Motorcycle maintenance, such as regular oil changes, is an important part of owning a motorbike. When it comes to oil changes, it’s a good idea to use the best motorcycle oil filter you can find for your ride.
Oil filters are necessary for preventing dirt, dust, and other debris from getting into the engine. They trap the small, harmful contaminants in the environment and prevent them from impacting your bikes performance.
With so many different options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right filter. In this post, we’ll be looking at the best oil filters for motorcycles to help you find the right one.
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post for a helpful buyer’s guide and FAQ. Otherwise, let’s jump right into it!
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The Best Motorcycle Oil Filters
Hiflofiltro HF204 Black Premium Oil Filter (Best Oil Filter for Motorcycles Overall)
The Hiflofiltro HF204 Black Premium Oil Filter is our top recommendation as the best motorcycle oil filter overall. This is a filter I’ve personally used before and one that’s popular with many riders.
If you’re looking for a cheap motorcycle oil filter, it’s hard to go wrong with this one. It provides a high level of filtering performance and a better value than any comparable OEM alternatives.
The company themselves states that this filter offers around a 28% longer service life compared to stock filters. This helps to save you money and gives you peace of mind between oil change durations.
The oil filter itself is designed using durable and quality materials from Japan, Germany, Finland, and the USA. It also goes through 16 individual quality control checks so that you’re provided with a quality and reliable filter when needed.
This is a screw-on filter that doesn’t require any special tools to install on your bike. Make sure to double check the owner’s manual to verify that you’re using the right product for your oil changes.
Overall, the Hiflofiltro HF204 Black Premium Oil Filter stands as our top recommendation for the best motorcycle oil filter. It’s affordable, well reviewed, and a great choice to use for your oil changes compared to the OEM options.
K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter (Best Motorcycle Oil Filter for Japanese Motorcycles)
Next up on our list is the K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter, from a brand many of you have probably heard of. K&N is well known in the motorcycle performance and accessory markets and their products are a popular choice with many riders.
The same can be said about their oil filter – it’s popular, well reviewed, and a great alternative to the OEM options. This one takes advantage of a heavy duty construction for a longer life span and better durability in extreme riding conditions.
Installation is simple and requires a 17mm wrench. This gives you better leverage for tightening the filter up to the recommended spec for your bike.
The filter itself comes with a resin impregnated filter media. This traps up to 99% of harmful contaminants and prevents dirt, dust, and other debris from getting cycled through your motorcycle engine.
Another interesting feature is the anti drain back valve. This helps to eliminate dry starts and prevents oil from draining back into the crankcase when the engine gets shut down.
Overall, the K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter is another great choice. It’s reasonably priced, well reviewed, and easy to install on most motorcycles.
Honda OEM Oil Filter
The Honda OEM Oil Filter is a great choice for riders wanting to stick to OEM and stock components. This is the genuine Honda product and is designed to be used in a wide range of Honda motorcycles.
What makes this a great choice is that it’s compatible with most Honda motorcycle models. It’s also made of high-quality materials, meaning you can rely on the filter to do its job while you’re riding.
Using OEM components can help give you the peace of mind you’re looking for if you’re working on your bike at home. Some people find it difficult to rely on other brands and prefer the stock Honda parts for maintenance.
Other features include the superior quality filter paper and longer length for easier installation. It’s even equipped with an anti drain back valve to keep the engine oil where it belongs.
Don’t forget to order the gasket for your bike if you’re planning on using this part. Other than that, the Honda OEM Oil Filter is another great option for do-it-yourself oil changes.
K&N High Performance Chrome Oil Filter (Best Oil Filter For Harley Davidson)
The K&N High Performance Chrome Oil Filter is a great choice for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Thanks to its chrome design, it blends well with the appearance that many Harley riders are looking for.
Not only does it have a unique chrome design, the K&N filters also work well at filtering the oil. This one is equipped with a resin impregnated filter media that traps up to 99% of harmful contaminants.
Installation is simple. This filter can be hand-spun on or affixed with a 17mm wrench. There’s a 17mm nut at the end of the filter to allow for easier removal and installation.
With the high oil flow rate your engine will enjoy a steady supply of filtered oil. This can be used with other conventional or synthetic oil depending on your preferences.
Overall, the K&N High Performance Chrome Oil Filter is our top recommendation as the best oil filter for Harley-Davidson bikes. It’s well-reviewed, easy to install, and helps to keep your bike running smoothly.
FRAM Black PH6022 Oil Filter
The FRAM Black Oil Filter is a great option if you’re looking for a reliable and cheap motorcycle oil filter. It takes advantage of a universal design and can be used on a wide range of different motorcycles.
Compared to our other recommendations, this filter filters out up to 96.2% of contaminants. Keep in mind that this is for a single pass efficiency test – each pass through becomes more efficient for filtering.
The filter is easy to install thanks to its screw on design. It even has a nifty rough textured surface that provides you with a better grip, even when it’s covered in oil.
It’s hard to go wrong with the FRAM Black Oil Filter if you’re looking for something cheap and reliable. This filter has great reviews online and is readily available for your next motorcycle oil change.
Best Motorcycle Oil Filter Buyers Guide
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the best motorcycle oil filter for your bike. We put together this helpful buyer’s guide to make the process easier for you.
Here are some of the different things to consider when you’re shopping for a motorbike oil filter. Keep these helpful tips and features in mind when you’re comparing our top recommendations above.
Proper Fit
One of the most important things to consider is if the filter will fit on your motorcycle or not. Start by checking your owner’s manual or maintenance manual to see what’s recommended for your specific bike.
Next, check the product specifications of any of the filters are interested in. Look to see if your bike is listed for a proper fit.
If you’re having trouble deciding, there’s nothing wrong with going with the OEM option. These work just as well and can make it easier for you to find the right filter.
