"When you can get a filter for $2 at some discount stores, why risk a motor that costs thousands to replace?.,,"
Never seen a two dollar oil filter. Most of my bike filters are $10.00 or more. Three oil changes at $10.00 per is $20.00 savings on one bike if the filter is used three times. Multiply that by four machines (which I operate), is $80.00. In addition to that, it's the convenience of drop old oil, add fresh oil and go.
As far as a low mileage, used oil filter contaminating fresh oil, well, that's preposterous. If a filter is filtering, why would contaminants get by just because you put in fresh oil? That does not make any sense. If, in fact the filter does a better job of filtering on the second and third oil change, you're actually circulating cleaner oil in the long run.
We as consumers are often mislead by people wanting to sell us stuff. Be it unnecessarily expensive oils or numerous oil filters that are just not needed. If that's what a person needs to calm their fears of destroying their engine, have at it.
For those of us capable of gathering the facts, weighing the evidence and making rational decisions, it's money in our pockets as well as confidence that our machines are getting proper maintenance.
I speak from experience.
I've owned and operated, repaired, restored, maintained motorcycles and ATVs for close to thirty years. That would be ten motorcycles (four on the road right now) four ATVs, (two in service right now) as well as two lawn tractors that have oil filters. In all of those years, I've been doing the same thing and putting tons of miles and hours on my machines. No problems ever due to oil issues. So, with that kind of record, why would I change things if there's no need to?
It's your money. Dispose of it as you wish.