R65 Filter Upgrades?

[Boxer_Bolshie]

First, I apologize if this topic has already been covered!  I did a search but came up empty handed.

Anyway!  Has anyone ran aftermarket filters with better than OEM results?

On my Subies I've been running Green filters as they seem to give the best flow/filtration results and are reusable.  Meanwhile K&N are in second place but still ahead of OEM.

As for oil filters; I like the cloth and metal Amsoil filters over the paper variety which theoretically can disintegrate over time.  I really LOVE Amsoil synth oil btw!

As for fuel filters... car vs inline filters are apples and oranges and so I don't know which do their job best for our airheads.

Thanks!

[Bob_Roller]

As far as oil filters go, there have been members here that have removed flattened filters on an oil change .

Most commonly an after market type filter .

On a cold start oil pressure easily exceeds 100 psi, our moderator here Justin B., put an oil pressure indicator on one of his airheads, can't remember exactly the readings, but it was a bit of a shock to see these pressures .

A general consensus is to use the OEM 'bendable' two part oil filter, it seems to stand up to the pressures, haven't heard of any of these collapsing .

If you do go with OEM 'bendable' or hinged filters, there are two types, one for bikes with an oil cooler and one for bikes without an oil cooler, it does make a difference .

My personal experience with full synthetic oil  ( Mobil 1 motorcycle oil) in my '81 R65, was the rear main seal started leaking within a few months of putting it in the engine .

I replaced the rear main seal and it started leaing about a month or two later, drained the Mobil 1 out, put Spectro 'Golden' oil back in and have not a had a problem since ( 12 years now) .

Other members here have not had a problem with full synthetics in their R65's .

I've been using a filter from Visufilter for about 5-6 years now, no problems yet with them .

http://www.itw-fastex-cva.com/images/stories/data-shts/visufilter/8437-00-9909.PDF

Since installing them, I have not gotten the usual deposit of fine grit and a couple of globs of water in the float bowls when I removed them for yearly cleaning .

They've got about 10 sq. cm of filtering area .

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Thanks Bob, I seem to remember seeing something in here on the Visufilters.

I'll stay with the OEM hinged filters (plan on getting an oil cooler at some point anyway).

Any word on air filters?

[Barry]

Any word on air filters?  

Someone has done a a proper test on air filters (If I can find it I'll post it).

From what I can remember the conclusion was the stock items have way more air flow capacity than they need so there was no benefit from using alternative types. That test was probably on the early round type but I think the same should apply to the flat filter.  After all the very same filter fitted to yours flows enough air for the R100's so it's not going to be too restrictive for an R65.

[wilcom]

Someone has done a a proper test on air filters (If I an find it I'll post it).

bum'  has a good test on his site
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/K-and-N-filters.htm

pretty much shows AC Delco on top and the K&N or any "oil the filter type" on the bottom.

[Bob_Roller]

If you are considering an oil cooler (OEM type), there is an OEM kit from BMW .

Only problem with it, is the most expensive part, the oil filter cover with a thermostatic bypass valve, won't fit our bikes, there's no clearance between the valve and the right header pipe .

The solution is to get an oil filter cover from a later airhead GS bike, the cover has the threaded holes for the hollow bolts that go through the 'banjo' fittings on the ends of the hoses .

Purchasing the parts piecemeal, is less costly than the kit, or at least it was a  year ago when I last checked !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Thanks all for the great info! I'll check out Bum's site but if the OEM is already giving more flow than the engine needs, as you mentioned Barry, then I'll probably stick with the OEM, though I do like the idea of being able to reuse it to save on $$.  

I can't remember the site but they had good aftermarket oil coolers for just about (if not all) airheads, including a thermostat connector for the 65.  I'll post it if I find it again.  The coolers were larger than the OEM types and cost less.

[Barry]

I suppose it depends on riding conditions but the air filter doesn't need changing very often certainly not every oil service. I think mine has been in for almost 15000 miles. Even though I have a spare on the shelf I don't think it needs changing yet. Reading Snowbums tests he wasn't having problems with a 20,000 mile filter on an R100.

How often do others change their air filter ?

[Adrian]

How often do others change their air filter ?

Hi there - prior to the rebuild I hadn't replaced my filter for about 25,000 kilometres (sorry Aussie metrication). I used to soak it in cool water in a laundry trough - nice and deep with lots of room - and gently riffle the element to free up any dust and dirt that was on the surface of the elements. I would let it dry for a few days and only ever did this in the high summer. The plug colours never changed so other than rebalancing the carbs from time to time carbaration was never changed. I add that the filter I used was a genuine OEM part. Tough little so and so's. Adrian ........................

[Bob_Roller]

I'm lucky to get 6,000 miles on an air filter, due to the constant dusty conditions from living in a desert .

[Semper Gumby]

K & N.  It has been on there forever!  I run it about 25,000 miles and then clean it with the K&N solvent and re-oil.

I use an Autozone plastic 1/4" inline fuel filter and the BMW OEM Bendy with two washers underneath the $4000 dollar O-ring.  No gasket on the outside...

[tvrla]

If you use the K&N air filter, it needs modification to eliminate an airleak on the front edge. They fit too tight to the starter cover which then forces the sealing surface back. So the filter needs to be modified by removing material at that junction.

[Bill Conquest]

Where can I get a visu - filter? Looks pretty good...

[Bob_Roller]

Where can I get a visu - filter? Looks pretty good...

I got my last filters at this site, I got 10 of them, so I could justify the shipping costs .

http://www.bikebandit.com/visu-filter-high-flow-high-capacity-fuel-filter?m=282

[montmil]

UNI air filter from Dennis Kirk. Fits without any mods.

http://www.denniskirk.com