The problem with using the wrong filter is that it won’t properly clean the oil running through your engine. It’s also going to leak oil and could eventually lead to serious problems with your bike.
Filter Effectiveness
The purpose of any motorcycle oil filter is to remove contaminants from the oil before it gets cycled back into your engine. That’s why it’s important to look for filters with efficient and reliable filtering mechanisms.
Each of our recommendations has a rating on how effective the filter is at removing contaminants from the oil. This would be a specific percentage that lets you know the effectiveness.
Look for an effectiveness of 95% or greater. If you’re riding in off-road, dirty, or dusty conditions, you’ll want to stick closer to 99%.
Filter Media
Another feature to consider is the filter media inside the unit itself. Most filters use either a paper or plastic media.
If you’re on a budget, paper filters tend to be the traditional option. These are cheaper and more readily available both online and in stores.
Alternatively, plastic filters last longer and are more effective at trapping pollutants. These are better for harsher road conditions and for keeping your engine protected from any harmful contaminants.
Other Features
There are some other features worth considering when you’re in the market for a new motorcycle oil filter. These would be the anti drain back valve, filter grip, and installation nut.
The anti drain back valve prevents your engine from having dry starts. It also helps oil passed through the filter, even if it’s slightly congested.
When it comes to installation, having the filter grip and installation nut can make the process easier. The grip allows you to hand tighten the filter while the nut allows you to use an oil filter tool for installation and removal.
Motorcycle Oil Filter FAQ
How Often Should You Change the Oil Filter on a Motorcycle?
The oil filter should be changed during every motorcycle oil change. The specific time frame would depend on what’s recommended in your motorcycles owner’s manual or service schedule.
Depending on the bike it’s possible to go between 1000 to 8000 miles, or even more, between oil changes. At each of these intervals it’s important to change the filter to prevent dirty oil from cycling back into the engine.
For more information check out our helpful post about how often you should change your motorcycle oil.
Can You Use Different Oil Filters?
Yes, there’s no reason why you can’t use a different filter for each oil change. Choosing the right one depends on what’s recommended for your bike and your personal preferences.
Once you find a filter that you like, consider using it for future oil changes. This makes it easier to go through the process and stick with products you know will work as intended.
Don’t forget to verify you’re using the right oil filter. This information can be found in your motorcycles owner’s manual or in the service manual.
Do Oil Filter Sizes Matter?
Yes, it’s important that you’re using the right size filter for your oil changes. With the wrong size the filter won’t fit and you’ll have to buy another one.
Do You Need a Special Oil Filter for Synthetic Oil?
You don’t necessarily need a special filter. It ultimately depends on the quality of filter you’re using.
Better quality filters can be used with any type of oil, including synthetic oil. Avoid using lower quality and cheap filters with synthetic oil.
The problem with using a cheap filter with synthetic is that it can impact the bike’s performance. This can lead to further problems which can result in expensive maintenance and repairs.
Does Motorcycle Oil Go Bad or Expire?
While oil doesn’t go bad, it loses its effectiveness at lubricating your engine over time. It can start to oxidize and thicken in your engine, leading to problems with your motorcycle down the road.
It’s always a good idea to change your motorbike oil on a regular basis to avoid any issues. Either once a year or by following the recommended motorcycle maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
When it comes to storing oil, don’t forget to store them in a cool, dry place. Make sure the bottles are kept upright and properly sealed.
Do Motorcycles Need Special Oil?
Yes, it’s important to use oil designed for your specific motorcycle. Some people use automotive oil in their bikes, although this isn’t recommended.
Motorcycle oil is specially designed to lubricate your wet clutch. This helps for the power transfer to the drivetrain and keeps everything lubricated inside the engine.
Which Engine Oil Filter is the Best?
Choosing the best engine oil filter for your vehicle can be a daunting task, as there are many brands and types available on the market.
However, there are a few key factors to consider when making your decision, such as the filter’s compatibility with your vehicle, its filtration efficiency, and its overall build quality.
It’s also important to check the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations to ensure that you are choosing a filter that meets their requirements.
Is K&N Oil Filter Good for Motorcycle?
K&N is a well-known brand in the world of aftermarket motorcycle parts, and their oil filters are no exception.
K&N oil filters are designed to provide high levels of filtration efficiency and flow rate, which can help protect your engine from harmful contaminants and improve performance.
They also feature a durable construction and easy-to-use wrench-off design, making them a popular choice among many motorcycle enthusiasts.
Are K&N Oil Filters Better Than Mobil 1 Oil Filters?
The question of whether K&N oil filters are better than Mobil 1 oil filters is a matter of personal opinion, as both brands have their own strengths and weaknesses.
K&N filters are known for their high-flow rates and excellent filtration efficiency, while Mobil 1 filters are praised for their superior synthetic filter media and advanced filtration technology.
Ultimately, the best filter for your motorcycle will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Who Makes K&N Motorcycle Oil Filters?
K&N Engineering, Inc. is the manufacturer of K&N motorcycle oil filters.
The company was founded in 1969 and has since become a leading supplier of high-performance air filters, oil filters, and other automotive and motorcycle parts.
K&N’s motorcycle oil filters are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications and are available for a wide range of motorcycle models.
Finding the Right Motorcycle Oil Filter For Your Bike
Choosing the right motorcycle oil filter is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your bike’s engine.
With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to find the best one for your needs. Factors to consider when making your choice include compatibility with your bike, filtration efficiency, construction quality, and overall value.
Whether you choose a well-known brand like K&N or Mobil 1 or opt for an OEM filter, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and change your filter at the recommended intervals.
By doing so, you can help ensure that your motorcycle’s engine is protected from harmful contaminants and running at peak performance.
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