What is the best oil filter?

So I might be opening up a can of worms, but it is oil change time for the VFR, and I am curious what oil filter people out there use. I don't mind a paying extra for better quality. Please tell me what brand and part number if possible. Which one is the best? The previous owner gave me a bag with 3 stock Honda filters, but how good quality are the stock ones?

 

Honda ! Or any other reputable brand. They are cheap so don't skimp on them. Be very wary of unknown brands or very cheap prices ! The only reason something is VERY cheap if name branded, is usually because its a forgery ! Likewise only buy from reputible businesses that you know. Real cheap off Ebay is not a good idea.

Oil filters are NOT performance products, so don't spend extra on K&N or whatever, they are just a gimmic. They are however CRITICAL components, so get a good one.

 

I go throw this everytime i change my oil on 1 hand i want to save money $6 bucks but i always
end up buying a honda filter its the same with the oil to other brands say this and that i dont thinks you could every
go wrong if you just use honda oil & filter but what do i know honda is all i drive acura 2008 RL 1982 nighthawk 750 ,vfr 800 2006

 

From other forums I have read, as well as other bits of research, Purolator is actually a pretty good filter. The filter media has a good micron filter rating, and it's usually less than $3 a pop. However, if you already have Honda oil filters, use them.

 

Amazon.com: Bunn-O-Matic - Bunn Commercial Coffee Filters: Automotive
Just Kidding.

Check this out : Motorcycle Oil Filter Cross Reference

I use the bosch or purolator depending on what I can find locally.

 

OEM Honda filters are among the worst in terms of quality yet they are among the most expensive. I would personally stay away from K&N filters since I've known 3 different people who had significant oil leaks that developed from the welds on the end nuts. I personally use Purolator filters and have always been happy with them. Keep in mind that the motorcycle specific Purolator filters (ML16817) are not as high quality compared to the PL14612 or PL14610 which many people use even though they are not recommended for use on Motorcycles since the manufacturer claims they can reduce oil flow due to the increased filtration they provide. I've used all 3 Purolator filters that I've mentioned above and never had any issues with any of them. No matter what filter you use just remember that you really don't need to tighten them more than a 1/4 turn past hand tight although in most cases hand tight will be adequate. You can also save yourself alot of headache by sliding a sheet of aluminum foil over the header pipes to prevent them from getting covered in oil when you remove the filter. When done just slide the aluminum foil out and discard. If you do it this way your pipes will be just as clean as before with no oil residue on them to burn off.


Rollin

 

I used the motorcycle oil filter cross reference page and decided to buy a Mobil 1 filter, M1-110 i believe is the part number. Seems about an inch longer than stock, which cannot be bad unless it hits something. I am headed to the garage now, so I guess we will see if it fits. If it doesn't then I can just throw on a stock one. I know the massive debate about motorcycle oil vs. automobile oil, and was wondering of there was a consensus about the filter side of things.

I heard and researched good things about the Purolator, but couldn't find one in this area.

 

I have been using K&N filters for all my bikes, Cars for more years than I can remember. ( oil KN204) They have a great flow rate and a large media surface. I have never had a problem with the nut leaking. I have never head of that. Any how that nut is great when installing your filter. I guess if you over tighten it you might damage it .HMMM Any how I will only use a Motorcycle specific filter even though I know of some who use car filters with no problems. Im not that Ginny pig .

 

Personally, I would like to stick with Honda oil filters. Other parts may be a different story!!

 

I'm not sure if there was a faulty batch made but one of the people I know that had this occur is a member of the VFRD forum (Olive) and it occurred during a trip from the U.S. back to her home country of Canada and the leak was serious not just a few drops. Not long afterwards she had another similar incident with another K&N filter which seemed much more than just an odd coincidence. I then googled the term "K&N oil leak" and was shocked to see how many other people had similar stories using K&N filters on their cars and motorcycles. Many of these people claim to have only tightened the filters by hand so the damage was not attributed to over tightening from the nut. Just not worth the risk in my opinion especially when on two wheels.

Rollin

 

Local kmart usually has the purolator pureone for ~$6 and pepboys has it for $7-$8 in my area.

I agree about the nut on kn being very useful for removal. But the price difference between one kn filter and an alternative filter will buy you a filter wrench(metal not plastic) that go on the end of the filter on which you can use a 3/8" ratchet.

 

Purolator PL1461 is my choice. I can't find local, but can get them shipped (Amazon) for $6 total.

Jose

 

I dont doubt you for one minute. Things happen in manufacturing, especially when in mass production. I changed to K&N back in the early 80s, I had a 86 454 LTD that the media collapsed after 2000 miles using a Kawasaki filter, may have been a fluke but Ive rarely used another brand since. I took to the K&N air filters while racing MX, My motors seemed to last longer before having to repair or rebuild them in comparison to when I used other brands. Internals, carb, intake seemed much cleaner when tearing them down. Just my thoughts. They work for me. There are others that will stand by what they use also so its a matter of preference. In 30 years I havent had any leaks nor any other type of problem due to a K&N filter so I dont feel there is a risk.

 

I've seen the PL14612 at the local Wal-fart for less than $3, IIRC. Although it is just labeled as L14612, so I'm not sure if it's the same thing. It looked right though.
As long as it has the anti-drain back valve, that's a pretty key component for the filter.

 

te L14612 is the purolator Classic line vs the purolator Pureone line( PLxxxx). Different quality level.

 

That makes sense.

 

I run purolator, wix, or hi-flow. Just depends on bike.

 

I would like to give the purolator a try in the 1000R's - anyone know the part number to look for?

 

I did an Oil analysis on my bike and the Honda Filter showed very good results.

So I stick with those now.

 

Check out this article all about oil filters and quality: VERY INFORMATIVE! Motorcycle Oil Filter Comparison It may change your mind about some filters.