I am pleased with this 509C hydraulic cam plate and cam kit. I bought it to convert to a hydraulic cam tensioners, thus replacing the failing mechanical cam chain tensioners in my '03 Harley Road King (21k miles). This was my first attempt at undertaking such an effort, but it all went very smoothly. The instructions are pretty good. Couple them with the Harley service manual and the online video resources and the job will go much easier. One of the reasons I chose this kit was because S&S thought through all of the needs for the job and included everything in one easy kit, it had everything, lacked nothing. After a successful install there was a noticeable difference in the torque and power and I can ride now, rest assured, that my bike (and investment) is not in jeopardy of any component failures. I highly recommend this product.
S&S Cycle Teardrop Air Cleaner Kit - Harley Sportster Carbureted 1991-2006
About S&S Cycle
S&S Cycle has built American V-twin performance parts in Viola, Wisconsin since 1958 — flywheels, carburetors, cams, cylinder heads and complete crate engines. When a Harley owner talks about a 124, a 128 or a 131 build, they are usually talking about S&S. Few names carry more weight with engine builders in this space.
Enhance the look and performance of your 1991-2006 carbureted Harley-Davidson Sportster with the S&S Cycle Teardrop Air Cleaner Kit. This complete kit delivers a timeless aesthetic along with a significant boost in engine breathing.
Why riders pick this
- Classic chrome teardrop design
- Washable, reusable cotton-gauze filter
- Complete kit with all mounting hardware
- Optimized for carbureted Sportster engines
- Improves airflow and throttle response
The S&S Cycle Teardrop Air Cleaner is an iconic upgrade that instantly transforms the front end of your Sportster. Beyond its classic good looks, this kit is engineered to provide your carbureted engine with a substantial increase in airflow compared to the restrictive stock setup. This translates to improved throttle response and noticeable torque gains, making your ride more enjoyable.
Iconic Style, Measurable Performance
- Classic chrome teardrop cover for a custom look
- High-flow pleated cotton-gauze filter element, washable and reusable
- Includes a durable backplate and adapter plate for secure fitment
- Complete with all necessary mounting hardware for a straightforward installation
- Specifically designed for carbureted 1991-2006 Harley Sportster models
Unlock Your Sportster's Potential
An S&S Teardrop Air Cleaner is one of the first and most impactful upgrades for a carbureted Sportster. By allowing your engine to inhale more freely, you lay the groundwork for a more powerful and responsive ride. Pair this with appropriate jetting and exhaust for a complete Stage 1 upgrade that truly uncorks your Evolution Sportster engine.
Specifications
- Brand: S&S Cycle
- Manufacturer Part #: 17-0448
- Weight: 3.8 lb
- Category: Air Intake Systems / Air Intake Components
Common questions
Will this air cleaner fit my fuel-injected Sportster?
No, this S&S Cycle Teardrop Air Cleaner Kit is specifically designed for 1991-2006 carbureted Harley-Davidson Sportster models (XL platform) only. Fuel-injected bikes require a different air cleaner assembly.
What items are included in this air cleaner kit?
The kit comes complete with a backplate, a pleated cotton-gauze filter element, a chrome teardrop cover, an adaptor plate, and all necessary mounting hardware for a full installation.
Will I need to rejet my carburetor after installing this kit?
Changing your air cleaner can affect carburetor jetting. We recommend consulting your tuner or a qualified mechanic to determine if rejetting is necessary to optimize performance and fuel mixture after installation.
Ordering from Vtwinbikers
- Brand new, sourced through authorized US distribution — never used, never grey-market.
- Not sure it fits? Use Shop by Bike to filter by your year and model, or email us and we will confirm before you order.
- Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle is all we do, so you are talking to people who ride what you ride.
| BRAND | S&S Cycle |
| TYPE | Air Intake Components |
| SKU | T14-619351 |
| WEIGHT | 3.8 lb |
Extremely nice kit. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of buying all these parts separately. Very nicely packaged. Parts appear to be high quality as well. I purchased this because I have a 2004 Softail Heritage with the Twin cam 88. It still had the original mechanical cam chain tensioners. At 33k miles, it was time for an upgrade. S&S makes the best aftermarket parts in the business. One thing to be noted: this kit does not include new timing chains. Everything you see in the picture is included in the kit. Also comes with quite a few various O-rings and a whole bunch of loctite (2 little tubes of red, and 3 of blue). There’s 2 pretty big, generous tubes of engine assembly lube included as well. So, depending on your build, this kit probably has most of what you need. 10/10 I’d buy it again. I hope this helps. Keep the shiny side up, and the rubber side down Riders.
Great cam that woke up my Softail Deuce which is 88 ci. Bike has power and torque at a very wide range or RPM. So happy with it.
Kit has everything, instructions are great and bike runs strong. Oil pressure went from 5 psi at hot idle to over 20 psi
Nice Quality
Product seems great . The problem is didn’t come with instructions and QC code they give you goes to a blank site . Went to S&S website and Emailed them never got a response . Good thing for you tube and chat rooms .
S&S 509C
Wonderfull can for the 2003 Twin Cam 88, plenty of torque !
