I bought a generic version with a 3/8 drive for about $10. They are nice to have and reduce the hassle of oil changes but they are not necessary.

 

I also got a generic one and it works just fine. you don't need it, but it makes it MUCH easier to get the oil filter off :yesnod

 

Where do you buy a generic one... 50$ for a wrench just sounds crazy to me..

 

hmm, I dunno, I use an old leather belt when getting a oil filter off that I haven't originally installed. On really tight ones I punch a screw driver through it for leverage....but i think a generic wrench would make things much easier/less messy.

On a side note:

From that point I do them up by hand (with some kind of old school rule of an a turn and a bit once the gasket touches etc) enough so they won't leak but aren't hard as hell to get off the next time.

I changed my oil/oil filter yesterday and the previous filter I had installed last year was easily undone by two hands and had not leaked....

 

Generic my ass....You bought the dang thing. quit being cheap ass's and Buy a Snap-On filter Wrench.....

 

Dude just take your filter to Auto Zone or any auto parts store it doesn't freaking matter what brand it is it's a damn oil filter wrench... :crash


There are many cars that use the same size filter as our R1s do so they have them readily available and for like $10 bucks.

 

True that. Why be a Cheap ass? Get one off the Snap-On truck and be done with it.........:crash

 

im not a pussy. i use my hands...

 

I did that once. After I burned my hands on the headers I got the socket wrench kind.

 

I've bought about a half dozen little different types of filter wrenches. I found a matching set of strap wrenches and now use the smaller of the set specifically for my oil filters. Between the three, I'm changing oil somewhat frequently. It's been a breeze with the strap wrench. I don't even use the others anymore.

 

im not a pussy. i use my hands...

So you want a cookie or something...???

 

send that my way :flex:

 

Just use a screwdriver for the first time you need to remove the filter (cuz the dealer probably torqued the sh!t out of it) and after that just hand tighten.

 

K&N filters with 17mm?

 

Does the oil filter twist in like a screw or its just in and out?

 

Are you for real????:dunno

 

K&N - less filter for more money - but the little nut is nice.
Just get the cap style tool for like $6 at autozone and you're golden.

 

That is also true, that 5-6$ tool is totally worth it.


or you can use a screw driver :rock

 

Just use a screwdriver for the first time you need to remove the filter (cuz the dealer probably torqued the sh!t out of it) and after that just hand tighten.

This is the method I've used for the last 10 years on numerous cars and bikes.

 

Not good advice. :no

 

^ It's not rocket science it's an oil filter... It screws on it's it unscrews off. :dundun:

 

What's wrong with using a screwdriver to remove a stubborn filter? Ideally you should have the proper size filter wrench on hand, but I can't see anything wrong with using a little creativity with a screw driver.

Can someone please explain why this is so bad? <---No sarcasm intended.

 

There's the potential for screwing up the threads on the oil filter stem while hammering in the screwdriver, plus, you're putting a good deal of bending moment on the filter stem too which could potentially cause it to crack (never heard of this happening though).

Besides, a strap wrench is cheap and very easy. I'm with Dan on this one.

 

I always hand tighten the filters on my car/truck, but I read multiple times you are supposed to crank down a little on your oil filter. I am going to guess that is because the last thing you wan is a mojor oil leak on your bike. (Or any leaking for that matter) That would go right under your back tire!:drunk:

 

Hand tighten, and safety wire. Then I don't worry about it.

 

Well thats the thing, you only have to use the screwdriver method once after that you never need to do it again.

 

this thread is better than a "which oil is best" thread

 

End of a nylon tie-down and a pair of channel-locks, presto instant strap wrench.

Yeah, I'm cheap :yesnod

 

i had to use the screwdriver method to get the first one off too. The only way it will damage the thread is if you are a doofus and hammer the screwdriver into the thread instead of into the far end of the filter.

+1 for doing them up and removing with the hands god gave you

unless you are a pussy :crash

 

Scotts

:secret: