Oil Filter

[kev64]

Ok, so I purchased and changed the oil and filter today
I noticed that the new filter was slightly smaller than the old.

Looking at the listing on Ebay, the filter that I got was a HF204, apparently for a 03-05
There is also a HF303 for 97-03, whats the difference (apart from size)
I didn't think there would be any that's why I just bought the first that came up
Its a Hiflo filter

Cheers

[fabiostar]

iv used long and short ones on mine. from what i gather thats the only difference.

[tony.mon]

I've used both many times as well.
Doesn't seem to make a difference.
Why not give Hi-Flo technical an email, incase there's an overpressure bypass spring weight difference?

I suspect it'll just be that the larger one has more filter element surface, and will therefore allow a freer flow when the shorter one would start to clog.
But if you change them regularly, it won't matter.

[budd]

I looked into this a few years ago and TBH I’m still not a lot wiser to why’s and wherefores’ but here goes ; the HF303 is the longer one (9mm longer) and is used on the VTR up to ’02 and many other Hondas up to about ’00-02 depending in model, from ’00 or so the HF204 started to replace the 303 across the range, not really sure why.
The length is the only difference I can see otherwise appears identical and given it’s a seemly universal fit on bikes ranging from the CB500 to the Gold Wing so able to cope with engines of 500cc through 1800cc I can’t see any issues using the 204 on all ages of VTR. I suppose if you were to be pedantic then you’d fit the 303 to the earlier bikes and 204 to later ones but I can’t imagine there would be a measurable difference in performance so I’d say they were pretty much interchangeable. As Tony says it would be intersting to hear directly from HiFlo re technical differences re flow etc but i'd hazard a guess there are none.
I certaily wouldn't be worried if I'd fitted 303 on a post '02 or 204 to a pre '02.

[kev64]

Cheers guys, my mind is now at rest !!