Are you a Harley-Davidson biker looking to educate yourself about the bike and want to know who manufactures the oil filters for your bike? If so, then you are in the right place at the right time
Harley-Davidson oil filters are made by Champion Laboratories, which also supplies other high-quality automotive and motorcycle oil filters.
In this article, you will get to know more about Harley-Davidson oil filters, who makes Harley-Davidson oil filters, where are Harley-Davidson oil filters manufactured, the benefits of using Harley-Davidson oil filters, and more. Continue reading to get all the answers that you are looking for.
Harley-Davidson oil filters for optimal performance
Harley-Davidson oil filters have managed to stand the test of time. The oil filter is one of the reasons for the incredible performance and why Harley-Davidson motorcycles are so popular. The manufacturing details of the Harley-Davidson oil filters seem to be a long-held secret. There are often rumors regarding who makes Harley-Davidson oil filters. This is the case because Harley-Davidson doesn’t directly handle the production of its products.
This is not a new trend, as most brands choose to partner up with other companies to sell aftermarket parts and OEM products. So, who exactly manufactures Harley-Davidson oil filters?
Who makes Harley-Davidson oil filters?
Champion Labs is the brand that makes Harley-Davidson oil filters. Although there have been rumors that SUNOCO manufactures Harley-Davidson Oil Filters, that is actually not true. SUNOCO is only tasked with handling the production of Harley-Davidson oil, but not the filters.
SUNOCO is a motor oil production brand and doesn’t actually manage the production of oil filters for Harley-Davidson. Champion Labs makes several OEM products, and the Harley-Davidson oil filter is not an exception. Due to the legal agreements binding the two companies involved, Champion Labs has had to keep its production lines for Harley-Davidson a secret. Champion Labs produces Harley-Davidson oil filters and are known for meeting the specifications of all types of riders.
Champion Labs started out with the patents of the engine-end relief valve for spin-on oil filters in 1959. Further, the acquisition of Luber fines in 1979 helped spread the company spread its production. It followed the introduction of EuroFilters and Kleener cabin air filters. Interestingly, Champion Lab is known for being the first certified filter company in the USA.
With innovation and consistent production of exceptional products, the brand grew into a leading global manufacturer of oil filters. Moreover, it also helped other brands manufacture their products.
Where are Harley-Davidson oil filters usually manufactured
Harley-Davidson oil filters are largely manufactured by Champion labs in Albion and West Salem, United States. Champion Labs also has multiple production facilities all over the country. The production of Harley-Davidson oil filters is limited to these factories.
However, Champion Labs is not the only brand that manufactures Harley-Davidson’s oil filters. Instead, Harley-Davison and K&N have formed a partnership in the supply of replacement Harley-Davidson oil filers. Hilifiltro also makes numerous K&N oil filters. It can also transcend to its production of K&N Harley-Davidson oil filters.
Benefits of using Harley-Davidson oil filters
1. Technology
Harley-Davidson oil filters possess features many similar qualities to other oil filters. There are a few minute differences in their technology. They come with a 5-micron rating, 8lbs relief valve, a non-cardboard media filter, and an anti-drain back valve.
These qualities set it apart from other types of oil filters. It also includes more holes in the tapping plate, allowing a higher flow of oil. The design will permit an exceptional and consistent flow of oil to the bike’s engine.
2. Easy installation
The fitting of an easy wrench-off will make installation and removal quicker and much easier. If you do not want to spend much time fitting the oil filters, then Harley-Davidson oil filters will be the best choice. The best thing is that you won’t even require any special tools for installing them.
3. Oil compatibility
You don’t need to be worried about the type of oil you’re using on your Harley-Davidson bike’s filter. The Harley-Davidson filters can operate with all types of oil, be it conventional, synthetic, or blended oils.
4. Mechanism and performance
The mechanism and performance of Harley-Davidson oil filters will allow for better engine protection, high flow rates, and a high filtration technique backed up with synthetic-blend media. Harley-Davidson is worth it when you’re looking for an oil filter for heavy-duty purposes.
5. Warranty
A Harley-Davidson oil filter comes with a one-year limited warranty. This way, the biker can be assured of getting high-quality and durability in the product.
Best Harley-Davidson oil filters in the market
K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter KN-171C
K&N has been one of the leading filter manufacturers for more than 50 years. This American brand has the most innovative approach to producing filters and possesses a wide range of unique patents on air and oil filters. Their products for Harley-Davidson bikes have been tested under extensive conditions.
