DNA Air Filter & Stage-2 Combo Kit for the Ducati Hyper 698 Mono

In the case of the brand-new DNA Air Filters or the DNA Air Filter & Air Cover Stage-2 Combo Kit for the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono, there's no need to worry. The Greek company DNA High Performance Filters promises a certified filtration efficiency of 98-99%, longer engine life, reduced consumption, and easy cleaning. Replacing the filter ("Road & race use") alone is said to boost airflow by +77%and by +161.4% when combined with the open Stage-2 air filter cover ("Race use only"). The filter is reusable, easy to clean, and fits plug-and-play into the original air box.

But how complex is the installation really? What noticeable performance gains does the DNA filter offer despite the street-legal Euro 5 exhaust and original mapping, and does the change make itself felt on the road? To find answers to these questions, we tested the DNA products on NoPains Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono and compared them on Martin Bauer's test bench both with the stock parts and an open racing setup.

Note: Replacing the filter is entirely legal and does not affect the warranty, while the open air filter cover is intended solely for racing use or closed tracks. Additionally, for optimal performance, recalibration of the fuel injection is recommended.

Whether you're just swapping out the air filter or, as in our case, also replacing the air filter cover: both tasks take no more than 15 minutes, require a 4mm Allen key, a pair of side cutters, two capable hands, and a grasp of the concise yet clear installation guide. In short: the process is foolproof.

The DNA Air Filter & Air Cover Stage-2 Combo replaces the OEM air filter, OEM air filter cage, and the nearly fully enclosed OEM air filter cover. We removed the four original zip ties, took off the stock cover, air filter, and cage, and meticulously ensured no dirt got into the air filter housing or onto the inside of the DNA air filter.

Next, we applied a small amount of the supplied red grease to the sealing and contact surfaces of the DNA air filter and placed it solo into the air filter housing. We then installed the DNA Stage-2 air filter cover using the four existing OEM screws, taking care not to overtighten them.

Using the three supplied zip ties, we secured the OEM wiring harness and USB connector to the DNA Stage-2 air filter cover. All cables should avoid contact with the motorcycle's frame, as it can become very hot.

After installing the filter and cover, we let the bike idle for 10 minutes so the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) could adjust the injection timing and air-fuel ratio for more efficient combustion. We then put over 100 kilometers on the road, utilizing all rev ranges and gears to correctly calibrate the ECU and ensure consistent results on the test bench.

With that, the installation was technically complete. Maintenance of the DNA air filter is recommended every 15,000 kmor sooner if the bike is used in extremely dusty conditions. For cleaning and oiling the DNA air filter, only the specific DNA Service Kit DSK-3001 (sold separately) should be used, and the instructions included in the service kit must be followed. "Less is more" is the motto when re-oiling.

Right after starting, we immediately noticed that the airbox with the open cover worked more intensely and mechanically. However, during several sound level measurements at idle, with the device placed next to the air filter box or engineboth at idle and at the stationary noise measurement speed of 4,875 RPMit became apparent that the intake noise was completely drowned out by the general engine and exhaust noise. Conclusion: no measurable increase in volume at idle.

On the move, we experienced the next "aha" moment. From around 4,500 RPM, the Hyper responded noticeably better to the throttle compared to the stock setup, allowing for 50 km/h in second gear within urban areas without any load change reactions. From 5,500 RPM, the bike pulled brutally, and from 8,000 RPM there was no holding back until the rev limiter LEDs lit up at 10,000 RPM. The difference was impressive, with no imagination involved. The volume also changed: the already throaty sound of the legal SC-Project slip-ons became even raspier, deeper, and noticeably more race-like due to the increased airflow.

Seat-of-the-pants summary: Besides a significant increase in torque and power at higher RPMs, this upgrade, in combination with the legal Euro 5 SC Project slip-on and the stock mapping, also noticeably improves throttle response in the lower and mid-range RPMs. Particularly in the partial load range, where the stock Hyper 698 Mono is run extremely lean due to restrictive Euro 5 emission regulations, we noted reduced constant throttle surging, finer throttle response, and a noticeably improved pull. Additionally, the front wheel spontaneously lifted off the ground when throttling from 5,500 RPM, which with the closed air filter cover was only possible through the "load change trick" or by engaging the clutch.

