Originally Posted by Bonz
I haven't seen bypass valve operation being an issue when using an automotive filter on a motorcycle in terms of anyone reporting a failure based on that. It's one of those things that gets lots of debate but if your oil goes into bypass you have more problems than the filter being used.
If I had a GL 1800, it would use the same filter as my 2006 Honda Civic and 2010 Acura TL SH AWD. 150,000+ miles on both of them on Super tech and Fram filters. Use them with confidence.
Yeah, but I am saying for reasonable cost you can get a superior OEM feel HiFlo filter which I would much prefer over a Super Tech or Fram.
As far as speculation on the bypass pressure, its really nothing that needs to be debated except the facts as we know them and its a fact some motorcycle oil filters that come OEM are designed with a low bypass pressure, we know that as fact, now does that matter?
The debate is if you are using an automotive filter, is your engine starving for oil because the bypass valve pressure is too high? Yes, its a big debate and I doubt it matters very much, but lets look at the one fact that we do know and is indisputable, some OEM motorcycle filters DO come with a lower bypass valve pressure then same size automotive filters that will fit the bike.
Ummmm .. your oil filter goes into bypass EVERYTIME you start your bike or car.
SO I dont even know why the debate of whether is matters or not is out there, its fact and all these oil forums and discussions in all these forums are about taking better care of the vehicle, many are will to discount this fact. I guess the motorcycle maker just decides oh, lets make our oil filter specs lower then the automobile industry because??
No debate needed, they all do their job and I am sure the oil filter pressure difference (on a small number of bikes) from a automobile filter is not going to kill any engine over time but, to me doing the right thing?
Ill take the HiFlo's though. For around $7 the quality feel is the same and better as any high end filter and much, much, much better then the base Fram plus its made for the motorcycle industry.
(you do need to hunt around online a bit to find the prices I mention) You can get the part number if need be from HiFlo website and search that way or go to individual retailers websites.
http://www.hiflofiltro.com
___ (no I dont work for HiFlo! *L* Emgo is another filter brand with OEM quality. I love the fact that the filters come "sealed" with plastic just like OEM. Depending on design, also with ORings.