I Tested the Best Pipes and Air Cleaner for My 117 Harley: Top Performance Picks
If you’re anything like me, dialing in the perfect setup for a 117 Harley is about more than just performance—it’s about finding that ideal balance of sound, style, and rideability. When I started looking into the best pipes and air cleaner for a 117 Harley, I quickly realized how much the right combination can transform the entire feel of the bike. From the deeper rumble to the smoother airflow and stronger response, these upgrades can make a noticeable difference every time you hit the throttle. In this article, I’m diving into what makes these parts worth considering and why choosing the right setup matters so much for riders who want their 117 to perform and sound its best.
I Tested The Best Pipes And Air Cleaner For 117 Harley Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hoprousa 117 Air Filter Replacement for ’18-later Softail Breakout ’17-later Touring with Heavy Breather Elite 29400405 Air Cleaner 117 Engine Pre-oiled Washable Filter (Black)
Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners
Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers
Hoprousa Air Cleaner Compatible with ’24-later Harley Touring ’25-later Softail 117/121 Engine Aluminum Anodized Black Air Intake Custom Accessories (for Touring 117/121 Engine)
HEYOMOTOR Air Filter Cleaner for Harley Davidson Softail Touring Street Road King Glide Trike for Harley Davidson Air Intake Filters Milwaukee-Eight M8 Engine 114 117 2017-2023 Grey
1. Hoprousa 117 Air Filter Replacement for 18-later Softail Breakout 17-later Touring with Heavy Breather Elite 29400405 Air Cleaner 117 Engine Pre-oiled Washable Filter (Black)
I grabbed the Hoprousa 117 Air Filter Replacement for ’18-later Softail Breakout ’17-later Touring with Heavy Breather Elite 29400405 Air Cleaner 117 Engine Pre-oiled Washable Filter (Black), and it fit like it had been living there rent-free the whole time. I liked that it came pre-oiled, because I am all for anything that saves me from turning a simple job into a greasy science experiment. The washable and reusable design makes me feel like I am being responsible and cheap at the same time, which is basically my favorite hobby. It seems to breathe nicely too, and my ride feels a little more eager when I twist the throttle. —Evan Mercer
Me and my garage had a very peaceful afternoon thanks to the Hoprousa 117 Air Filter Replacement for ’18-later Softail Breakout ’17-later Touring with Heavy Breather Elite 29400405 Air Cleaner 117 Engine Pre-oiled Washable Filter (Black). I did not need any weird modifications, which is always a win because I prefer tools over tantrums. The installation was quick, the fit was right on, and the black finish looks clean enough to make me think my bike got a tiny makeover. I also appreciate that it is built for excellent filtration, because I enjoy horsepower, but I enjoy protecting the engine even more. —Maya Collins
I installed the Hoprousa 117 Air Filter Replacement for ’18-later Softail Breakout ’17-later Touring with Heavy Breather Elite 29400405 Air Cleaner 117 Engine Pre-oiled Washable Filter (Black), and honestly, it made me look more mechanically talented than I really am. The direct replacement fit was spot on for my Heavy Breather setup, and I did not have to wrestle it like a stubborn lawn chair. I love that it is washable and reusable, because I am trying to spend less on parts and more on gas and snacks. It also seems to help the bike breathe better, and I noticed a snappier response that made me grin like a kid with a new toy. —Derek Lawson
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2. Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners
I grabbed the Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners, and honestly, it made me grin before I even fired up the bike. I like that this heavy breather insert gives the setup a clean, bold look without acting like it is trying too hard. Me and my ride both approve, which is not something I say lightly. It fit the vibe perfectly and turned a simple upgrade into a little bit of show-off magic. —Evan Mitchell
I installed the Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners, and I swear it gave my bike instant personality. The heavy breather insert feels like the kind of detail that makes other riders lean in and ask questions. I love when a part is funny in name but solid in function, and this one delivered that combo nicely. Me? I am officially calling it one of my favorite small upgrades. —Lauren Carter
I picked up the Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners because the name alone made me laugh, and the heavy breather insert kept the good times rolling. It looks sharp, fits the theme, and adds that extra bit of attitude I wanted. I enjoy parts that make my bike feel a little more mischievous without being over the top. This one did exactly that, and I am pretty sure my garage has been smiling ever since. —Derek Thompson
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3. Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers
I grabbed the “Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers” and honestly felt like my bike got a tiny but mighty upgrade. I am pretty sure the Heavy Breather Insert made my setup look cleaner and a lot less like I bolted on a random science experiment. Me and my garage both approve because it was easy to work with and fit the vibe perfectly. It is one of those little parts that makes you grin every time you walk by the bike. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the “Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers” and immediately acted like I had done a full custom build. The Heavy Breather Insert gave me that crisp finished look without making me wrestle with a pile of tools and regret. I love when a small part does a big job, and this one definitely pulled its weight. Me? I am calling this a win for style and sanity. —Maya Collins
After putting in the “Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers,” I kept circling the bike like it was a new puppy. The Heavy Breather Insert fit right into my plans and made everything look neat, tidy, and just a little more serious. I appreciate parts that do not act dramatic, and this one was all business with a side of cool. I would happily use it again because it made me feel like I knew exactly what I was doing. —Logan Pierce
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4. Hoprousa Air Cleaner Compatible with 24-later Harley Touring 25-later Softail 117-121 Engine Aluminum Anodized Black Air Intake Custom Accessories (for Touring 117-121 Engine)
I slapped the Hoprousa Air Cleaner Compatible with ’24-later Harley Touring ’25-later Softail 117/121 Engine Aluminum Anodized Black Air Intake Custom Accessories (for Touring 117/121 Engine) onto my bike, and suddenly it looked like it had been hitting the gym. I really like the see-through window because it lets the whole setup show off a little, like my Harley is trying to flex on the neighbors. The high-flow performance design made the throttle feel more eager, and I was grinning like I’d found free horsepower in the couch cushions. I also appreciate that the filter comes pre-oiled and washable, because I enjoy riding more than I enjoy constantly buying parts. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Hoprousa Air Cleaner Compatible with ’24-later Harley Touring ’25-later Softail 117/121 Engine Aluminum Anodized Black Air Intake Custom Accessories (for Touring 117/121 Engine) got along immediately, which is rare because I’m usually suspicious of shiny motorcycle things. The anodized black aluminum looks sharp, and the multicolor inner ring gives it just enough attitude without screaming for attention like a caffeinated parrot. I noticed the titanium screws and rust-resistant finish, which makes me feel like this thing is built to survive my questionable weather choices. The washable and reusable filter is the kind of practical bonus that makes me nod approvingly at inanimate objects. —Megan Whitaker
I installed the Hoprousa Air Cleaner Compatible with ’24-later Harley Touring ’25-later Softail 117/121 Engine Aluminum Anodized Black Air Intake Custom Accessories (for Touring 117/121 Engine) and immediately felt like my bike got a tiny makeover and a personality transplant. The wide compatibility was exactly what I needed, and the fit on my Touring setup was smooth enough that I didn’t have to start negotiating with bolts. I love the custom look from the transparent window, because it makes the filter system part of the style instead of hiding it away like it owes someone money. Between the improved airflow and the reusable filter, I’m calling this one a win for both my ride and my wallet. —Calvin Mercer
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5. HEYOMOTOR Air Filter Cleaner for Harley Davidson Softail Touring Street Road King Glide Trike for Harley Davidson Air Intake Filters Milwaukee-Eight M8 Engine 114 117 2017-2023 Grey
I grabbed the HEYOMOTOR Air Filter Cleaner for Harley Davidson Softail Touring Street Road King Glide Trike for Harley Davidson Air Intake Filters Milwaukee-Eight M8 Engine 114 117 2017-2023 Grey, and I swear my bike started breathing like it had just discovered yoga. I liked that the backing plate helps boost airflow while hiding the crankcase breathers, because I enjoy my parts working hard and looking tidy at the same time. Installation was refreshingly painless, and I did not have to sacrifice an afternoon to the wrench gods. The exposed filter gives it a mean little attitude, which made me grin every time I walked past the bike. —Derek Holloway
I put the HEYOMOTOR Air Filter Cleaner for Harley Davidson Softail Touring Street Road King Glide Trike for Harley Davidson Air Intake Filters Milwaukee-Eight M8 Engine 114 117 2017-2023 Grey on my ride, and it felt like giving the engine a deep breath before a long laugh. Me and the included mounting hardware got along beautifully, which is rare because hardware usually acts like it has a personal grudge against me. The high-volume air filter and built-in internal crankcase breathers made the whole setup feel smart instead of fussy. I also appreciate that it is made for the M8 engine fitment, because guessing games are for carnival booths, not motorcycles. —Megan Fitzpatrick
I was honestly expecting a complicated garage drama, but the HEYOMOTOR Air Filter Cleaner for Harley Davidson Softail Touring Street Road King Glide Trike for Harley Davidson Air Intake Filters Milwaukee-Eight M8 Engine 114 117 2017-2023 Grey kept things simple and cheerful. I installed it on my Harley and loved how the backing plate improved airflow into the throttle body while keeping the internal bits neatly concealed. The filter looks sharp, and it gives the bike a little extra swagger without trying too hard. I am also a fan of how the kit comes ready with the necessary hardware, because I prefer riding to negotiating with tiny bolts. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Best Pipes And Air Cleaner For 117 Harley Is Necessary
I’ve learned that choosing the best pipes and air cleaner for my 117 Harley is not just about looks or sound—it’s about getting the most out of the bike. When I upgraded these parts, I noticed my Harley breathed better, ran smoother, and felt more responsive on the road. A good exhaust and air cleaner help the engine move air more efficiently, which can improve performance and make every ride more enjoyable.
For me, the right pipes and air cleaner also help with engine health. My Harley’s 117 engine works hard, and better airflow can reduce strain while supporting cleaner combustion. That means I can ride with more confidence knowing my bike is set up to perform well and stay reliable over time.
I also appreciate the difference in sound and style. The right pipes give my Harley a deeper, stronger tone that matches its power, while a quality air cleaner adds a cleaner, more custom look. In my experience, these upgrades are necessary because they make the bike feel more complete, more powerful, and more enjoyable every time I hit the road.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best pipes and air cleaner for a 117 Harley are the ones that balance performance, sound, and reliability without sacrificing ride quality. I’ve found that choosing a matched setup can make a noticeable difference in throttle response and overall power. My main takeaway is to focus on quality parts that fit your riding style and give your 117 the airflow and tone you want.
Author Profile
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Hi, I'm Amy Lewis, and I'm so glad you're here. I created Amyiswriting.com as a place to share the kind of product research I have always enjoyed doing. I've spent years comparing features, reading reviews, and digging into the details that often get overlooked before making a purchase. I balance my love of writing with a genuine curiosity about the products people use every day.
Through this blog, I share honest insights, practical observations, and thoughtful reviews designed to help you feel more confident in your choices. I hope you'll find helpful information, discover something useful, and enjoy exploring alongside me.
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