K11 Owners Group

N41EF

First, I'm an engineer by training, and have always been impressed with K&N's oil filters. Significantly hefty feel, the nut on the end to tighten it with, and a reputation for quality.

But the KN-163 is a bunch of crap. I understand the filter in a bath concept and the -163 is anodized with no stickers, almost designed for our application.

I did an oil and filter change tonight, the old filter came off OK (also a -163) and when I went to thread the new one on it wouldn't go. Made a mess, washed hands, tried again still wouldn't go. Turns out the old gasket was stuck to the bike, and it was thick enough to keep the new one from threading on. Once it was off, the new -163 went on, put a 17mm socket on it with a stubby ratchet, it turned maybe an 1/8th turn, then snapped. Actually the nut that was spot welded on snapped off. The problem is the K&N is round, no flutes to use a wrench on.

I'm just not happy with this $13 filter. I drove a large screw driver into it, turned it to get it off, then installed a Bosch 3330 after I peeled the paper sticker off it.

Anybody else have problems with them?
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2014 R1200RT Water Cooled
2001 R1100S Light
1993 K1100LT. Nissan Ice Blue.(Gone)

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 9:33 pm Post subject:

Been buying 6 packs of Bosch filters from the Boneyard.

Also Mann fuel filters from there too.
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 11:19 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:44 am Post subject:

Chuck,

Since owning my first K-RS, I have used one of these

http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Oil_Filter_Wrench.htm

and avoided filters with the hex on the end.

Haven't had ANY problems yet (knock on wood). This filter wrench is machined aluminum not stamped and really grips.

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

John Clauss · Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 8:16 pm Post subject:

There are not many serious mechanic which will use K&N filters. The oil filters are constructed well on the outside, but do not do a very good filtering job. K&N air filters are considered the plague, because of their high flow they allow more dirt and grit into the engine and promote engine wear.

Not a big deal if you are racing and rebuilding the engine every once and a while anyway, but not for a typical rider/owner.
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1997 K1100LT
1975 R75/6

It will bring you so close to nausea, it will make you sick! - Big Al

beemrdon52 · Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 9:12 pm Post subject:

I heard that they are re-branded Fram filters.
Twisted Evil

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:08 am Post subject:

Some are (second paragraph). Interesting article

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Filters.html#OilFilters
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

John Clauss · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 9:55 am Post subject: