best oil filter??/

anyone have a preference for oil filter co. i bought a kawasaki filter from my dealer for 13.00 but would spend more just needed one that day...any better ones out there..and why???

I have used the EMGO filters, I know they are cheaper than the oem, and seem to be a decent filter,,,, I will not use a fram filter on anything.. but thats just me

I use K&N oil filters and I believe they are unsurpassed. You can look up the K&N number for your bike at:

www.knfilters.com/search/appsearch.aspx

I buy them from Dennis Kirk (mine cost $7.99). Just plug in the K&N number you need at:

www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/P...re=Main&skuId=303573

Ed

AVOID THESE FILTERS MADE BY FRAM:
avoid Fram
avoid Pennzoil
avoid Penske
avoid Castrol
avoid Quaker State

Why avoid fram? I use fram in my car and my bike.

There have been many reports of the cardboard structure in the filter disintegrating, especially if the filter is left in too long. Fram disputes these claims, but even other members here have reported finding Fram cardboard particles in the motor and oil pan.

I have used them in the past due to easy availability and haven't experienced any problem that I know of, but I also never looked for cardboard particles. Now, I'm not going to take a chance.

There's a few sites discussing the problem if you search google. You'll also find some responses by Fram claiming they use cardboard because the construction glue sticks to it better than to metal or plastic. I read that as "it's cheaper to make and then our retailers can make more mark-up", though.

Check this out: scroll down to the Fram section.
minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/reference.html

I built a motor in a truck, after 5000 miles the owner changed the oil and used a fram filter, the motor then started a lifter type rattle, I tried lots of things and after talking with a friend that owned a shop I changed the filter only,, damn noise went away,

Fram has had a lot of quality issues over the years, I dont trust them

I have to admit, this board is the first place I have heard about Fram filters failing. I have used whatever filter was on sale in cars over 40 years of driving, and Frams were used many times.

For my bike, I always used EMGO because I bought them in quantity from JC Whitney and that's what they sell.

BSKZ650 wrote:

I built a motor in a truck, after 5000 miles the owner changed the oil and used a fram filter, the motor then started a lifter type rattle, I tried lots of things and after talking with a friend that owned a shop I changed the filter only,, damn noise went away,

Fram has had a lot of quality issues over the years, I dont trust them

i used to use fram untill i read a thread on the marauder forum i used to haunt . those guys went bananas on filter threads and oil threads....the final word i heard on fram was that you would have better results filtering your oil through an old sock!...on my marauder, $6.00 napa gold..supposed to be good...the bike...well right now its a fram cause thats what i got when i ordered a filter, but i think its going to be a k and n....emgo?..ive had fair to poor performance out of other things with that name...
wont be a future choice....just my .02...keith

I've had problems with Fram filters in my 550. I will never use another in any vehicle I own. K&N are good but I usually use WIX or Napa Gold (Same filter if you ask me). One benefit with the Wix filters I get is that both of the o-rings come with them. The Kawi filters I used to buy did not. Dealer wanted an extra $8 for them.

Way back 20 yrs ago a friend of mine who knew his bikes said not to use Fram for the same reasons stated here. I use original Honda filters. CB750, goldwings ect use the same filter as a KZ650 and newer KZ1000s ect. Honda is about $2 less than Kawasaki and if you look at the goldwing vendors sometimes original honda filters are less than $5 each. I bought a bunch 20 years ago and still haven't run out, but they are dwindling.

back in my younger years and during college i worked at quick-oil change places and then the five years in the Chrysler shop and the Harley shop, i can safely say i have changed oil probably thousands of times. Fram are the lowest quality filter out there, and i tend to group most others as the same, (pretty good) quality. for all my junk i just go buy the factory stuff, Jeep and the Dodge get mopar, the Harley=Harley, BMW gets BMW, Kawasaki gets Kawasaki on down the line.
I have to say that the grippy stuff that Fram puts on the end of the filter was a darn good idea.