The Honda ST1100 PanEuropean WebSite www.st1100.orgCHOOSING AN OIL FILTER ==========================================
------------------------- Written by: Robyn Landers rblanders@math.uwaterloo.ca Last revised: September 1997, adding part number for larger filter Previously revised: April 1995 Copyright: may be freely copied as long as you include this header. -------------------------
A common practice to save some money on motorcycle maintenance is the use of aftermarket oil filters. FRAM, NAPA, Emgo, and others make filters that are "compatible" with the OEM Honda part. But are they really?
First off, if you are reading this any time around April 1995, you MUST refer to the accompanying article about a serious flaw in a recent lot of FRAM oil filters that has led to several crashes and serious injuries. FRAM has recalled specific lots of their V4-compatible filter (along with a couple other models) and is shipping replacements. If you have a FRAM for your bike, be very very careful!
Now, what filter should you use? Some say that the aftermarket filters are just as good or better than the OEM filter. But there's more to it than simply whether or not it is the same size and fits on the mounting threads. There are important considerations such as flow capacity and bypass valve characteristics for which it is hard for the casual observer to verify compatibility with OEM specifications.
Some say that auto/motorcycle makers source their filters from some other company, and it's unlikely that this other company would bother with the expense of making several different quality levels for the same part in order to supply end product for retail at different price points. Doesn't matter if you're paying $10 at the Honda dealer or $3 at Wal-Mart, it's the identical product by the identical manufacturer.
I can't prove it one way or the other. But I don't believe this argument. For example, there are only a handful of manufacturers of guitar strings in the world, and they supply strings under many different labels. And there are most definitely differences among these strings. The manufacturer makes them to the specifications that their client wants.
Similarly, I have no trouble believing that Filter Company X may make filters to higher specifications for the Honda label, while at the same time they make "compatible" filters to lower specifications at a lower price for other retail brand names.
Here's what Paul Laskowski (plaskows@hns.com) reports about his investigation, in response to someone's observation that the Honda Accord and the Honda VF1000R use the same size filter, for which NAPA claims their 1334 model is equivalent.
"Car oil filters have lower bypass valve pressure settings. The bypass valve is for when a filter clogs up, the pressure builds and the valve opens up allowing unfiltered pressurized oil to the bearings. I spoke to American Honda about this once (considering the $8-10 cost of Honda OEM oil filters) in using a Fram Honda Prelude oil filter that matched the threads and seal dimensions. The Honda rep explained that most bypass valves on car oil filters are set around 60-90PSI, while bikes typically operate in that region (at high revs). Most bike oil filters have their bypass valves around 90 to 120 PSI."
Elsewhere in my V4 files, you'll find a recommendation by another author for the NAPA 1334. Is it "safe" to use? I don't know for sure. Personally, when I weigh the costs and compare the advantages and disadvantages, my vote goes with the OEM Honda oil filter every time.
Honda makes them in two sizes. The Sabre and Magna (and others) originally came with the larger of the two, formerly part number 15410-MB0-00x (for some x) and now part number 15410-MJ0-004. Because I have the Tierney-Hollen oil kit installed on my bike, I now use the smaller of the two. The part number for this filter is 15410-MM9-003. My opinion is "accept no substitutes". Your mileage, as they say, may vary.
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