K&N Oil Filters ... a possible size substitute.

[NSASarge]

Someone, somewhere suggested that I try the K&N oil filter for my 2010 Voyager. I already have a K&N Air Filter so, what the heck. I had not heard any bad press about K&N so I went to my local Advance Auto store to get one. What he gave me was the HP-1010 filter. Only problem I have with ANY oil filter on the Voyager is the limited amount of space to slip an oil filter wrench onto the can to remove or tighten it. WELL! The HP-1010 is much "longer" than the stock and the space just grew to non-existent. However, the K&N oil filter has a 1-inch nut welded to the end of the can and also has safety wire holes so that you can safety wire it just like a NASCAR or aviation grade filter. (Prolly not gonna do that.) There was just enough room to slip my 1-inch gear drive box wrench onto the nut and it just made my day! So, oil change done with new "high end" (dollar) filter and the welded on nut just made it so much easier. Well now, let's pull it up on the internet and see what I can about K&N Oil Filters ... Okay, K&N website, Motorcycle and ATV, 2010, Kawasaki, VN1700 Vulcan Voyager , 1700 ... HEY! Wrong filter Advance Auto! K&N says here that I should have the KN-303 filter NOT the HP-1010! Huh ... hmmm ... lets see the differences. Well looks like the only difference is the "height" of the can from 3.344 to 3.75 inches.

Anyone find this? Can this filter (HP-1010) be used safely?

[debron]

If it fits and doesn't leak, I can't see any reason it wouldn't function correctly. You may need an extra half-cup of oil to fill the extra space inside the filter. . .

[MarkZ28]

As long as it has the same design as the stock type filter, the largest filter you can fit on an engine is the best one to get. Gives you more oil volume, more filter material, and less flow restrictions.

[doug of so fla]

I would not use it if it is not a certified mfg direct crossover to the 1700. The oil flow thru the filter may be different meaning oil volume or psi could be more or less & also the by-pass may be different psi. Just cause it fits does not make it the correct filter ALL spec's must match or down the road it could cause serious problems. Some gaskets will not even seal properly under psi Thread length and spec could be just a hair off.. would not guess at all to get the proper filter for it if it was my 1700.. imho..

[NSASarge]

Well, I asked the "experts" at K&N. I received an interesting if somewhat evasive reply.

Hello,
The only filter we can suggest for the 2010 Kawasaki VN1700 Vulcan Voyager is the KN-303. With that being said all of our oil filters are made to meet or exceed the OEM specs all other information is proprietary. All information providable will be located in the links below.
http://www.knfilters.com/search/product ... rod=KN-303" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.knfilters.com/search/product ... 83757&rw=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
K&N Customer Service & Tech Support
tech@knfilters.com
http://www.knfilters.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Phone: (800) 858-3333


When I called K&N, the person I spoke with was a bit more helpfull. As the Email pointed out ..."all of our oil filters are made to meet or exceed the OEM specs"... When I asked if the larger filter HP-1010 was as good as or equal to the smaller KN-303 he said "Yes." So, I plan to use it for now unless someone can give me a really good reason, or some specification difference as to why I should not. More media surface area = longer service. And since I have used Amsoil full synthetic in all my machines, I have established an oil change interval of 10,000 miles or once a year for my Voyager. Oil analysis is a great tool. I know I could go longer, but, 10k is just fine with me. Thanks for all the comments and it was all appreciated. I hope this info is helpful to some of you.


Another interesting point ...K&N lists the filter for the 1600 Vulcan Nomad as KN-204(C for Chrome) AND KN-303(C for Chrome) depending on the year of the Nomad. It's the same engine. Gadgets' Fixit Pages lists "Optional Filters" of different manufacturers and sizes (lengths) for the Nomad. KN-303 is listed for the Voyager. I had used the K&N HP-1010 on my 2005 Nomad for 7 years with no problems. This is why I plan to use the HP-1010, in the near future, on my 2010 Voyager. (We bought the NEW 2010 Voyager off the showroom floor in the spring of 2012.)