Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: gflint on June 12, 2011, 08:51:51 PM

Title: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: gflint on June 12, 2011, 08:51:51 PM
Did we ever get convincing evidence that there is something better than the stock Kawi oil filter?  I am talking real evidence, not seat of the pants or price.  The price of filters is not so broad that price is relevant.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Pokey on June 12, 2011, 09:02:25 PM
Not enough for me to switch from the OEM, although I would consider the K&N variant.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Darknesses on June 12, 2011, 10:58:27 PM
I am shocked by the amount of chatter that I see here for the Walmart Supertech filters.  Call me crazy but I would never put a generic filter on my bike. 
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Bob on June 13, 2011, 02:55:17 AM
I don't know which filter is scientifically proven to be best. I just use the K&N because they work well, with a reputation for quality. But mainly I like the welded on nut for easy removal!  :D


Now to sit back and watch!  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Conrad on June 13, 2011, 05:20:12 AM
K&N for me, it's built lilke a tank and it's easy to get off with the welded on nut.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: stevewfl on June 13, 2011, 07:50:40 AM
I don't know which filter is scientifically proven to be best. I just use the K&N because they work well, with a reputation for quality. But mainly I like the welded on nut for easy removal!  :D


Now to sit back and watch!  :popcorn:

word!  thats all i've used for 33,000 miles on mine.  plus on my other bikes, and especially track bikes because the KnN already have the hole drilled for the safety wiring
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: jonathan on June 13, 2011, 08:54:38 AM
For what this bike cost me I figure I can spring for the OEM filter and not have any worries.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Joncon11 on June 13, 2011, 09:51:35 AM
OEM for me as long as my warranty is still active, and probably beyond that because they are easy to get and there is no little voice in the back of my head asking, "is this filter going to be ok?".  I do agree that the price spread is not big enought to be a factor.  Even for my Ducati ($17  ::) ) i'll stick with OEM.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: 556ALPHA on June 13, 2011, 12:20:39 PM
OEM for me as long as my warranty is still active, and probably beyond that because they are easy to get and there is no little voice in the back of my head asking, "is this filter going to be ok?".  I do agree that the price spread is not big enought to be a factor.  Even for my Ducati ($17  ::) ) i'll stick with OEM.

+1
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Pynikal on June 13, 2011, 01:53:09 PM
K&N for me, it's built lilke a tank and it's easy to get off with the welded on nut.

got a part number for them?? 8)
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Conrad on June 13, 2011, 02:04:12 PM
got a part number for them?? 8)

Sure do.

KN-303
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: OregonLAN on June 13, 2011, 02:13:08 PM
I am shocked by the amount of chatter that I see here for the Walmart Supertech filters.  Call me crazy but I would never put a generic filter on my bike.

Then don't buy K&N filter either because they are made by the same company, Champion Laboratories...

Honestly, let's quit beating this to death. If you change your oil and filter every 3000 miles/3 months, any modern day filter should be suffice (unless it's defective of corse). If buying an OEM filter makes you feel better about your bike, then do it. Same goes for K&N, Amsoil or any other brand...
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: gflint on June 13, 2011, 03:13:38 PM
So far it appears there is no evidence of anything better except for price and convenience.  That is what I expected but every now and then somebody discovers something new.  I learned today K&N is now Chinese.  I am not sure if that is better or worse that Japanese.  Looks like I will stick with OEM for now.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: CigarSki® on June 13, 2011, 03:19:48 PM
I just looked at the K&N, KN-303 that I have sitting here. It's made in Thailand.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on June 13, 2011, 03:22:38 PM
I just looked at the K&N, KN-303 that I have sitting here. It's made in Thailand.

So are my Michelin tires, does that make them any more inferior than the French made Michelins.  We now have tires and oil [filters] in the same thread, just waiting on KiPass to enter the discussion............  ;D
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: CigarSki® on June 13, 2011, 03:46:02 PM
Just pointing out it's lineage, I'm still gonna use i,t along with the one I just put in a little while ago.
 
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Pynikal on June 13, 2011, 03:47:08 PM
So are my Michelin tires, does that make them any more inferior than the French made Michelins.  We now have tires and oil [filters] in the same thread, just waiting on KiPass to enter the discussion............  ;D


you always have that chit stirring spoon in your hand JD........ ::) 8)
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Tom J. on June 13, 2011, 03:59:44 PM
I guess we could do a simple, non-scientific experiment....  I installed one of those magnetic oil plugs on the last oil change, AND used a Walmart ST7317 (*GASP*) filter.
I'll take a look at how much dung gets collected by the magnet.  Maybe I'll take a clean paper towel and wipe the plug and save the paper towel.  Then I'll use a K&N-303 and see how much chit gets collected after the same amount of miles.  This may only indicate how much debris gets through the filter and not really speak to how well the oil gets filtered...hell, that may be one in the same-   ??? it's an idea anyway-
 
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Conrad on June 14, 2011, 05:00:37 AM
I guess we could do a simple, non-scientific experiment....  I installed one of those magnetic oil plugs on the last oil change, AND used a Walmart ST7317 (*GASP*) filter.
I'll take a look at how much dung gets collected by the magnet.  Maybe I'll take a clean paper towel and wipe the plug and save the paper towel.  Then I'll use a K&N-303 and see how much chit gets collected after the same amount of miles.  This may only indicate how much debris gets through the filter and not really speak to how well the oil gets filtered...hell, that may be one in the same-   ??? it's an idea anyway-

That won't work. You're assuming that your motor will create the same amount of metal fines from one oil change to the other. That may be the case but then again, it may not be. 
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: S.Ga.Rider on June 14, 2011, 05:20:58 AM
I have used oem the last 2 changes, the one before that I used the supertech and I used it exclusively on my zx14, fz1, and several other bikes I have owned. Its is rated above a lot of others here.

