Kawasaki vulcan 1500 oil filter

I've got an 02 Nomad L3 and am ready to do another oil change on 'er, I've been using a HiFlo 204 filter but was thinking of switching to an Amsoil filter from now on, problem is, im not sure which one to buy. Your input is much appreciated! ...?

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I really like the fram tg6607 filter on the right..You can see the difference.

I have heard & read too many negative things about Fram oil filters. And I've heard it from two very experienced professional mechanics, both of whom I trust. Although I have not personally experienced any problems using Fram oil filters, I no longer do (I had used them for years on numerous vehicles, but why take any chances for no significantly good reason).

My current oil filter of choice is the Bosch D3300 DISTANCE+Plus (or the Bosch 3300 Premium). Reviewers (and the characters who actually cut oil filters apart & examine the guts) seem to be very high on both Bosch oil filters (DISTANCE+Plus & Premium) and they're readily available.

But, not unlike motor oil, whatever you use, if you change it regularly, you're not very likely to have any oil/filter related problems.

K&N 303 for a 1700 and it has a nut on the end for easier removal...I think it's the same for the Nomad.

I am a rebel and use the stock filter.

I wish Walmart still carried the good ole SuperTech filter..

I've got an 02 Nomad L3 and am ready to do another oil change on 'er, I've been using a HiFlo 204 filter but was thinking of switching to an Amsoil filter from now on, problem is, im not sure which one to buy. Your input is much appreciated! ...?

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If you go to there website http://www.amsoil.com/
and put in your bike information a full recommendation of different products as well as filter will pop up on the page.
I use Amsoil as I am a preferred customer and get it at wholesale prices.
Oil and filter is less than what dealer would charge for normal oil change.

There is no reason to pay to be an AMSOIL Preferred Customer. Just call me and save the $20 per year you are wasting.

People think they are "Buying Direct" when, in fact, no one can buy direct from AMSOIL. Even the state of Texas goes through a Dealer

There are 3 filters you can use from AMSOIL. The EAOM103, if room is a little tight (length) EA15K12 and if you have room for an inch longer filter, EA15K13

Also, I wouldn't use a Fram filter except in an emergency to get me home !!

Next on my hitlist would be a K&N.. A gimmicky nut does not make a good filter.

Oil, is the Lifeblood of your engine. The oil filter, is the Kidney that keeps it clean.

Ultimately, your bike, your choice.

Ok short of going to the dealer to get a OE Oil filter, I need a more reasonable, trustworthy as good or better aftermarket filter, what do any of you recommend? I have a 01 Vulcan classic FI, It does have a larger cam than factory also, if that makes a difference.

Next question, what do you recommend, as far as coolant, as mine is dark and going to be changing the coolant when snow flies...

Thanks!

Brian

Ok short of going to the dealer to get a OE Oil filter, I need a more reasonable, trustworthy as good or better aftermarket filter, what do any of you recommend? I have a 01 Vulcan classic FI, It does have a larger cam than factory also, if that makes a difference.

Next question, what do you recommend, as far as coolant, as mine is dark and going to be changing the coolant when snow flies...

Thanks!

Brian

I use Bosch oil filters - they fit, they're easy to find (Walmart/AutoZone/AdvanceAuto) and they work just fine. But, for the most part, they're all pretty much the same. Change your oil and filter often and it matters little what you use.

However, don't let anyone con you into believing you need some “motorcycle specific” coolant. Ethylene Glycol is Ethylene Glycol. You don't want it to freeze and, more importantly, you don't want it to boil. Ethylene Glycol does just that. It's not salesmanship, it's basic science.

A 50/50 mixture of good old classic green Prestone Anti-Freeze and distilled water will work fine. I checked the MSDS (it is Ethylene Glycol) & double-checked with Prestone - and was assured there is nothing in their flagship product that can do ANY harm to a motorcycle’s aluminum engine or cooling system.

We do have to pay more for motorcycle specific motor oil that will lubricate without harming our wet clutches (motorcycle oil is different for what it does NOT contain [certain friction modifiers], not for anything added. So, technically, it should cost less, not more - but that's a different issue). But there's no good reason to pay more for coolant.

I hate when there is incomplete or misinformation....

