Best Motorcycle Oil Filters for Different Motorcycle Fits

#1 · Best Overall

1. K&N KN-204-1

• dimensions: 2.8 x 2.8 x 3.27 in
• Weight: 8.16 oz
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: street-sport-motorcycles

Best for: Wrench-accessible extended-service riders.

Why it ranks #1: Listed for street-sport motorcycles, this wrench-off model claims up to 20,000 miles of protection and works with synthetic, conventional, and blended oils.

The KN-204-1’s wrench-off nut gives riders a direct way to engage the filter during removal, while its stated protection extends up to 20,000 miles. High-efficiency synthetic media supports filtration without sacrificing high oil flow, making this K&N option relevant to street-sport motorcycle owners seeking those features together.

K&N specifies compatibility with synthetic, conventional, and blended oils, so the filter can be considered across those oil choices. Its uniform-pleat synthetic media is intended to capture contaminants while maintaining high flow, connecting filtration to continued oil circulation. Laboratory testing for capacity and burst strength adds information about the filter’s tested performance. The wrench-off nut is the practical service distinction; the listed 17 mm thread and street-sport motorcycle vehicle type are important boundaries when assessing an application.

Skip it if you need a cartridge-style filter; K&N KN-112 is the listed cartridge option for off-road motorcycles.

Street-sport owners seeking a wrench-off nut, broad oil-type compatibility, and a stated extended-protection claim should consider the KN-204-1. Its listed application is street-sport motorcycles, and its 17 mm thread remains a specific fit boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Wrench Off Nut, KN-204-1

#2 · Race-Focused Filter

2. Hiflofiltro HF204RC

• dimensions: 3.3 x 2.9 x 2.8 in
• Weight: 24 g
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: PWC

Best for: Race-focused wrench access.

Why it ranks #2: Developed for race use, it has a 17-millimeter cross-drilled nut and lists OEM replacement numbers for Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and other brands.

A 17 mm cross-drilled nut gives the Hiflofiltro HF204RC a practical wrench-engagement feature for filter service, while its RC designation and stated development for top-level race use target performance-focused buyers. TUV certification and a heavy-duty steel canister add quality and construction details to consider.

The cross-drilled nut supports wrench access during installation or removal, and the steel canister supplies the listed heavy-duty housing. Hiflofiltro states that the RC filter was developed for rigorous top-level race demands and identifies it as TUV certified. Its supplied replacement-number list spans specified Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, MV Agusta, and Triumph applications, giving buyers concrete compatibility references; those named applications are more useful than assuming universal fit.

Skip it if you want a filter listing compatibility with synthetic, conventional, and blended oils; K&N KN-138 names all three.

Riders prioritizing a race-focused filter, steel canister, and cross-drilled wrench nut can consider the HF204RC. Its stated replacement references provide the relevant application boundary, so buyers should rely on those listed vehicle references rather than assuming broad fit.

Listed on Amazon as: HiFloFiltro HF204RC Black RC High Performance Premium Oil Filter, Single

#3 · Motorcycle Canister

3. K&N KN-171B

• dimensions: 4 x 3 x 3 in
• Weight: 9.6 oz
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Motorcycle

Best for: Black-canister motorcycle owners.

Why it ranks #3: Explicitly compatible with motorcycles, this black canister has an M17 x 1.5 thread and claims up to 20,000 miles of protection.

The KN-171B’s black canister gives this K&N motorcycle filter a clear physical distinction, and its synthetic-blend media is paired with high oil flow and filtration claims. Its wrench-off-nut designation also makes filter removal a central service consideration for owners choosing this version.

K&N states that the filter is engineered for up to 20,000 miles of protection and works with synthetic, conventional, and blended oils. Uniform-pleat, high-efficiency media links contaminant filtration with maintained oil flow, while laboratory testing addresses capacity and burst strength. The wrench-off nut is the service-oriented feature named in the title. Its M17 x 1.5 thread and motorcycle vehicle classification are specific application details, and the steel/aluminum housing material is listed in the specifications.

Skip it if you need an explicitly listed off-road cartridge filter; K&N KN-112 is specified as a cartridge for off-road motorcycles.

Motorcycle owners with a matching M17 x 1.5 application who value wrench-off access and broad oil compatibility can consider the KN-171B. Its black canister and thread specification distinguish this version, while fit remains application-specific.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Wrench Off Nut, KN-171B

#4 · Steel Canister

4. K&N KN-171C

• dimensions: 3.2 x 3.2 x 4.1 in
• Weight: 11.2 oz
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Motorcycle

Best for: Steel-bodied 17 mm applications.

Why it ranks #4: This motorcycle-compatible steel filter lists a 17mm thread and a one-year warranty, alongside K&N's stated protection claim of up to 20,000 miles.