KN-171C is a wrench-off filter that was invented by K&N in 1988. Today, this oil filter is considered to be a classic solution as it’ll provide excellent performance and easy installation. It uses a high-definition filter material that can block a high percentage of contaminants from synthetic, conventional, and blended oils. The structure of the filtering part will promote a faster and much more consistent flow rate. Even though this part is not expensive, it comes protected with a 12-month warranty and guarantees stability on all-terrain vehicles.
K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter KN-174B
K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter KN-174B is a slight modification of KN-171C, and it is designed to fit cruisers and touring bikes by Harley-Davidson. It is also colored black, making it the desired filter for many Harley-Davidson bikers.
This oil filter offers a full stack of features, including the proprietary wrench-off installation, which is incredibly convenient. The filtrating part of the oil filter is made of high-definition synthetic material. It maintains the necessary filtering quality longer than the default Harley-Davidson parts. The synthetic-blend media will remove contaminants from synthetic, conventional, and mixed oils. For modern high-RPM Harley-Davidson bikes, it is recommended that you should use synthetic oils, as they are more tender to the motor and let the K&N filters provide the highest flow rate possible.
The canister is made up of 0.61-mm monolith metal, and it is extremely sturdy. You can even use the hole in the wrench top for securing it with an additional wire. The bypass valve and the media holder inside the filter are made of sturdy metal, which excludes quick wear-off. Meanwhile, the valve gasket is made up of silicone instead of conventional rubber, as it’ll provide cold resistance and good heat.
Hiflofiltro RC HF171CRC
Hiflofiltro is another exceptional filter market mastodon with more than 50 years of experience. The remarkable fact is that this brand builds oil filters of combined materials by top world brands. It makes the price for their products higher than, say, what K&N offers, while the quality is also worth it.
The Hiflofiltro RC HF171CRC racing filter works incredibly well for all Harley-Davidson bikes. Moreover, it also offers amazing capabilities for high-RPM and racing machines. Similar to the K&N options above, this one will also feature a wire lock for race use, as well as a thick wrench-off canister.
The most interesting part here is that the filtration media is made of high-performing triple fiber. It offers perfect flow and extended capacity. The German certification means that the oil filter offers top-notch performance in both racing and street conditions. It is a great alternative for K&N filters, especially if you are an aggressive biker or a sports rider.
PC Racing PCS4B Black
PC Racing is a reputed brand from Murrieta, LA. PC Racing PCS4B Black is a high-quality, ultra-premium racing-level filter capable of withstanding extreme temperatures of up to 600 degrees. The filter media is made up of stainless micronic cloth. Moreover, this oil filter promises up to 3x longer lifespan than conventional filters.
While the exact longevity of the oil filter depends on the rider, you can expect it to survive at least 11,000 miles without any issues. The price is also significantly higher and varies between $100 and $120. The oil filter catches particles up to 35 microns, so the oil clearness and flow are excellent. The canister looks incredibly powerful, and it actually is. The unique ribbed design looks incredibly stylish and will add sturdiness to the construction.
Hiflofiltro HF170C Chrome Premium
The Hiflofiltro HF170C is a tremendous replacement part for Harley-Davidson OEM 63806-83. Similar to HF171CRC, it is a TUV-certified filter made of high-quality Henkel Glue, Toyota Steel, etc. This oil filter works almost 20% longer than the original Harley-Davidson oil filters. It offers a great result for such a modest price. Moreover, it’s a stylish one. The thick metal canister comes covered in high-quality chrome that shines bright like silver.
In case the original canister doesn’t match your motorcycle’s color, you can order the same filter with a black wrench-off canister. The media is made using high-quality conventional filtering paper, but the gaskets will be of sturdy metal. Moreover, it holds the constriction tight in the canister. Together, they offer excellent flow and filtration quality.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading. Hopefully, now you know a lot more about Harley-Davidson oil filters, who makes Harley-Davidson oil filters, where are Harley-Davidson oil filters manufactured, the benefits of using Harley-Davidson oil filters, and more. Harley-Davidson oil filters are largely manufactured by Champion Labs, a reputed brand with production facilities in Albion and West Salem, USA. The production of Harley-Davidson oil filters is limited to this company. However, Champion Labs isn’t the only brand that manufactures high-quality Harley-Davidson oil filters. Harley-Davidson and K&N also have a partnership in the supply of replacement Harley-Davidson Oil filters to manufacture high-quality products.