There is a LOT of difference between filters.. and I do not recommend Bosch. AMSOIL EAOM-103 is ABSOLUTE efficient at 20 Micron. WIX is a good filter and the part # is 51358, 50% efficient (Nominal) where most filters are rated and is about 21 Micron. Remember, 50%, NOT ABSOLUTE. A Fram is a piece of junk and is about 36-42 Micron.

There is Ethylene Glycol Anti-Freeze and there is Poly Ethylene.. Poly is environmentally safe. Some anti has silicates, you want silicate free. NOT all anti needs to be mixed 50/50, it will say pre-mixed and you are paying for water. Some anti has water pump lube and/or self sealing agents, most don't and are cheaper, not better.. Remember, it is Anti-FREEZE, not Anti-HEAT. Water does a better job at cooling than anti-freeze.

Oil.. Such B/S about what M/C oil "Does not have" there is a LOT more to it than that. A GOOD oil will have anti-rust and corrosion inhibitors, additives to give it a JASO MA-2 and additives to help shifting. plus other things... ANYONE that tells you different on any of this has Absolutely no idea what they are talking about.. I have been doing this for over 30 years, have owned 3 shops and a Certified tech with a Master Certification in brakes as well.

I use Bosch oil filters - they fit, they're easy to find (Walmart/AutoZone/AdvanceAuto) and they work just fine. But, for the most part, they're all pretty much the same. Change your oil and filter often and it matters little what you use.

The Bike has a K&N oil filter on it now, know what part number on the Bosch?

However, don't let anyone con you into believing you need some “motorcycle specific” coolant. Ethylene Glycol is Ethylene Glycol. You don't want it to freeze and, more importantly, you don't want it to boil. Ethylene Glycol does just that. It's not salesmanship, it's basic science.

A 50/50 mixture of good old classic green Prestone Anti-Freeze and distilled water will work fine. I checked the MSDS (it is Ethylene Glycol) & double-checked with Prestone - and was assured there is nothing in their flagship product that can do ANY harm to a motorcycle’s aluminum engine or cooling system.

We do have to pay more for motorcycle specific motor oil that will lubricate without harming our wet clutches (motorcycle oil is different for what it does NOT contain [certain friction modifiers], not for anything added. So, technically, it should cost less, not more - but that's a different issue). But there's no good reason to pay more for coolant.

Thanks for the coolant info also, wiill have to pick up a couple manuals on the bike to give me more insight on the bike. And planned on buying the 20w50 oil from my local Kaw dealer, do not want to skimp on my new child lol!

Brian

It isn't that Fram filters will fail, it is that they are overpriced garbage. I cut a lot of filters open a few years ago to find out what they really looked like. As a result I almost always use Wix filters. Wix come branded as Wix, Napa or Carquest, among others. However, due to a persistent salesman, I have an Amsoil filter on my Vulcan right now. I have also used the Kawasaki filters.

The Bike has a K&N oil filter on it now, know what part number on the Bosch

Thanks for the coolant info also, wiill have to pick up a couple manuals on the bike to give me more insight on the bike. And planned on buying the 20w50 oil from my local Kaw dealer, do not want to skimp on my new child lol!

If you are going to buy a filter, Bosch is not a favorite.. At least buy a WIX 51358, NAPA Gold 1358, or a Mobil 1. Stay away from K&N, Fram and Pure One for sure. A gimmicky nut does not make a good filter.

10W-40 is the recommended oil for your bike.

Just did my first change yesterday and went with Mobil 1 10-40 and Wix.

I assume you mean M-1 Racing 4T.

I assume you mean M-1 Racing 4T.

Nope--just the regular stuff.

Okay guys, my neighbor is a engineer with cummins here locally, I picked his brain and he runs rotella 15w40 in his Bikes he used to race on the tracks(sport and dirt) he runs in the baja down in mexico and just returned from a 1000 miler up in wisconsin and Michigan, he says run the 15w40, and regular 50/50 anti-freeze, I will run the 10w40(as the amsoil guy recommended), but guys what brand in 10w40? And what Brand do you run in anti-freeze? and is it 50/50 or mix type? all help appreciated!

Brian

Okay been awhile since my last post lol, but finally got the bike up to snuff, I did run seafoam through the oil and fuel, Changed the oil yesterday used Lucas High Performance motorcycle oil, 10w40 semi-synthetic, and NAPA Gold 1358 oil filter, we will see how this works out between oil changes.