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Consumables.html#OilFilters (http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Consumables.html#OilFilters)
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: mkorn on June 14, 2011, 05:46:37 AM
have only used the OEM one so far (one change only 2063 miles).
i noticed the OEM is identicle to the HOnda OEM for my Nighthawk.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: fmwhit on June 14, 2011, 11:20:29 AM
well here is a link that may offer some scientific help as the guy had disected several filters and posted results:

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Filters.html#OilFilters (http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Filters.html#OilFilters)

Personally I have been using the Purolator PL14610 and have not had any problems. 

Fred
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: olie on June 14, 2011, 02:27:42 PM
I just looked at the K&N, KN-303 that I have sitting here. It's made in Thailand.
yes they are made by HiFlo Filtro, basically same as HF-303 with the nut. BTW, I have post this previously. I use that HF brand, different models, on my 2 bikes.

http://www.hiflofiltro.com/ (http://www.hiflofiltro.com/)
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Shad0hawK on June 14, 2011, 07:03:55 PM
So far it appears there is no evidence of anything better except for price and convenience.  That is what I expected but every now and then somebody discovers something new.  I learned today K&N is now Chinese.  I am not sure if that is better or worse that Japanese.  Looks like I will stick with OEM for now.

i call your question and raise with another: is there any evidence the OEM filter is any better than the others?

;)

i use the wix 51358 :)
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: JetJock on June 14, 2011, 08:40:10 PM
i call your question and raise with another: is there any evidence the OEM filter is any better than the others?

;)

i use the wix 51358 :)

Hate to break this to you, but there's a whole shipload of products that used to be made in Japan or [insert name of country] now made in China, including motorcycles and engine parts. As long as the product specs are met and there is no difference in product quality, little you can do about it. Those Apple iPads are made in China ya know. Japan has been sourcing products from other countries for a couple decades now.

I can remember when Japanese products were considered cheap junk.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Conrad on June 15, 2011, 05:08:01 AM
Hate to break this to you, but there's a whole shipload of products that used to be made in Japan or [insert name of country] now made in China, including motorcycles and engine parts. As long as the product specs are met and there is no difference in product quality, little you can do about it. Those Apple iPads are made in China ya know. Japan has been sourcing products from other countries for a couple decades now.

I can remember when Japanese products were considered cheap junk.

Yeah, me too. Back in those days if it was made in Japan and plastic, it was junk.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: stlheadake on June 15, 2011, 08:42:50 AM
Then don't buy K&N filter either because they are made by the same company, Champion Laboratories...

Honestly, let's quit beating this to death. If you change your oil and filter every 3000 miles/3 months, any modern day filter should be suffice (unless it's defective of corse). If buying an OEM filter makes you feel better about your bike, then do it. Same goes for K&N, Amsoil or any other brand...

I agree 100%.  I GENERALLY change my oil every 3-4k.  I am leaving for Alaska and will likely change my oil at 7k on this trip (about half way).  I'm taking the K&N filter just because that nut makes getting that filter off EASY!

Get what works for you and stick with it.  If you have ANY doubts, stick with OEM.  It's hard to go wrong there!
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: PH14 on June 15, 2011, 09:08:29 AM
I just looked at the K&N, KN-303 that I have sitting here. It's made in Thailand.

Hey, my fiance' is made in Thailand and she's quality.  ;D
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: ZG on June 15, 2011, 10:35:51 AM
Hey, my fiance' is made in Thailand and she's quality.  ;D

And great food too.  ;D   :thumbs:
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: mkorn on June 15, 2011, 10:40:25 AM

And great food too.  ;D   :thumbs:

I am always up for a good Thai dish!
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: OregonLAN on June 15, 2011, 11:51:57 AM
have only used the OEM one so far (one change only 2063 miles).
i noticed the OEM is identicle to the HOnda OEM for my Nighthawk.

The OEM filters are made by Deso Japan. Denso Japan also makes filters for Honda, Toyota, Mazda and a few tractor manufacturers. The Denso manufacturing facility in Thailand makes a totally  different style of filter. It is more in line with Wix and Champion.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: Frontier on June 15, 2011, 12:47:29 PM
i use the wix 51358 :)

From the oil filter comparisons I've read- Wix are among the best filters available and that part # 81358 is what I use on big Connie which in fact got her third oil change last weekend at 8900 miles. I buy mine at O'Rielly Auto Parts.
This same filter is marketed as NAPA Gold series. Purolator filters are also considered tops.
Since first second oil change I've been using Castrol 4T 10-40 Synthetic racing oil. Shifts smooth as butter.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: booger on June 15, 2011, 05:38:58 PM
I use OEM on my cars and bikes.  I used to consider them inferior.  Now I use them as insurance.......The dealer can't say I used a bad product.
Title: Re: Oil filter - Kawi or something else
Post by: mkorn on June 15, 2011, 07:52:56 PM
I just went and looked at the filter they gave me (kawi dealer), it says Emgo, Honda on the box ... now i wonder if they gave me the wrong one.
funny thing is ... this is a kawi and ski-doo dealer ... they dont even sell Honda's ... hummm