How to replace an oil filter on a motorcycle: how to choose?

Typically located in the engine block, oil filters are mechanical parts that ensure proper operation of motorcycle engines. This is why it is so important that they are not changed accidentally: filter type, compatibility with your motorcycle, or even workmanship.

What is a motorcycle oil filter? What is it specifically for? How it works ? What are the principles and rules to be followed to replace it? What are the advantages of choosing a quality oil filter? If you are planning to drain your motorcycle, find all tips for choosing and replacing motorcycle oil filter.

What is a motorcycle oil filter used for?

As the name suggests, the oil filter is mainly used to filter engine oil. Indeed, as it circulates in various parts of the engine, engine oil collects and carries many particles that make it dirty and unclean. : small metal particles from friction of parts, residues of combustion products, etc.

These various particles, if not properly managed, can cause rapid wear of the main body of the motorcycle, engine. Thus, the oil filter serves to prevent the free circulation of these particles harmful to the engine.

For this he keeps these particles in its dense filter mesh... Thus, the larger the oil particles, the less chance they have to pass through the filter. This action is intended to prolong the life of your motorcycle's engine while providing optimum mechanical performance.

How does an oil filter work

But how does an oil filter work to effectively accomplish its task of filtering and purifying the oil? You should know that he there are paper or metal oil filters... Their role and work are identical, with a few exceptions.

Whether housed directly in the engine block or in a special housing, an oil filter usually works the same way. Indeed, regardless of its nature and position in the engine, the filter always receives oil from the oil pump. Designed to lubricate metal engine components, this oil must be clean and free of waste.

So when he gets the engine oil from the motorcycle oil pump, the oil filter traps metal particles that are present in the engine oil fluid... This stops them moving and thus allows the engine oil to continue on its way without serious contamination. It is this action of refining the oil that enables the latter to effectively and sustainably fulfill its mission of lubricating the metal parts of the engine.

Choosing the right oil filter for your motorcycle

Even if they end up on the same mission, oil filters are not all the same... Indeed, there are two types of motorcycle oil filters: paper oil filters and metal oil filters. Each of these filter categories has its own characteristics and functions, which you can find on the AUTODOC website. Therefore, it is important to know them in order to be able to choose the correct one when replacing them.

Paper or metal oil filter: which is better?

Among the two main categories of existing filters, it would be difficult to determine which one is the best for filtering your motorcycle oil. Really, each type of filter has its own technical characteristics, its strengths, its weaknesses, but above all, its purpose, because while some engines may contain both types of filters, others are compatible with only one of the two categories.

So it is important know the nature of the original engine filter and be sure to replace it with an equivalent filter... While metal oil filters seem to work better because they are more durable and more airtight than paper oil filters, there are some engines for which these metal oil filters are dangerous and harmful.

In addition, contacting a professional remains a possible measure if you are having trouble fitting it, especially if you know the nature of the original filter. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek advice from one of the professionals closest to you. The easiest way is to consult your motorcycle owner's manual or contact your two-wheeler dealer. This the latter will be able to sell you a replacement filter identical to the original.

If you are self-taught by nature, keep in mind that you can also search the Internet for the specifications and functions of the original filter on your motorcycle. However, be careful when removing a replacement filter, and even more so when installing a new one. This is right observe the tightening torques specified by the manufacturer motorcycle and use a suitable wrench to avoid damaging engine parts.

Can I buy a non-original (OEM) oil filter?

Since the oil filter is a part of the engine that needs to be scheduled for replacement, it is advised not to be surprised at their expiration date. According to experts, it is highly recommended change the oil filter every time the engine oil is changed to make sure they function correctly. This is even more true if you are riding a motorcycle on a race track because the engine and lubricating oil are under heavy stress.

In this regard, it is strongly discouraged or even prohibited by the dealer from using an oil filter other than the original one during the warranty period. Unlike other motorcycle consumables such as the air filter, there is no "racing" version of oil filters to improve motorcycle performance. However, performance can be improved by choosing an engine oil suitable for your motorcycle according to your geographic location and type of riding.

As we have shown above, original filters are better for the engine... Motorcycle manufacturers such as Yamaha, BMW, Ducati or even Suzuki and Kawasaki conduct extensive performance tests on every consumable in their motorcycle. Therefore, the original filter is especially recommended.

Buying filters other than genuine filters carries many risks both for the proper functioning of the filter and for the durability and good maintenance of the engine. This is why buying and using a different oil filter than the original one is an operation that, even if possible, is life-threatening for the engine. Therefore, this should be avoided as much as possible.

Why Choose a Quality Oil Filter?

Taking into account the purpose of the oil filters, it is clear that their correct function is of great importance for the life of the engine and motorcycle. In short, the better the quality of the oil filter, the better it will perform its task efficiently and allow the engine to live steadily and consistently.

. well-filtered motor oils are those oils that properly lubricate metal parts and other engine components. However, for proper cleaning, engine oils must pass through efficient and highly efficient oil filters. These two characteristics apply to quality oil filters, so it is very important not to buy or install oil filters of questionable or uncertified quality in your motorcycle.

You can also purchase an oil filter equivalent to your original motorcycle. Several specialist manufacturers offer oil filters that are compatible with motorcycle models, while equipping the vehicle with the latest technology.

In short, if you want your motorcycle to last long, you have to ensure the life of the engine and therefore the quality of the oil that feeds it and lubricates its parts, especially metal parts. This is why you must pay attention to the nature and quality of the oil filter at all costs so that the engine oil cannot quickly become unclean and harmful to the engine.