If the element has any tears or breaks, replace the element.

Air Cleaner
Air Cleaner Oil DrainingWheel/Tire Damage Inspection
Remove any imbedded stones [A] or other foreign particles
[B] from tread.
Visually inspect the tire for cracks and cuts, and replace
the tire if necessary. Swelling or high spots indicate internal
damage, requiring tire replacement.
Visually inspect the wheel for cracks, cuts and dents ...
Wheel Bearing Damage Inspection
Raise the front wheel off the ground with the jack (see
Front Wheel Removal in the Wheels/Tires chapter).
Special Tools - Jack: 57001-1238
Jack Attachment: 57001-1608
Turn the handlebar all the way to the right or left.
Inspect the roughness of the front wheel bearing by moving
[A] ...
Thermostat Inspection
Remove the thermostat (see Thermostat Removal).
Inspect the thermostat valve [A] at room temperature.
If the valve is open, replace the thermostat with a new
one.
To check valve opening temperature, suspend the thermostat
[A] in a container of water and raise the temperature
of ...