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8 Best Motorcycle Oil Filters (Reviews) in 2022
Because we know just how difficult it is to find a good motorcycle oil filter capable of keeping your quality motorcycle oil clean, we have showcased some of the popular choices below. These are the cheap oil filters for motorcycles that managed to offer outstanding performance and reliability despite their low price.
1. Hiflo HF138 Oil Filter
While Hiflofiltro models might be less common compared to others, they are among the safest and most convenient units ever to have been designed. Each item goes through as many as sixteen individual QA checks, which means that you don’t need to worry about getting your motorbike damaged as you ride or worse yet, being involved in an accident because of your oil filter, so to make sure that you won't remain on the side of the road because of a flat tire either, make sure to learn more here about tire changers.
Another reason you ought to bear this product in mind is that it is compatible with a wide array of motorbikes ranging from Suzuki to Kawasaki models. Therefore, if you’re having trouble finding the right filter for your specific motorbike brand, you should check out several Hiflofiltro ones.
Some of the motorcyclists who have installed this filter on their bikes say that the vehicles seem to be running even better upon the setup of this model. Others praise the value offered for the money. So make sure you get a motorcycle tracking device as well to enjoy your bike for a long time and not worry about theft.
2. Hi Flo Motorcycle Oil Filter HF202
This quality yet affordable oil filter provides the highest level of performance in filtering with a much longer life than comparable OEM alternatives. The many tests that this product has been subjected to have proven that it offers around 28 percent longer service life than other O.E. brands.
It is constructed from the finest materials available from some of the best-known manufacturers. The steel comes from Toyota Tsusho and NKK, Japan. The glue is from Henkel Germany, while the filter paper is from Ahlstrom Filtration Finland and Vose USA. You can be sure that your filter will last for a very long time.
Apart from the more than 16 individual quality control checks that Hiflofiltro products go through, the best way to gauge their performance is to take a look at the customer feedback. This model enjoys overwhelmingly positive reviews, and customers are pleased with its features including the fact that it is so easy to install and if you navigate to this page, you'll discover the same can be said about quality exhaust wraps.
3. Fram CH6009 Oil Filter for Motorcycles
Another somewhat popular alternative, this unit is made explicitly for longer change intervals. On top of that, this unit will ensure that you’re able to benefit from almost seventy percent more capacity compared to the average of many of its competitors.
Its unique construction makes it possible for you to enjoy both superior durability and an excellent oil flow all throughout using this oil filter on your bike, so that you'll have more time to think about what are the must have motorcycle accessories you fancy. As is the case with other choices, we do recommend checking on the compatibility of this unit with your specific motorcycle.
We couldn’t help noticing that many motorcyclists have expressed their favorable views on this unit. Some say that they appreciated that it came with the correct seals for an accurate filter replacement, while others argue that, even if the gasket’s on the smaller side and needs a bit of work to get in, it still fits. Both the cost and the features of this unit are two of its most significant selling points.
4. Mahle Original OC 575 Oil Filter
This affordable model is designed to the specific vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and high safety standards. If the filter is compatible with your motorcycle, you have nothing to worry when it comes to the quality and performance of this unit. The superior embossed and pleated filter media has a high dirt holding capacity and low-pressure drop.
The filter walls are made using heavy-duty materials in order to prevent debris from damaging the housing in any way. It is also designed to withstand higher than normal oil pressures, without the filter bursting. The pressure relief valve ensures that the engine and components will be properly lubricated at all times.
The customers were surprised with the quality of this option, especially once they considered that it is one of the cheapest options on our list. The build quality, construction, and fit were all the features that the users appreciated the most about this particular model.
5. Hiflofiltro HF170B Black Oil Filter
Get ready to put your favorite motorcycle leather jacket on and start your journey carefree with the Hiflofiltro HF170B. This alternative provides one of the highest quality filtrations with a much longer life than other comparable OEM filters. To make things even better, it is also one of the most affordable options out there.
Indeed, this model is so inexpensive that we wouldn’t hold it against you if you bought a few extra units as spares to keep in your generous motorcycle tank bag. It is constructed from some of the finest materials available at the moment so that it can handle the varied and extreme conditions you will encounter on the road.
