K&N was founded in Riverside, California in the early 1960's by Ken Johnson and Norm McDonald. Ken and Norm (K&N) sold motorcycles and motorcycle parts and supported a large K&N factory race team. This racing experience identified a need for better performing air filters. In 1969, K&N invented the reusable high flow cotton air filter. K&N air filters demonstrated great performance and durability, and manufacturing these air filters soon became the primary focus of the company. The company grew steadily and expanded product lines. In the late 1980's K&N invented the concept of a bolt-on performance air intake kit to replace the factory airbox and air filter. K&N also released a line of innovative Wrench-Off oil filters. K&N has continued to develop and improve these products and produces air filters and related products for cars, trucks, SUV's, motorcycles, ATV's, UTV's, snowmobiles, boats, watercraft, heavy duty class 6-8 trucks, agricultural and earth-moving equipment, outdoor power equipment, and other applications. K&N has maintained very active involvement in racing and motorsports throughout its history, and has supplied championship-winning teams in most forms of motorsport. This racing heritage and involvement helps to develop better products for all types of vehicles and engines.
