Oil Filters - Is there a difference between years?

[Salty Dog]

I have been looking on eBay for a new oil filter for my 04 VTR1000, but notice some quote 97-2003 for their filters
The K&N filters seem to offer 97-2005.
Hi-Flow 98-02....Some others are 04-05 quoted use.
So what gives?? If the same K&N filter can be used across the 1997-2005 range, why are some quoted as 1997-2003 or 98-02?

I see the High Flow range, there is HF-303 (97-02) and HF-204 (03-05)

Even with the 2 K&N Filters KN303 and KN204

Specs:

KN303
Height: 3.346 in (85 mm)
Outside Diameter: 2.673 in (68 mm)
Thread Inside Diameter: M20 x 1.5
PSI Relief Valve: Yes
Anti Drain Back Valve: Yes
Style: Canister
Removal Nut: Yes
Bypass Valve: Yes

KN204
Height: 2.953 in (75 mm)
Outside Diameter: 2.673 in (68 mm)
Thread Inside Diameter: M20 x 1.5
PSI Relief Valve: Yes
Anti Drain Back Valve: Yes
Style: Canister
Removal Nut: Yes
Bypass Valve: Yes

Seems height is the only difference? Thread is the same, width is the same, i would imagine the seal is the same?
Is there really much difference?

EDIT: Ok i have learnt they have different relief pressures (if blocked), the KN204 14.5psi the KN303 18.13psi, plus the KN303 has a larger volume, hence larger filtration area.

So what does all this mean if we are trying to buy the best aftermarket filter for our VTR1000's?
It is noted on the KN website, the KN204 is for the 2004 vtr1000, the kn303 is not.

Happy to buy one filter, but i'd prefer to buy 3 at once or something like that.

Cheers

[AMCQ46]

i always try and get the longer one just because it has the bigger filter area, but last time I could only get a short one and it is no problem.

I figure it is more important to change it regularly rather than worry about the big vs small

[sirch345]

I've also had to make do with the shorter oil filter from Honda,


Chris.

[VTRDark]

Quite simply it mean bullshit. Marketing crap to try and sell something or to confuse you into buying. A lot of the time even what they write (especially on eBay) is wrong and does not relate to the product they sell anyway. I've seen ad's selling a wheel with picture an oil filter.

When they list dates like so 1997-2003 it means it fits all the years. when they list dates like so (03-05) it don't always mean it only fits later years as they most likely have another ad listing with earlier years, same product two different ad's with different years. It's like when you get ad's that will bomard ebay and list say an oil and fitter, with each one being each individual year throughout the range. Same product will be OK for all years but they wont say that in case your only searching for a year in particular.

By the way, talking about Hi Flo, that does not mean it's actually a higher flowing filter. All they are is an aftermarket OEM style filter named Hi Fo. It's called marketing. K&N are a true hi flowing filter but then ask yourself how well is it filtering the crap out if allowing a faster flow. I use OEM style Hi Flo's, cheap version of a genuine Honda.

The best thing you can do is change oil and filter regularly or at least at service intervals. And no there is no difference between years as far as I know.

(:-})

[Salty Dog]

So a 303 or 204 in Hiflow/K&N or Honda or some strange filter from Aliexpress they have 3 Honda OEM filters for $23AUD.
Then there are Wix Filters from the USA, a VTR1000 oil filter is $3 US! Apparently from the same place HiFlow is made.

I just find it interesting that the Filter manufactures themselves state one filter for 97-02 and another filter for 03-05
Why on earth have they done it?

Yep i am all for changing my filters often. Used to be every 4 rides on my other bike, i let the VTR go a little longer.
But i just wanted to make sure i was buying the right filter for my bike ;)

Seems either is fine.

Although i still wonder why the Filter Manufactures themselves state otherwise.

[Salty Dog]

i always try and get the longer one just because it has the bigger filter area, but last time I could only get a short one and it is no problem.

I figure it is more important to change it regularly rather than worry about the big vs small

What year VTR1000 do you have AMCQ46?

[AMCQ46]

early one, a 98 i think

[Salty Dog]

Ok, your bike was meant to have the larger filter, the 303 if you were buying K&N or HF.
According to all the spec sheets anyway.

[AMCQ46]

yes, that what I figured but not been able to get them off the shelf for the last few times, so it has had the short one for 2yrs with no ill effects

[Salty Dog]

ok, here is Oz, the smaller filter is more expensive and harder to find.
The HF303 or K&N303 or alike is everywhere.

Typical, smaller, less oil, costs more ;)