76KZ900LTD Oil Filter Difference?

76 was a very weird transition bast@rd stepchild year it would seem. I went to the local powersports store and the local Oreilly and checked on oil filters. Everyone agreed that they had the right numbers for the oil filter. But the thing just looked smaller than what I pulled out of the case. And sure enough I get a filter that is approx. 3" by 3" but the filter that was in there was longer. About 4 or 5" instead of 3". What gives? Any ideas? Just another 76 mystery.....It couldn't decide if it was a Z1 or a KZ... :S

Not sure, but the one on the left looks like the ones I use. Mine have the perforated metal skin on them.
I buy them from Jeff@Z1, four at a time. I change oil twice a year because I use 10W40 in the winter, and 20W50 in the summer.
The ones I buy from Z1 are Emgo brand, I think.

Thanks Tim. The one on the left is the one I pulled out. I would normally buy from Jeff, but was on a time crunch to finish the oilchange before heading out to Mid-Ohio Bike Classic. I thought, how hard could this be? Identify the bike & year - have the pros x-reference it - then walk out the door a happy camper. Unfortunately my home in Mayberry RFD is 60 miles round trip from civilization as most know it. But it was a good day for a ride on the ol' Vulcan Classic.

The one on the left is the right one for Z1, KZ900 and KZ1000 through 1980. One on the right is for KZ550,650, 750, KZ1000 1981 and up as well as many others. Parts guy didn't know how to look up a filter. Nothing unusual about 1976 model KZ900 filter

OK let me clarify. The approx. 3" by 3" is the correct filter. I implied it wasn't. My mistake. But the filter I received - was definitely not right. The NAPA filter wireman suggested was. Looks like the little lady will be stopping by the Mikie Waltrip's store on the way back home to Mayberry.....

Thanks Ron!

thank god,i thought i was gonna have to drive 5 hours to change your oil tonight!

A few months ago I ordered a new K&N oil filter for the 77 KZ900 when I was ordering some Ducati bits from Bikebandit, (Sorry Jeff). When it came I didn't look too close until a couple of weeks later when I got it out to change the oil. It was too small. Got to checking and I found the listing for the KZ900 from K&N was WRONG, it actually listed the J model oil filter for the KZ900. I emailed K&N and they supposedly checked and were updating the listing. Could be it's listed wrong other places too. If in doubt order the one for 77 KZ1000.