As if you needed more proof of the quality of this unit, the manufacturer puts each oil filter through 16 individual quality control checks before it even leaves the factory. All to ensure that you get a product that will not disappoint.
6. Fram PH6017A Extra Guard Oil Filter
The FRAM alternative is built to cater to the needs of the active racers that are always on the road. It has been proved to offer protection to your motor for up to 5,000 miles. It is engineered for use with conventional oils which means that you won’t have to buy the most expensive oil available for it to do a good job.
It offers the perfect balance of dirt-holding capacity and dirt-trapping efficiency. This means that it can handle a varied array of terrains, roads, and weather conditions. The filtering media can capture about 99% of contaminants from the engine oil. What’s more, the filtering surface features the use of a metal screen that improves the filtering job.
The Sure Grip coating provides a non-slip texture for easy handling when you have to install or remove the oil filter from your engine. Additionally, the gasket is also internally lubricated for even more convenience.
7. Fram PH6019 Chrome Oil Filter
This particular model is designed to fit all Ducati models from any year. It is built for longer change intervals, making it ideal for racers that are always on the road. The long-service of the FRAM alternative will mean that you will no longer have to change your filter when you are constantly traveling.
It has been proven to have a 70 percent higher capacity when compared to the leading competitors’ average. Indeed, this means that this unit can filter your oil more quickly so that your engine is always appropriately lubricated with clean and quality oil. It performs at 96 percent single pass efficiency, which is an excellent figure for such an affordable model.
The synthetic blend media is backed by a metal screen that allows for uniform pleating, increases durability, and ensures an optimum oil flow. The filtering surface is made to be used with synthetic oil, making it an excellent choice for people that want to maximize the value they get from their purchase.
8. HiFlo Motorcycle Oil Filter
This nifty and affordable model is manufactured with the world’s highest quality materials so that you can enjoy a heavy-duty filter that can handle any environment. The unit is designed to protect the engine from contaminants such as sand, carbon, and metal bits. It also helps the user with the maintaining of the oil supply, even during cold weather conditions.
With over 95 years of experience, Hiflofiltro is one of the leading manufacturers of motorcycle components meaning that you can’t go wrong by going with an option from it. The unit combines a lower cost with a higher quality than what you would find in comparable O.E. alternatives.
The Hiflofiltro HF650 is the updated version of the original customer-favorite model that now comes with a new body that is much easier to remove when compared to the original filter. This variant even has a relief valve that is not present in similarly-priced models.
This Year’s Buying Guide
Finding the best oil filter for motorcycle is by no means an easy task. With so many models available on the market, knowing which one to choose requires you do proper research. It is crucial that you understand the technical aspects so that you can select the model best suited for your needs.
Because we understand that not everyone has the time on their hands to research on their own, we have taken this task on our hands. In the buyer’s guide below we have tried to identify the features and factors that one needs to consider when prospecting the market for a quality motorcycle oil filter.
A quality product can keep your bike running properly
Just as a quality motorcycle chain lube will keep your bike running smoothly, so will an oil filter keep the engine protected from any foreign contaminants that can threaten its integrity. The bike’s motor oil has to do many critical jobs such as lubrication, cooling and absorbing debris, things that cannot be achieved without an efficient filter.
Organic contaminants such as airborne fungus and bacteria can get pulled into the engine where it grows in the oil to create sludge. You also have inorganic pollutants such as dust, dirt, and even metal particles scraped off cylinder walls that can too get sucked into the engine.
You need to consider these aspects when you purchase your filter, and they also depend on what kind of terrain you plan to traverse. You should get the unit best suited for the job. For example, if you like to journey on country roads, a filter that specializes in capturing inorganic contaminants would be recommended.
No matter the purpose, a good oil filter for motorcycle should be able to trap particles that are as small as 25 to 30 microns. Unlike cars, a bike is much more likely to capture minuscule contaminants. For reference, a human hair is around 65 to 70 microns wide.
A few tips on choosing the right unit
First of all, you should read the owner’s manual to be able to distinguish what type of oil filter your vehicle needs. Each product has different characteristics, and knowing which one works best for your bike will help narrow the list of choices.
