Which Oil Filter is best for your Harley? Let's look inside!

[@backnine]

The Fram PH6065B Extra Guard filter is the one you want to use. I have opened this filter up and the Harley filter and have taken the pleats out and the fram has more filter area than the Harley. The Ph6065B has metal caps and is more money. They are about $12.00 in Chrome. I think the black ones are $1.00 cheaper. You can't use the cheapest filter for a comparison. Buy a PH6065B and open it up and take the filter pleats out and compare it to the Harley. The old harley filters where the same as the Fram PH6065B but the new ones have been downgraded from the old ones.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I agree. What I don't understand is: why Fram would put their name on the cheap filter that I bought. I assumed they were all the same. I have used Fram filters in my cars... I don't want to worry about "am I buying the good Fram or the bad Fram." They should have a quality standard that all of their filters should meet.

[@JWROC83]

That is true, that Fram PH6065B is what HD quality use to be back in 96ish. The new HD filters are junk for more money. Pleats are uneven and glue all over them, the pressure plate area is plastic junk instead of metal plate, no more high tempered coil steel spring.

[@markman7]

Hiflofiltro is what I use. Most damage done to a Harley engine is not because of an oil filter, but is done by the lack of Harley product validation. The best oil filter won't prevent crank runout, overheating, sumping, ticking, or cam tensioner wear.

[@pauldavis8286]

Looks like you bought the Fram PH6022 filter instead of the Fram PH6065B, which is the filter Jay W Case outlined in his video comparing it to the Harley filter from 1996 and to the current Harley filter, which is junk! The quality of the Fram PH6065B is outstanding!

[@kenstirling5348]

Was wondering if he had the 6065b as well. I’ve heard the 6065b is good and plan to give one a try next oil change

[@RidingandWrenching]

You are correct. I'll look for the 6065. I think I got 6022 match from the Fram website, but I could be wrong.

[@Group_Anonymous]

The Harley filter is junk the PH6065B is a “work of art”

[@algat3630]

@@Group_Anonymous will it fit m8 114 engine?

[@nvpoolshooter]

Just had this channel pop up on my feed today. I see a guy who rides a Harley, shoots pool, and a Navy vet. Ditto on my end, my friend. Subbed. Been using the Harley filter on my 2002 RKC I bought in November 2001. Engine runs like the day I drove it off the lot all those years ago.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I don't mention it in any videos, but I also play the piano (very poorly)😂 Thanks for subbing!

[@kg0il]

Nice job and informative... I've seen a couple other Fram filter rants... I like seeing the alternatives.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Apparently Fram has a higher quality filter available. I might get one to see what it looks like on the inside.

[@patriciamassie8505]

A test you could do is put in your normal oil and run the oil 5K and send it in for an oil analysis. Keep everything the same as best you can and each oil change switch out the filters and you can look at the analysis results to see what the particulate in the oil differences are. The other thing to note is there is really only about 5 or 6 companies making filters for everyone and they just rebrand them.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I've thought about getting my oil tested. I need to find out how to do that.

[@fred65condra]

Just to throw this out there..back in the day we quit buying fram because it was higher but mostly we discoverd that the filter material was quite thick and dirty oil would and did clog resulting in no oil flow and/or pressure. Wix filters where cheap and lightweight and filters where not so thick. And not to bust your chops but everyone is entitled to theyre own preference. But if you got solids in your oil then you already have engine damage! Especially sense oil is filtered afterwards ..many arguments but honestly they keep oil thin catching goop or thick goop created by burn or compounds that make up particular oils, and dirty oil. And if your running a high milage engine trust me the last thing you need is lack of oil or pressure due to a thick oil filter material...no matter the cost!

[@RidingandWrenching]

Great feedback! I will be sticking with the Harley filter. I was really shocked when I saw the inside of the Fram filter. It is poorly constructed.

[@alfonsodennis8450]

Good video Cue, I use the Amsoil oil filter, and try not to worry about the cost factor. I will consider using Harley after your review.

[@RidingandWrenching]

If I can get an Amsoil filter for the prices that people keep telling me ($13) I'll do a redo. I'm sure it's a fine filter. I would be surprised if anything else is like the Fram

[@PitbullSoco]

​@RidingandWrenching if you pay the yearly fee to be a member, their oil and filters become substantially cheaper. The yearly fee I think is $20. Free shipping with over $100 purchase. Brings their filter down to around that $13 mark and a quart of their 20w-50 down to around $11 or $12. Worth the $20 a year for me. If you purchase enough in a year, I believe they waive the following years fee anyway. Check it out if you're bored sometime!!

