Harley filters first, but have used other brands in a pinch.

 

When it comes to oil filters I have used Harley, Mobile and Amsoil. All are from a reliable manufacturer and do the same job.

 

Thus far in this anecdotal study I get that the bike filters need 3 criteria for TC's at least.
1.) Bypass valve
This operates with the filter clogged or the oil cold. Inversely, that means that all the while your bike is warmed up, the filter is cleaning the oil. So what if it needs to bypass when cold: it's cleaned oil,not sludge.
2.) Backflow preventer valve:
Does what it says: keeps the dirty stuff in the can, not the motor.
3.) Micron rating. 5-10 for TC engines and higher for Ebo's. One is not to expect any filter to get all of the junk that small.
Next is lifetime oil filters: sounds to me like high micron rated. I'd not risk it myself.
Syn filters are better than paper. All sites ascribe to that, and even the manufacturers.
What I found at the local Otto Pots store was:
mobil one -backflow valve, no bypass.
Purolators - bypass, no backflow
This week I'll check into:
Walmart Supertech ST4967 / 4386
Purolator ML 16822
Wix 51348
If the purolator ML rated doesn't have both, I'll drop down to the Harley unit, even though it's not rated well for filter media, at least it is syn.

 

You can experiment with other brand oil filters and everything will likely be OK. I don't know if a filter needs a drain back check valve or what filter micro number is needed or what flow rating or what material works with that pressure or temp or at idle but Harley does. Don over and out>>>>

 

I've only used Harley filters but wouldn't object to using something else as long as it fit the specs.

 

I did some searching, and Purolator it seems, has a different filter for EVERY specific model of Harley made: http://www.purolatorautofilters.net/...APP_082808.pdf
...and the numbers for mine matched those given by some of you guys who used them.
I called Purolator engineering for the specs and am waiting to hear from them.

 

So far it's been only the Harley filter. Would consider others if they were rated high enough.

 

what was the top according to them?

 

Based on some research, Purolater's PureOne oil filters have the best AND most media. They give you specific numbers on how small and percentages on how well they work. Their MC filters are Chinese made and rebadged. I have read that Purolater doesn't recommend the PureOne filter for MC's, but I don't understand why (unless they are trying to keep their MC line in business). I have heard some use with no issues on their scoots.

 

Per their website.....make sense to anyone or just gibberish?
"What About PureONE
If you're thinking you want to install a PureONE oil filter on your bike, please think again. PureONE oil filters are designed for vehicles, not bikes. Because of PureONE's high efficiency, the motorcycle oil pump may not be able to handle the pressure. The Purolator motorcycle filter line is designed to meet the specific needs of a bike; therefore we highly recommend the use of a Purolator ML filter over a PureONE oil filter. "