses four layers of cotton gauze pressed between the epoxy-coated aluminium mesh. It also runs support pillars to give the setup added strength and durability. This is one of the reasons the air filter comes with a 1,00,000km warranty, adds Ngage.
These come pre-oiled from the factory with the promise of catching dust particles as small as five microns. Ngage says the lubricant it uses to charge the filter creates static strong enough to trap such small particles. The claimed filtration efficiency for the unit is 99 per cent. Moreover, as any performance air filter should, this one claims an improvement in power and torque going to the rear wheel.
The Feel
With the new air filter installed, the improvement in throttle response is immediately evident. It feels crisper and more responsive. The engine seems to be breathing better too. It feels less restrictive when it comes to dialling up the revs. And there was a clear improvement in acceleration times through the gears.
In the third gear roll-on test, we witnessed a reduction of almost a second when accelerating from 30kmph to 70kmph. The difference in acceleration times between the stock and the Ngage air filter in the 40-80kmph run in fourth gear, meanwhile, was over a second. We also recorded a quicker 0-100kmph acceleration with the Ngage.
We would have liked a more prominent aural intake note, though. A freer flowing air filter generally creates a seductive induction sound every time you open the throttle purposefully. And this note is a big part of the whole air filter upgrade story. Don’t get us wrong, the intake note on the Xpulse has changed with the new air filter; it is sweeter than before. But we expected it to be louder and throatier than it is.
Conclusion
The Ngage Hyper Flow performance air filter costs Rs 3,750, nearly half the price of the replacement air filter offered by some international brands. Add to it the improvement in throttle response, acceleration performance and 1,00,000 kilometres of service life, and it makes a great first upgrade option.
Is it the best aftermarket performance air filter for the Xpulse? We don’t know because we haven’t tested the competition. But, as we see it, there’s no compelling reason not to upgrade to the Ngage, especially at this price.
Product Details
Make: Ngage Powerparts
Model: Hyper Flow
Type: Performance Air Filter
Bike: Hero Xpulse 200 4V
Price: Rs 3,750
Availability: Via Ngage Powerparts website.
Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi
Gallery
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Hero Xpulse 200 4V Left Side View
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