[@alphakeshik1479]

Been using Amsoil filters for years as well. Recently took apart an amsoil and HD filter and the look like they both use the same synthetic filter media. I know amsoil used to source their filters through Donaldson, but I don't think that is the case anymore

[@chrissmith7101]

The K&N look like it has more pleats so it may have an equal amount or more filtering media than the OEM filter. It would be interesting to see them disassembled so you could measure how many actual square inches of media there is in each. Great video, thanks for the info.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Great point! I'm not sure if I still have them, but if I do, I'll do that

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

Solid advice as always. Keep up the great work, Cue.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thanks Eric! I don't know what happened to Fram, but their filters are crap!

[@IrvingtonArms]

I'd love to see the Wix... It was nice to see the insides..

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@IrvingtonArms I may do a follow up video with a different group of filters. Probably Wix vs Amsoil vs HD (maybe the "other" Fram filter)

[@harryhowell5644]

I have only used the Harley filter and the K&N. Good comparison

[@RidingandWrenching]

Those are the only 2 I would use!

[@Prometheus1979]

I’ll give you a little advice my friend. Harley oil filters are trash now. They are made cheaper then they used to be. Go search on KZbin there is someone who cut open a Harley filter and others. Here’s my recommendation. I run a lifetime ultracool oil filter. Regular oil filters open the bypass check valve letting dirty oil into your engine. Ultracool oil filters have a higher flo rate with better filtration that’s made for Harley’s. I run one on my 23 Roadglide-ST. They also bring the temps down by 10 degrees since the housing is aluminum with fins on it. It’s a very well made solid oil filter. They also run the ultracool oil filter on their race bikes for the higher flow rate. Plenty of videos on them. Do some research and thank me later my friend. You won’t be disappointed. I also just installed their oil cooler fan for my bike as well. Trust me they are worth it. Thank me later.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I cut open all of the filters in this video. The Harley filter actually looked very good to me. Yes the glue was unsightly, but the filter looked fine. Furthermore, Harley warranties their engine with these filters. Also, I have used Harley filters exclusively on my 18 RG with 95,000 miles.

[@Prometheus1979]

They will work And give you the bare minimum protection. You do know when I say bypass means when the check valve is open the oil bypasses the filter all together letting dirty oil run through your motor. That’s all oil filters. That’s why the ultracool has a higher Flo rate to help eliminate that as much as possible. You do you man. If it works for you that’s all that matters.

[@heybruh3274]

FortNine did a flow test on those lifetime filters. Best go check out that video and maybe gain a fresh perspective. He also addressed your race-bike perspective during the test. Take your own advice and learn something.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@heybruh3274 I think this is the video you're talking about kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqPKmmx4bad-i6c

[@Jim_Berry]

Good review Cue. I will only use a Harley Davidson filter for my Ultra.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I was planning to switch to the Fram filter until I cut this one open. I was shocked at how poorly it is constructed. I thought all the negative posts online were BS....they weren't

[@Since_84]

I always use K&N. I try to stay away from Harley products, but the SLP looks good.

[@peglegjim57]

I used K&N for years, but then switched to Fram, because they are “American Made” (some of the K&N filters were made in China]. NOT one of my better decisions. Oil flow issues disappeared after going back to K&N, and in over 4 decades, I’ve never looked back.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Fram nearly had me with their "made in USA " label.....but Harley's filters also say "made in the USA" AND the Harley filters are better.

[@jimandnancymcoil]

I'm holding a K&N 10 micron Twin Cam oil filter, 14 PSI by-pass, synthetic blend media, it's made in Thailand?? A

[@bobzapp658]

Right, wrong or indifferent I appreciate your informative videos and for me I always use Harley filters and oil in my bikes.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Harley filters for me too! I was considering trying a different filter until this experiment! I was not expecting the Fram filter to be such trash

[@chetbaker6432]

In over 40 years of professional wrenching,I have never seen engine damage caused by an oil filter. Neglect yes, abuse, yes, poor engineering yes, but not an oil filter.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I am not a professional mechanic, but I know a poorly built product when I see it. I would not trust a filter constructed the way this Fram filter was built.

[@conawayjb]

From all my research I have found the best for me to be Hiflofiltro, for the Harley's they have a 5 micron and a 20 micron. I prefer the 20's but that's preference. Much less likely to bypass but if you want the equivalent to the Harley filter then use the 5.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I haven't heard of that filter. I will have to do some research!

[@bradlozano2571]

Yes...Hiflo are great filters...also AC Delco makes a great filter if you dont mind the Blue Color...

[@slowsmoothfast]

There are two different micron filters for a reason. The older bikes, I believe, used two separate filters for the big twins and the eco/sporty engines. The big twins used the 5 micron while the eco sporty engines used the 30 micron filters. I lower micron rating is better, but not with all engine designs due to oil starvation. Sporty engines used the 30 micron filter.

[@alphakeshik1479]

​@slowsmoothfast the newer bikes, such as the Pan america and nightster also use a , cellulose type filter (similar media to the K&N) I'm guess so they don't clog up a 5 micron (advertised lol) filter media with all the clutch materail since the motor and clutch share the same oil as opposed to 3 separate holes

[@jessieholt9238]

Great video looks like Frame change how they filters was made use to be the best because they allowed better oil flow 🤔

[@RidingandWrenching]

I used Fram filter many years ago. I always thought they were the best. I don't know if something has changed or maybe they have always been made this way

[@switchingearsgarage648]

Hey Cue great review I have changed to a hi-flow reusable filter

[@RidingandWrenching]

Is it a messy job cleaning it?

[@switchingearsgarage648]

@@RidingandWrenching not at all easy disassembling and spray clean with brake parts cleaner then re-install.

[@KodiakCO]

FYI, the black Amsoil filter EAOM134 (20 micron) is only $13.10 MSRP, The chrome is the expensive one at about $28.00.

[@RidingandWrenching]

If you order it online there is a $10 shipping/handling charge. I asked one of the Amsoil reps on FB. He also quoted me $25

[@KodiakCO]

@@RidingandWrenching True, I paid for the perferred membership and get free shipping and reduced pricing. I'll get my membership fee back in two orders. Not everyone will care to do that and I can understand.

[@bigdog3495]

I’ve been using the Amsoil in all 3 holes for over 20 years and as a club member you can get 5 qts of oil , the filter and o ring for like $69 bucks with free shipping

[@RidingandWrenching]

How much does the membership cost?

[@bigdog3495]

I think it’s like $20 annually. I use their products on both bikes, Cars, my zero turn mower, atv , basically anything with a motor

[@jamesstafford62]

Being I live in NASCAR country I know for a fact many race engine builders used Fram oil filters for many years without a problem. If they were junk like everybody claims they would’ve used something else. It’s just the in thing for Shadetree mechanics to hate on Fram. There isn’t but 4 companies who make ALL filters.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I'm definitely in the shade tree crowd. As I stated in the video, my goal is to understand (as a consumer) the difference between the filters. Prior to doing this experiment, I was planning to switch to Fram due to the low cost. Upon opening the filter, I was surprised at how flimsy it looked. I have used Fram filters on other vehicles in the past....after seeing what they look like inside, I don't have confidence in them. My fears may be overblown, but I know what I see....I cheap looking filter that doesn't inspire confidence

[@patriciamassie8505]

NASCAR rebuilds their motors all of the time, they are not trying to get 300K miles out of a single motor without opening it up. They also get benefit if there is less restriction in the oil filtration, that can give them a little more power through a decrease in pumping pressure. They just need to catch really large particles that will cause damage before the end of the race. I look at it from the fact that I want more media for better filtration. With enough pressure across limited media you can get particles that will push their way through the media and put holes in it causing even less filtration. I run NAPA gold filters which are made by WIX.

[@evereroddy6697]

Lol you said Shock much love bra keep up the good work

[@RidingandWrenching]

You know it!

[@bickbenedict484]

Would have liked to see the Wix side by side with the Fram. You get what you pay for.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@bickbenedict484 that's true! I had planned to get a Wix but felt that I had enough samples to get a good idea of what was inside a filter. I also wanted an Amsoil filter....but they were just too expensive. I have since learned that there are "higher quality" Fram filters, but why would I trust them when they put out garbage like the one I tested. I was literally planning to switch to Fram until I made this video

[@BillKocik]

I just did 3 holes on my 103 Twin Cam (2014 Street Glide Special) using 100% Amsoil products. The filter was just a few cents over $13. Must be a different one.

[@RidingandWrenching]

$13.10 plus a $10 shipping and handling charge. I've been told that if I become a "member" I get a lower cost. I'm not sure why I need to be a member of something to buy oil and filters

[@BillKocik]

@@RidingandWrenching Ahh, you're right. Forgot about S&H. I ordered quite a bit, so the $9.99 fee was a little less to swallow. (For the record, I'm not a member, either.)

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@BillKocik I thought about doing it your way.....order a bunch and spread the shipping cost out. I ride about 25,000 miles a year....I do a lot of oil changes (mostly in the summer) so I buy several oil/filters at once at keep them in the garage

[@BillKocik]

@@RidingandWrenching I was just looking at their "preferred customer" program. Someone else commented here that it's $20/year, and they're right (there's a $10/6 months option, too) but even with that you only get free shipping if you order over $100 worth of stuff. I don't do as many miles as you, but I do enough to do several oil changes per year. Can't decide if it's worth the $20 fee or not. I guess I'd like to know which products are discounted and by how much, but they're not very specific about it ("up to 25%"). There are plenty of very good options for oil and filters out there, though, many of which can be purchased without paying extra for preferential treatment. And Harley's engines are not the unique and delicate snowflakes they pretend they are; it (probably) won't blow up if I put Mobil1 in it. Anyways, also meant to say I appreciate the content and your having sacrificed several filters to show us what's going on inside them. :)

[@MrBarrelNut]

Good info! Thanks.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fred65condra]

But i do like what your doing. Thanks. How many would be out of pocket to educate others..thruly thanks.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thank you!

[@JoeGoeMotorcycleAdventures]

Great comparison Cue. I’ve always used the Harley filter. Might look into the ultra cool soon though.

[@edwinjenkins]

Have you researched ultracool filters

[@RidingandWrenching]

I have not

[@Will8022000]

good job

[@kellybgliding]

Hey you have to try the Flo oil filter. So you won’t have to buy another filter every

[@RidingandWrenching]

I'll have to check it out. Is it difficult to clean?

[@kellybgliding]

@@RidingandWrenching no sir. You can use brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner

[@bobmilo2786]

Hi Que I'm getting ready to start doing my own fluid changes. I think that your videos are extremely informative, and I appreciate you imparting your knowledge. I would love to get your opinion on the flo type reusable filters. They can be purchased for a bit over $100. Allegedly aids in cooling of the oil. Thanks for providing such great content. Ride safe.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@bobmilo2786 I have not used one of those filters, so I can't provide any real feedback. Personally, I don't like the idea of cleaning an oil filter. I know that other content creators (Cycle Fanatix and Kelly B Gliding) have done extensive reviews on those. You might want to check out their channels to find better info that I can provide. If you decide to use them, let me know how it goes.

[@brucem8129]

I too normally buy the HD filter.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I was considering trying something different, until I looked inside of these filters. I will be sticking with the Harley filter.

[@stevek4449]

Well maybe one day they can get oil filters refined in the nano meter range😂 but considering 100 microns to a human hair and 1,000 nanometers to a micron, I doubt an engine would run these days on a 20 nanometer filter if an engine required 20 micron😂 But that’s one thing I wish owners manuals would specify as to the filter outside of their brand would be micron required ranges of good better best and oil capacity. Though capacity could be restricted by a cover plate behind it like on my KLR 650 S. So then back to the microns as a priority request😂

[@kenschawl8412]

Check out this video for another perspective on Fram vs Harley filters- kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHKvoJx-pNl1Y6s

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@kenschawl8412 I've seen that video. That was the reason I was considering switching to Fram filters. I think Fram offers different grades of filters. I didn't realize that until I opened the one in this video.

[@kenschawl8412]

@@RidingandWrenching if this issue isn't already confusing enough, it's hard to know when a manufacturer makes internal changes to their filters.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@kenschawl8412 I was planning to switch to Fram....until I opened this filter. I ride enough to require an oil change about every 2 months. But I wouldn't put this particular Fram filter on my bike. I don't think all Fram filters are like this one, I just don't know which is the "good" one. Harley filters may not be the prettiest on the inside but they are consistent.

[@trez2187]

Spot on and as meticulous as always. Thanks, Mr. C. ps Back in the day, I'd weld magnets inside my filters. Outside worked just as well if the magnet was strong enough.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thank you! How did you get the magnet inside of the filter?

[@trez2187]

@RidingandWrenching sealed filters outside and inside on canister filters with internal filter medium (ie German cars)

[@alp3781]

I don’t get riders, why not staying with OEM filters? What is the problem? 35 years on 2 wheels and never ever installed anything but OEM for maintenance. Simple and done deal.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I have been using OEM filters exclusively. I have considered using other filters....until I did this experiment

[@marathon8649]

35 years on two wheels! I'll take your advice.

[@alp3781]

@@marathon8649 I know so many riders who are looking for after market maintenance parts and think it will make miracles. IT WILL NOT. The manufacture invest in very smart engineers who determent what to use, just stay with it and your bike will run almost forever. Maint. interval and materials are KEY for a long bike life. SIMPLE and done 😁

[@tenzinyeshi1480]

Make videos about how to improve pool billiard game .

[@RidingandWrenching]

Find a local BCA instructor. Made a huge difference for my game

[@troypoorman5948]

Cut the filter media off the two support ends and layout flat. The filters with the most pleats should have thee longest media and the greastest surface area.

[@RidingandWrenching]

That's a great idea! I still have them....that may be a future experiment

[@brettwicks7339]

Love your work Q . Comparing the height difference in the K&N compared to the Harley one , what is the height difference please ? Thanks

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@brettwicks7339 I don't have those filter anymore! I can tell you that the KN was a little shorter than the HD filter, however the KN seemed to be constructed very well. I would not hesitate to use it on my bike. I also liked that it has a nut on the end which eliminates the need for a filter wrench. All filters should be made like that!

[@HarleyinGermany]

I use Ultra cool Flo oil filters

[@Charger1908]

Harley used to make a filter better filter than the one they have now. You need to take the filter media apart and stretch it out to determine which has more filter media, height doesn’t get it. I agree Fram is the worst filter on the market.

[@RidingandWrenching]

That a good idea. I will do it. I am also going to buy another Fram filter from Wal Mart to confirm that they are all built the same way

[@heybruh3274]

Interesting. I guess it is wise to keep checking as the designs change over time. Jay Case did a video and the Fram was quite better (at the time). kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHKvoJx-pNl1Y6sfeature=shared

[@RidingandWrenching]

I've seen that one. That video was the reason I considered Fram. I was SHOCKED cut it open and saw that garbage filter.

[@kevinsmith3361]

Thanks for the information brother (SMSGT/First Sergeant, Retired) I found this y/t video that has some of the material breakdowns that might further your information, purchasing and decision making. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpW9pYmkeKyCZqs and this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHKvoJx-pNl1Y6s (FYI. Your American flag is on the wrong shoulder). "Sally forth"

[@raysgonefishing3271]

Sorry q but a fram is better than a HD one today.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@raysgonefishing3271 since recording this video, i learned that Fram makes different grades of filters. The one I purchased is trash. I would never install it on any machine that I cared about. I think their higher grade filters are probably good, but I don't understand why they would degrade their brand with the filter I used in this video

[@louhmx1136]

Hiflo!

[@bryanpiasecki4294]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHKvoJx-pNl1Y6ssi=XUuMCfAI7JWPTQLW How do the filters you picked compare to the inspection criteria used in this video? I wonder if the fram in this video is the same as the one in yours? I guess I’ll have to buy a fram and a HD and open them up for myself. Thanks for your videos

[@RidingandWrenching]

I considered buying a Fram because of that video. I'm guessing Fram has changed their suppliers. I debated if I would take the time to destroy these filters, but I'm glad that I did. I was sincerely thinking about putting that thing on my bike. I wouldn't put a Fram on my lawn mower after what I saw.

[@kennethschauer1801]

I use Fram better then new harley filters

[@RidingandWrenching]

Not the one I used in this video. Unless they have one that is actually well made, I wouldn't use them in anything I own

[@stevenbettez2017]

PROPAGANDA

[@RidingandWrenching]

Not sure what you mean, but thanks for watching

[@stevenbettez2017]

@@RidingandWrenching Fram filters are fine. A ton of videos bash them with no backing to their claims

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@stevenbettez2017 i was planning to use a Fram until I cut this one open. Unless it's counterfeit, there is no chance I'll use them. I have used Fram filters in the past and was really shocked to see how they are constructed.