Gen II ('14) Install
For those with stock headers, the following may not apply.
Talking about this product:
This bike has Ti Force header (4-2-1), and as you can see from the attached pics, it is a tight fit getting this oil filter in place. Generally, this header config makes any install/replace cramped, but as the FLO reusable is just a bit taller than (for instance) the KN138 I pulled off, BUYER BEWARE. I was about to give up on this product (and put the used KN back in place, for now) when I discovered that the filter unit compresses upon install, so that placing the filter over the threaded tube requires compressing the filter unit into place PRIOR to engaging the threads (because of the clearance issue with the header pipes). This is risky, IMO, as a cross thread seems possible as I'm applying pressure to compress the unit so that it fits while also trying (hoping) to engage threads properly (GULP!).
~~ 1/4" clearance between filter unit and header.
NOTE: this bike is NOWHERE as clean as these pics might suggest - just a lucky angle
So it did compress and engage, and it spun on nicely with no effort at all. But this raises another question: as I was compressing the filter unit into place while spinning on, was I also DIS-engaging the SS filter insert?? (cuz that's how the insert is disengaged and removed for servicing - by compressing and rotating the insert counter-clockwise - probably not, as tightening the unit is a clockwise motion). Best case it's working fine, and worst case oil is flowing but not being filtered.
I do tend to panic when it comes to the care & maint of this bike.
After adding new oil, I idled the bike until the fans were triggered. No leaks, no oil light indicator, so all seems good. I'm sure after doing this a couple more times, I'll increase confidence, but considering how precious this bike is (to me) I thought I'd at least document my experience here as I'm guessing others out there may also have custom headers on bikes that require periodic oil changes.
For those with stock headers, the following may not apply.
Talking about this product:
This bike has Ti Force header (4-2-1), and as you can see from the attached pics, it is a tight fit getting this oil filter in place. Generally, this header config makes any install/replace cramped, but as the FLO reusable is just a bit taller than (for instance) the KN138 I pulled off, BUYER BEWARE. I was about to give up on this product (and put the used KN back in place, for now) when I discovered that the filter unit compresses upon install, so that placing the filter over the threaded tube requires compressing the filter unit into place PRIOR to engaging the threads (because of the clearance issue with the header pipes). This is risky, IMO, as a cross thread seems possible as I'm applying pressure to compress the unit so that it fits while also trying (hoping) to engage threads properly (GULP!).
~~ 1/4" clearance between filter unit and header.
NOTE: this bike is NOWHERE as clean as these pics might suggest - just a lucky angle
So it did compress and engage, and it spun on nicely with no effort at all. But this raises another question: as I was compressing the filter unit into place while spinning on, was I also DIS-engaging the SS filter insert?? (cuz that's how the insert is disengaged and removed for servicing - by compressing and rotating the insert counter-clockwise - probably not, as tightening the unit is a clockwise motion). Best case it's working fine, and worst case oil is flowing but not being filtered.
I do tend to panic when it comes to the care & maint of this bike.
After adding new oil, I idled the bike until the fans were triggered. No leaks, no oil light indicator, so all seems good. I'm sure after doing this a couple more times, I'll increase confidence, but considering how precious this bike is (to me) I thought I'd at least document my experience here as I'm guessing others out there may also have custom headers on bikes that require periodic oil changes.
BTW, Amsoil and filter every 5,000 miles.