A steel construction and 17 mm thread define the KN-171C, while K&N’s stated protection claim reaches up to 20,000 miles. High-efficiency synthetic media maintains high oil flow, giving motorcycle owners a combination of listed construction, filtration, and service-interval features to assess.

K&N specifies compatibility with premium synthetic, conventional, and blended oils, letting buyers consider the filter across those oil types. Uniform-pleat synthetic media is intended to capture contaminants while preserving high oil flow, linking filtration to circulation. Laboratory testing for capacity and burst strength adds testing context. The steel material and 17 mm thread are practical specifications for installation planning, and the listing identifies the product for motorcycles; they do not establish fit for every motorcycle.

Skip it if you need an M20 x 1 mm thread; K&N KN-138 lists that specification for its motorcycle filter.

Motorcycle owners whose application matches the KN-171C’s 17 mm thread can weigh its steel construction against K&N’s filtration and oil-flow claims. Its listed motorcycle classification is broad, but the thread remains a specific fit consideration.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Wrench Off Nut, KN-171C

#5

5. K&N KN-160

• dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 in
• Weight: 0.29 kg
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Motorcycle

Best for: Three-quarter-inch thread applications.

Why it ranks #5: Listed for motorcycles, it uses synthetic-blend filter media in a steel/aluminum housing and specifies a 3/4-inch 16 UNF thread.

The KN-160 specifies a 3/4-inch 16 UNF thread, giving buyers a concrete installation dimension to evaluate. Its synthetic-blend media uses uniform pleats for high-efficiency filtration while maintaining high oil flow, and K&N states protection for up to 20,000 miles.

The listed 3/4-inch 16 UNF thread is the main application detail for planning installation, while the motorcycle vehicle classification provides broader category context. K&N describes the synthetic-blend media as high efficiency, with uniform pleats that support contaminant capture and maintain oil flow. Compatibility with synthetic, conventional, and blended oils allows consideration across those oil types. The stated protection period of up to 20,000 miles adds an extended-service claim, subject to the vehicle’s maintenance requirements.

Skip it if you require a wrench-off nut for filter removal; K&N KN-170C is explicitly titled as a wrench-off-nut filter.

Motorcycle owners with an application calling for a 3/4-inch 16 UNF thread can assess the KN-160’s media, oil compatibility, and protection claim. The thread is the defining fit boundary; the listing does not narrow vehicle type beyond motorcycle.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Premium, KN-160

#6

6. K&N KN-170C

• dimensions: 3.2 x 3.2 x 4.1 in
• Weight: 0.3 kg
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Motorcycle

Best for: Steel filter with wrench access.

Why it ranks #6: This motorcycle-compatible steel canister measures 3.2 x 3.2 x 4.1 inches and lists a 3/4-inch 16 UNF thread.

The KN-170C combines a steel body with a wrench-off-nut designation, giving maintenance-focused buyers both a material detail and a named removal feature. Its 3/4-inch 16 UNF thread identifies the installation specification, while high-efficiency media is intended to maintain high oil flow.

K&N’s synthetic media is described as high efficiency and arranged in uniform pleats, supporting filtration while maintaining oil flow. The wrench-off nut provides the explicit service distinction, and steel is the listed construction material. K&N states protection up to 20,000 miles and compatibility with synthetic, conventional, and blended oils. Together, those details help buyers assess maintenance needs and oil choices, but the 3/4-inch 16 UNF thread remains the specific application boundary.

Skip it if you need a filter listing street-cruiser motorcycle compatibility; K&N KN-170 carries that vehicle-type specification.

Owners needing the listed 3/4-inch 16 UNF thread and valuing wrench-off access can consider the KN-170C’s steel construction and K&N oil-flow claims. The thread is a precise boundary, so it should guide application selection.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Wrench Off Nut, KN-170C

#7

7. K&N KN-170

• dimensions: 3.11 x 3.11 x 4.25 in
• Weight: 9.6 oz
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Street-Cruiser-Motorcycles

Best for: Street-cruiser synthetic-media filtration.

Why it ranks #7: Its stated vehicle type is street-cruiser motorcycles, and the filter uses synthetic-blend fibers and steel; the listing does not provide a thread size.

The KN-170 is specifically classified for street-cruiser motorcycles, giving that rider group a more targeted vehicle-type reference than a general motorcycle listing. Its synthetic-blend fibers and steel construction pair with K&N’s high-efficiency filtration and high-oil-flow claims for routine maintenance planning.

K&N describes uniform-pleat synthetic media as high efficiency, intended to capture contaminants while maintaining high oil flow. The filter is engineered for protection up to 20,000 miles and is compatible with synthetic, conventional, and blended oils, linking its stated service claim to multiple oil choices. Steel is the listed housing material. Its street-cruiser vehicle classification helps define the intended category, though the supplied facts do not identify a thread size for this model.