In total, three Dynojet measurements with three test runs each were scheduled: DNA air filter with open air filter cover (Stage-2; blue curve) vs. DNA air filter with the original cover (Stage-1; red curve) vs. original air filter/cover/cage (Stock; green curve), each with the stock mapping, a legal SC-Project Titan S1-C Euro-5 Slip-On (D42A-169T), and 95-octane fuel. The results were impressive across the board.

With the DNA Air Filter & Air Cover Stage-2 Combo, the Hyper 698 Mono delivered significantly more power from 4,000 RPM. At 7,000 RPM, the performance boost was evident with an additional 6 HP (!) at the rear wheel. Although the peak power increased by just under one HP, most of the power was available from 8,400 RPM instead of 9,500 RPM as in the stock configuration. The blue curve (Stage-2) in the graph clearly illustrates this. The same applies to the torque, which also steadily increased from 4,000 RPM, gaining a total of 4 Nm by 8,000 RPM. The team was impressed.

With only the DNA air filter along with the OEM air filter cage and cover (Stage-1), the performance gains compared to stock were not as significant. Despite all the benefits of a reusable air filter, we were able to measure only minimal performance increases (red curve) between 0.25 and 2 HP on the test bench, with some values even lower. The trend curves of all three test runs roughly matched the stock setup. Without additional airflow, the racing filter can't fully showcase its advantages.

After another 10-minute idle phase, we tested the OEM air filter with cage and cover; the trend (green curve) was consistent with two other Dynojet measurements we already know from Pirate Racing and Hypermotard King.

To conclude, we addressed the question of whether the modifications with the DNA air filter and open air filter cover increase the risk of a lean mixture. For this, we conducted three additional runs with the "open" SC Project Racing Slip-Ons (D42A-T41TR), into which the Dynojet exhaust probe could be inserted.

The conclusion: According to our test, there is no risk to the engine. The new DNA filter seals completely, and the air-fuel ratio remains in the safe zone even without individual engine tuning. Below 6,750 RPM, the engine already ran relatively lean due to its restrictive Euro 5 mapping before the modification, while above 6,750 RPM, it is sufficiently rich. This allows the increased airflow to be safely utilized even with open racing slip-ons for better combustion and thus higher engine performance.

It was also interesting to see that the open system with the stock mapping brought just half a horsepower more maximum power. Therefore, from a performance standpoint, it makes little sense to risk getting caught with an unauthorized system.

Plug and Play: Oil-impregnated high-performance air filter made from multi-layer, flame-retardant cotton gauze with a +77.54% increase in airflow and 98-99% filtration efficiency.

DNA Part Number: P-DU65HM24-01

Ducati OEM Part Numbers: 42610751A Filter, 8291R811A Filter Cage

List Price: €106.60 RRP

Plug, Recalibrate and Play: Oil-impregnated high-performance air filter made from multi-layer, flame-retardant cotton gauze, including an open air filter housing cover with a +161.40% increase in airflow and 98-99% filtration efficiency. The cover is specifically designed for the DNA High Performance Filter and is therefore not available separately.

DNA Part Number: P-DU65HM24-S2-COMBO

Ducati OEM Part Numbers: 42610751A Filter, 8291R811A Filter Cage, 24717531B Filter Cover

List Price: €148.80 RRP

For those looking to get the absolute maximum out of the DNA Air Filter Stage-2 upgrade, an individual engine tuning is recommended. This involves connecting a programmable module (such as Power Commander, RapidBike, etc.) via plug-in connections and permanently installing it in the respective motorcycle. The tuning is conducted on an eddy current brake dynamometer, both dynamically in the partial load range and under full load. This process compensates for serial production tolerances and optimizes the fuel injection individually for the motorcycle, depending on the installed components (e.g., exhaust system, air filter, etc.) or customer preferences (e.g., maximum power, lowest consumption, etc.).

Note: Any modification to the engine control that is not authorized by the motorcycle manufacturer will automatically void the warranty. Additionally, it constitutes a structural change that, without individual inspection and registration at the type approval authority, can lead to the loss of roadworthiness andwhen used on public roadsthe loss of insurance coverage.