Oil Filters

The Motorcycle Oil Filter:
Your Engine's First Line of Defence

It's the engine oil's job to absorb harmful dirt and carbon. Yet, it can only trap particles small enough to be carried in the oil. For this reason, a motorcycle oil filter plays a vital role in keeping the inside of an engine in peak condition.

The oil filter traps contaminants as well as tiny particles of metal. If left unchecked, these metal particles can cause damage by blocking the oilways and galleries that allow the oil to circulate throughout the engine.

The filtration process becomes activated the instant a motorcycle engine turns over. At this time, oil gets forced through the filter before circulating the engine.

Inside an Oil Filter

Oil filters consist of a fibrous matting material that is sufficiently dense to trap contaminants in the oil without having a negative effect on oil flow or pressure. To allow the greatest filtration surface area, the material will have many folds.

Types of Oil Filter

A motorcycle oil filter is relatively inexpensive and is a consumable component. For this reason, an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement is worth considering.

However, aftermarket replacements often offer two advantages. First, they can provide cost-savings over the OEM part or, in some cases, offer higher filtration performance.

Whichever you choose, oil filters are available in two varieties, either a cartridge or canister. A cartridge filter is mounted inside the engine. In comparison, a canister is outside. Due to the challenging conditions of motocross, most MX motorcycles have cartridge-style filters for added protection.

Locating your Motorcycle's Oil Filter

Due to the challenging nature of MX and dirt bike riding, you can find most oil filters behind an engine cover. For the precise location though, consult your owner's manual. For instance, Honda favours the engine's left side, while Kawasaki prefers the right.

Changing your Motorcycle's Oil Filter

When it's time to change the motorcycle engine oil, it is also an excellent opportunity to replace your oil filter. Again, the owner's manual will advise you on the maintenance schedule. MX riders tend to carry out this procedure every five hours of running time.

Most motorcycle engines have a drain plug underneath the crankcase, releasing the old oil. Once again, the owner's manual will give you its exact location. As the drain plug forms an integral part of the oil/filter changing routine, always check that the plug's copper washer is in good condition to prevent oil leaks.

You can find replacement copper washers on the 24MX oil filter page, as well as magnetic drain plugs. Magnetised drain plugs offer excellent secondary protection for your motorcycle's engine by attracting metallic particles. However, this type of drain plug needs cleaning after each oil change.