While filters might look the same at first glance, each one has different parts, sizes, construction and designs based on the year and model of the vehicle. Make sure you find the right size because otherwise the option will not attach properly and will leak eventually.
The good thing is that identifying the right filter for your motorcycle is easier than ever, especially if you buy it online. Manufacturers and sites like Amazon will allow you to enter the year and model of your vehicle so that with just a few clicks you can find if a particular product is compatible with your motorcycle.
Paper or plastic?
Paper is the oldest filter media, but in recent years, some filters have been engineered with a synthetic filter media, namely plastic. This synthetic alternative is capable of trapping smaller contaminants over a more extended period. What this means is that you will get more miles out of a plastic oil filter.
What’s more, some synthetic filters also include unique blends of rubber for gaskets and drain back valves. The purpose of these is to have a sturdier design, capable of handling even the most extreme road conditions.
Plastic oil filters also have a larger and longer body than conventional paper filters, which means that they have higher capacity and service lives of 7,000 to 25,000 miles. What you choose is entirely up to you since both options are valid. If you are on a tight budget, the paper oil filter is the alternative you will find most appealing.
Other key features
If you want to focus on quality, try and get a filter that has an anti-drain-back valve. Such a valve is crucial, especially for filters that are mounted horizontally. The anti-drain-back valve prevents oil in the screen from running back into the oil pan when you turn off the engine. Thus, it keeps the damaging crud captured by the filter from flowing straight into the engine.
Similarly, you should also be mindful of the safety release valve. Oil filters have a safety valve that is also known as a bypass valve. It is built to ensure that oil can continue to flow into the engine even if the filtering element gets clogged or if the oil is very thick, such as when the weather is extremely cold.
The average relief valve on a motorcycle will pop open at pressures as low as 8 to 11 psi. If you have a more robust system, you should get a model that will open between 11 to 17 psi. It is crucial that you know the filter’s relief valve specs so that you can avoid substituting a less forgiving auto filter for a motorcycle-specific one.
Bibliography:
2) Oil filter – part of the engine
3) Oil Filters: Quality Matters
September 6, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Dit you tested the ISON oilfilters yet? There is no compitition for them
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September 9, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Hi Jeroen. Thanks for the input! Not yet but I will definitely look into this.
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August 3, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Fram has had more failures than any other good side they pd for the repairs 7 thru 80’s not today
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June 24, 2018 at 12:24 am
You guys have made a huge mistake and quite honestly not only are you doing a disservice to motorcyclists, but you are putting their lives in danger. Your top pick filter by K&N is the most problem prone filter made to date. There is not one track day/race organization across the country that allows these to be run on the racetrack. The cheap Chinese welded end caps with the awesome nuts for installing and removing are prone to “blowing off” while riding down the road. There have been multiple accidents/ track fires through the use of these terrible filters. It’s extremely unfortunate that so many riders are unaware of how dangerous these are. Ask me how I know, I was one of many who crashed doing 130mph at a racetrack in Northwest Washington causing over $100k worth of damage to my bike and 6 other bikes. All I ask is that you research what I am saying so that you are putting out bad information. Just because it’s sold more than any other filter doesn’t make it the best. Years back K&N was quality and I ran all of their filters, but this has been a huge black eye to the company.
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June 24, 2018 at 5:51 am
Hi Brian and thanks for letting us know. I’m sorry about your bad experience and I am genuinely glad you’re okay (and above all, alive). What I can promise you is that tomorrow I will make the necessary changes so that no K&N model shows up in our selection anymore. We appreciate your feedback and the last thing we might ever want to do is endanger the safety of motorcyclists. I checked out a couple of forums and even noticed that the brand recalled several models, including the 204s manufactured in 2016, so there’s really no point in us recommending any.
Thank you for commenting once again and have a great day. When it comes to safety especially, we always appreciate comments like yours and we will always do whatever changes we have to so that motorbikers can ride safely.
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August 30, 2019 at 11:04 pm
Still recommending K&N?
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September 3, 2019 at 7:54 am
Hi Dustin. All the K&N products have been removed from the page. Thank you for following up with this!
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