Oil Filter Change. Hiflofiltro versus K&N.

[Shed]

The acid test for me Crispy, is all three models have worked for me over the last 5 years without any issue whatsoever. That's good enough for me. If I hadn't put the filter on myself, I wouldn't be able to identify which one was fitted at any given time.

The only difference is if you look at the photo of the K&N from 2017 you'll see the internal holes then were much bigger than the K&N filter I have here now. Would it make any difference? No idea. As you elude to, it isn't just as simple as the hole size; there's surface area, filtration medium, oil viscosity, temperature, etc, etc, etc. There are many parameters & variables to conduct such a test. And I've certainly got better things to do & worry about!

Yes, I agree the nut can come in handy, although you can get a removal tool for just a couple of quid, so no excuse there. (Or just pull out the highly specialist screwdriver/hammer/chisel reserve removal kit!  ).

I've never had any failures with the nut surmounted filters, but some people aren't keen on them. But, if you fit one of the filters with the nut on it, you'll have to leave the plastic cover off as it won't fit back on due to the extra length of the filter because of that removal nut.


However, simply from a cash out of your pocket point of view, I'd just stick with the Hiflofiltro HF204 - it's cheap, well made, it works, and you don't need to faff about with removing the nut, or leaving the cover off. 

[Art]

Originally Posted by knapdog

People buy these K&N filters because, as they're more expensive, they think they're better.
They are not.
I change my oil every 2 or 3 thousand miles and a Hiflo filter is easily up for the job.
Plus, I always stay well away from any oil filter that has one of those built in nuts on the end to supposedly make it easier to get off.

Why, is that your annual mileage?

As you know the Honda recommended service interval for an oil change is 8,000 miles or annually whichever comes first. In 2018 my annual mileage was just 1,059 miles on the CBF1000 and that was done over three weekends, I ignored the annual change because the oil had done nothing and should be good for at least 2 years before the additives start to break down.

You either need to get out more or fettle less 

[knapdog]

Originally Posted by Art

Why, is that your annual mileage?

As you know the Honda recommended service interval for an oil change is 8,000 miles or annually whichever comes first. In 2018 my annual mileage was just 1,059 miles on the CBF1000 and that was done over three weekends, I ignored the annual change because the oil had done nothing and should be good for at least 2 years before the additives start to break down.

You either need to get out more or fettle less 

My annual mileage on my Enfield and cub are around 3000 miles combined.
The annual mileage on my big bikes ( currently the biffer) is around 6000 miles ( inc. an annual European tour of 3000+ miles).
I change the oil annually on my Enfield and Cub which would be around 1500 miles each and for the big bikes I change just before the 3000 mile jaunt and immediately afterwards.

[Crispy]

Well, as the proud owner of a K&N filter (I polish it once a week), I thought I’d expand on the subject since it’s a thread about the pros and cons of a Hiflofiltro versus a K&N. Price comparisons are easy.

The plastic cover fits over mine, but I’m thinking of leaving it off, just for show.

The service record on my CBF shows it’s been filled with 10w40 engine oil, but I’ve gone back to 10w30, as recommended by Honda. I’ve since noticed that the characteristic ‘ticking’ noise is noticeably quieter. Maybe the oil is circulating faster to keep everything properly lubed? Honda did design and build the engine after all.

Peace.

PS. I don’t work for K&N.

[Art]

Originally Posted by knapdog

My annual mileage on my Enfield and cub are around 3000 miles combined.
The annual mileage on my big bikes ( currently the biffer) is around 6000 miles ( inc. an annual European tour of 3000+ miles).
I change the oil annually on my Enfield and Cub which would be around 1500 miles each and for the big bikes I change just before the 3000 mile jaunt and immediately afterwards.

There's no benefit in changing the oil so often and spannering prior to a long distance ride is taboo in most circles.

[Shed]

Originally Posted by Crispy

Well, as the proud owner of a K&N filter (I polish it once a week), I thought I’d expand on the subject since it’s a thread about the pros and cons of a Hiflofiltro versus a K&N. Price comparisons are easy.
The plastic cover fits over mine, but I’m thinking of leaving it off, just for show.
PS. I don’t work for K&N.

Posh boy eh?! I suppose it'll come in handy when you dismount at the café and use it to check your handlebar moustache before ordering your bacon butty   

[Shed]

Originally Posted by Crispy

The service record on my CBF shows it’s been filled with 10w40 engine oil, but I’ve gone back to 10w30, as recommended by Honda. I’ve since noticed that the characteristic ‘ticking’ noise is noticeably quieter. Maybe the oil is circulating faster to keep everything properly lubed? Honda did design and build the engine after all.

New thread required for that discussion! 

[Jimav]

May i ask why do not use Honda's Oil Filter?

[Shed]

I'd quite happily use a Honda filter, but for the same price I can get two Hiflo filters. So for me, it's a simple money saver.

[Art]

Originally Posted by Jimav

May i ask why do not use Honda's Oil Filter?

Honda don't make oil filters they just rebrand oil filters manufactured by Roki, the real question may be why nobody recommends Roki oil filters?

I see Shed, our man in the know, has already answered that

Originally Posted by Shed

I'd quite happily use a Honda filter, but for the same price I can get two Hiflo filters. So for me, it's a simple money saver.

I'll just add the money saving isn't at any sacrifice in quality, there's good reason why Hiflofiltro is the best-selling brand of after market filters for motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs worldwide.