Oil Filters
About Oil Filters
An oil filter catches metal particles, soot and dirt so they do not circulate through the engine again. It is replaced at each oil change or at the interval in the owner's manual. Riders shop here for routine service, and some Harley-Davidson and Indian owners choose a chrome or black filter for appearance.
Filters come in two main styles. A spin-on filter threads onto the engine in a metal can, and a cartridge element sits inside a housing under a cover. Which one you need depends on your engine, and listings are named by application, such as Husqvarna and KTM, Yamaha, Honda, Twin Cam and M8, or by a part number covering several makes. A similar-looking filter can differ in thread, gasket size or internal valve pressure, so use one listed for your model. Oil filter wrenches and a puller are listed too, and a wrench is sized in millimeters to fit the filter, such as 74 mm for a BMW. Finish options include chrome and black.
Brands in this category include Zeta, HardDrive, K & N, Fram and Drag Specialties. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. For other engine parts, see Engine Covers, Engine Rebuild Kits & Components and the wider group, Engines & Engine Parts.
FAQs on motorcycle oil filters
How tight should a new oil filter be?
Follow the instructions printed on the filter or in your manual. Usually that means hand-tight once the gasket touches the engine. Over-tightening can damage the gasket and make removal hard, and under-tightening can cause a leak.
Should I put oil on the gasket of a new oil filter?
A thin film of clean oil on the rubber gasket is common practice. It helps the filter seat evenly and makes it easier to remove at the next service. Do not use grease or sealant on it.
Can I use a car oil filter on my motorcycle?
Use the filter listed for your motorcycle. A filter that looks similar may have a different thread, gasket size or valve pressure, and a wrong match can leak or starve the engine of oil. Check the listing against your model.
Do I need a special wrench to remove an oil filter?
Often yes. Spin-on filters are removed with a strap, cap or claw-style wrench that fits the filter, and cartridge filters need only the cover removed. Choose a cap wrench by the size shown in the listing.
Do I need to change the oil filter every time I change the oil?
Most manufacturers say to change it at every oil change, because the old filter holds contaminants that would otherwise stay in the new oil. Check the owner's manual for the interval on your model, since some differ.