Skip it if you require a stated thread dimension before selecting; K&N KN-138 lists its M20 x 1 mm thread specification.

Street-cruiser owners looking for synthetic-blend filtration and K&N’s stated oil-flow and protection features can assess the KN-170. Its vehicle-type classification is useful context, but the supplied specifications leave thread size unstated.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Wrench Off Nut, KN-170

#8

8. K&N KN-138

• dimensions: 3.35 x 2.99 x 2.95 in
• Weight: 0.25 kg
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: Motorcycle

Best for: M20-thread motorcycle maintenance.

Why it ranks #8: Listed as motorcycle compatible, it claims up to 20,000 miles of protection and gives an M20 x 1 mm thread size for fit checking.

The KN-138 pairs a stated 20,000-mile protection claim with high-efficiency synthetic media that maintains high oil flow. That combination gives motorcycle owners a filter intended to support contaminant capture and circulation over extended service intervals, while its M20 x 1 mm thread identifies a specific installation boundary.

K&N lists synthetic, conventional, and blended oil compatibility, giving owners flexibility among those oil types. The uniform-pleat synthetic media is described as high efficiency and intended to filter while maintaining high flow, linking contaminant capture with oil circulation. Laboratory testing for capacity and burst strength supplies further performance context. Its M20 x 1 mm thread is the key fit specification, and the listing identifies the vehicle type as motorcycle rather than a narrower riding category.

Skip it if you need a filter explicitly listed for street-sport motorcycles; K&N KN-204-1 has that vehicle-type specification.

Motorcycle owners whose application calls for an M20 x 1 mm thread can weigh the KN-138’s oil compatibility, filtration, and extended-protection claims together. The thread specification is a firm fit consideration, not a universal motorcycle fit.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Premium, KN-138

#9

9. K&N KN-112

• dimensions: 2.1 x 2.1 x 1.6 in
• Weight: 22.68 g
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: off-road-motorcycles

Best for: Off-road cartridge-filter service.

Why it ranks #9: This cartridge-style filter is listed for off-road motorcycles and measures 2.1 x 2.1 x 1.6 inches, but its stated application is narrower.

The KN-112 is identified as a cartridge oil filter for off-road motorcycles, making its filter format and vehicle category the clearest selection points. K&N pairs high-efficiency synthetic media with maintained oil flow and states protection up to 20,000 miles for this compact cartridge.

The cartridge format distinguishes the KN-112 from the canister filters in this range and is relevant to buyers whose motorcycle takes that style. K&N describes its synthetic media as high efficiency while maintaining high oil flow, connecting filtration with circulation. Compatibility with all oil types is stated in the additional facts, and the filter is engineered for protection up to 20,000 miles. Its 50 x 37 mm thread specification and off-road classification provide concrete application details.

Skip it if you want a wrench-off canister filter; K&N KN-171B is explicitly titled as a wrench-off-nut motorcycle filter.

Off-road motorcycle owners whose application uses a cartridge filter can consider the KN-112 for its listed format, oil compatibility, and flow-focused media. Its 50 x 37 mm thread is a specific fit boundary, so application requirements matter.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Premium, KN-112

#10

10. K&N KN-303

• dimensions: 1.11 x 1.53 x 1.11 in
• Weight: 0.25 kg
• Compatible with Vehicle Type: All-Terrain-Vehicles

Best for: Compact M20-thread applications.

Why it ranks #10: The listing identifies this model for all-terrain vehicles rather than motorcycles, so its stated vehicle application makes it the weakest match here.

The KN-303’s listed dimensions of 1.11 x 1.53 x 1.11 inches distinguish this compact K&N filter, while high-efficiency synthetic media is specified to maintain high oil flow. Its M20 x 1.5 thread and all-terrain-vehicle classification define the application details buyers need to weigh.

K&N’s synthetic media is described as high efficiency, with uniform pleats intended to filter contaminants while maintaining oil flow. That pairing connects filtration with circulation during operation. The filter is engineered for protection up to 20,000 miles and is compatible with synthetic, conventional, and blended oils, offering flexibility within those listed categories. Its compact dimensions and M20 x 1.5 thread provide useful physical and installation specifications, while the vehicle-type field identifies all-terrain vehicles.

Skip it if you need a wrench-off nut for filter service; K&N KN-204-1 is explicitly identified with that feature.

Owners of applications matching the listed all-terrain-vehicle classification and M20 x 1.5 thread can assess the KN-303 for its compact dimensions and oil-flow-focused media. Those vehicle and thread details are the key fit boundaries.

Listed on Amazon as: K&N Motorcycle Oil Filter: High Performance, Wrench Off Nut, KN-303