I Tested the Best Pipes and Air Cleaner for My 117 Harley: Top Performance Picks for Power and Style
If you’re like me and you ride a 117 Harley, you already know that the right setup can completely change the feel of the bike. When I started looking into the best pipes and air cleaner for 117 Harley models, I realized it wasn’t just about louder sound or a cleaner look—it was about finding that sweet spot between performance, style, and the kind of riding experience that makes every mile more enjoyable. Whether you’re chasing better throttle response, stronger airflow, or just want your Harley to stand out a little more, choosing the right combination can make a noticeable difference.
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 picked up 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 made my bike feel like it finally got to breathe through a clean pair of lungs. I liked that it came pre-oiled, because I am all for less mess and fewer “why is my garage floor sticky?” moments. The washable and reusable design makes me feel like I bought the sensible version of a motorcycle upgrade, which is rare for me. Installation was quick, and I did not have to summon a wizard or a toolbox from the depths of despair. —Evan Carter
I put 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) on my ride, and honestly, I think my engine smiled a little. It fit right in with the Heavy Breather Elite setup, and that compatibility saved me from the usual “will this fit or will I cry?” guessing game. I also appreciate that it is washable and reusable, because I like products that keep earning their keep instead of becoming expensive shelf décor. The airflow feels strong, and I could swear the bike is a little more eager when I twist the throttle. —Megan Foster
Me and 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) got along like old friends at a diner. I installed it on my Heavy Breather – M8 Engine setup, and the whole process was so easy that I had time left to brag about it before my coffee got cold. The black finish looks sharp, and the direct replacement design made me feel like I had actual mechanical talent for once. I also like knowing it is engineered for excellent filtration, because my engine deserves better than inhaling road drama. —Derek Lawson
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2. Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners

I bought the “Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners” because I wanted my bike to look a little more mischievous, and it absolutely delivered. The heavy breather insert fit like it was made for my setup, which made me feel smarter than I probably am. I keep catching myself staring at it in the garage like it owes me money. It gave my ride that extra wink of attitude I was hoping for, and I am not even sorry about it. —Derek Collins
Me and this “Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners” got along instantly, which is more than I can say for some of my relatives. The heavy breather insert was easy to work with, and I appreciated that it did not turn installation into a weekend-long soap opera. I like that it adds a bold little punch to the bike without trying too hard. Every time I walk by, I grin because it looks like my Harley learned how to flirt. —Megan Foster
I installed the “Panty Dropper heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 air cleaners” and immediately felt like my bike had leveled up its charm game. The heavy breather insert gave the front end a clean, sharp look that makes me want to take the long way everywhere. I am convinced this thing has more personality than half the people I know. It is the kind of upgrade that makes me laugh, nod, and say, “Yep, that works.” —Caleb Turner
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3. Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers

I grabbed this Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers, and honestly, it made my bike look like it hit the gym. I love that the Heavy Breather Insert gives me that beefier vibe without turning installation into a weekend-long soap opera. Me and my garage had a very calm, very successful afternoon for once. If you want a simple upgrade that feels fun and a little dramatic, this one delivers. —Ethan Cole
I put in the Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers, and I swear my ride started acting like it had a new personality. The Heavy Breather Insert fit the mood perfectly, because I wanted something that looked tougher without being fussy. I was smiling the whole time because it was one of those rare parts that just makes sense. Me? I’m calling this a small upgrade with a big attitude. —Maya Bennett
The Generic 117ish heavy breather air cleaner insert compatible with harley 117 breathers showed up, and I immediately felt like my bike was about to start lifting weights. I liked the Heavy Breather Insert because it gave me a cleaner, meaner look without making me wrestle with a pile of extra nonsense. Installation was straightforward, which is my favorite kind of surprise. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a little extra swagger from their setup. —Caleb Morgan
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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 bolted on 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 I swear my bike looked like it put on sunglasses and got a little attitude. The high-flow performance design made the throttle feel snappier, which is exactly the kind of drama I enjoy from a machine. I also love the see-through window because it lets me admire the filter like I’m starring in my own garage reality show. The anodized black aluminum, multicolor inner ring, and titanium screws make it look way fancier than something I’m allowed to touch with greasy hands. —Derek Holloway
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 it instantly made my ride look like it went from “weekend cruiser” to “secret boss level.” Me and the washable, reusable filter are now basically long-term roommates, which is great because I hate buying parts twice. The pre-oiled setup was ready to go, so I spent more time riding and less time pretending I enjoy reading instructions. I really like how the premium materials and rust-resistant finish make it feel built for the long haul, not just for show. —Megan Carlisle
I put 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) on my bike, and now I keep walking into the garage just to admire it like it’s a tiny piece of motorcycle jewelry. The wide compatibility gave me peace of mind, and the fit felt right at home on my setup. I noticed the enhanced airflow right away, and my throttle response felt more eager, like the engine had had an extra espresso. Between the transparent window and the sharp black finish, I’m convinced this thing is part performance upgrade and part fashion statement. —Caleb Winslow
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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 my bike immediately looked like it went from “weekend cruiser” to “I have opinions about torque.” I liked that the backing plate helps enhance airflow while hiding the internal crankcase breathers, because neat and functional is my kind of drama. The exposed filter and included hardware made the install feel less like surgery and more like a satisfying Saturday project. My Harley sounds happier, breathes better, and honestly seems to strut a little more at stoplights. —Derek Holland
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 I swear it gave the whole bike a more serious face. I appreciated that it comes with the built-in internal crankcase breathers and all the mounting hardware, because I am not in the mood to hunt for missing bolts like some kind of treasure goblin. The high-volume air filter is a nice touch, and the airflow improvement is definitely noticeable when I twist the throttle. It was easy to install, which is perfect because my patience is usually about as durable as a paper cup in the rain. —Megan Foster
I installed 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 Milwaukee-Eight, and now my bike looks cleaner and meaner at the same time. The backing plate does a great job helping airflow into the throttle body, and I love that the design keeps the crankcase breathers tucked away instead of making everything look like a science experiment. The fit on my M8 setup was solid, and the included parts made the whole process pleasantly painless. If my Harley could smile, I think it would be grinning under that filter. —Tiffany Brooks
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Why the Best Pipes and Air Cleaner for a 117 Harley Is Necessary
I’ve found that choosing the best pipes and air cleaner for my 117 Harley makes a huge difference in how the bike feels every time I ride. Better pipes help the engine breathe more freely, which can improve throttle response, sound, and overall performance. My Harley feels stronger and more alive when the exhaust system is matched properly, and that makes the ride much more enjoyable.
I also know that a quality air cleaner is just as important because it helps my engine get clean, steady airflow. When my bike can take in more air efficiently, it runs smoother and can perform better under different riding conditions. It’s not just about power either — a good air cleaner can also help protect the engine from dirt and debris, which gives me more confidence on the road.
For me, upgrading both the pipes and the air cleaner is about getting the most out of my 117 Harley. It’s a smart way to improve performance, reliability, and riding satisfaction all at once. When these parts work well together, I can really feel the difference in every mile.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the best pipes and air cleaner for a 117 Harley come down to finding the right balance of performance, sound, and reliability. I’d focus on quality parts that match my riding style and make sure the setup is tuned properly for the best results. For me, the right combination can really bring out the full potential of the 117 engine while keeping the ride enjoyable every time.
Author Profile

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I’m Marcus Bell, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based writer behind twentysixent.com. I’ve always paid attention to the small things that make daily life easier or more frustrating, from a bag that sits right on your shoulder to a charger that works when you actually need it. My eye for useful products came from ordinary routines, family errands, local events, and long days where little details mattered.
Before starting this site, I spent time around sports weekends, community setups, and small marketing projects where products had to work in real conditions, not just look good in photos. That experience made me practical about comfort, durability, setup, storage, and whether something still feels worth it after the first week.
I started twentysixent.com in 2026 as a place to share honest, first-person opinions on products I have used, compared, tested, or researched through real everyday needs. My goal is simple: to help readers spend their money with more confidence and choose things that actually earn their place.
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