Motorcycle Repair: Problems with starting, honda mt5, fillter

Question
i was wondering what an air fillter does and if it effects the motorbike from starting on a honda mt5

Answer
Hi Mazzy,

As the name implies, the air filter prevents airbourne contamination from reaching the cylinders and causing engine damages.

The filter should not prevent the engine from starting. However, with some engines that are very sensitive to changes in the air-fuel mixtures, not haviing the air filter in place may prevent the engine from starting.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively