An oil filter is one of the cheapest parts on a bike and one of the easiest to get wrong. Plenty of filters look alike, yet only one is right for your engine. Here is why the exact filter matters, how HF numbers work, and how to find yours quickly.
Why the exact filter matters
Filters that look the same can differ in height, diameter, thread, sealing ring and the valves inside them. A cartridge filter of the wrong length may not seat or seal properly under its cover, which lets oil get past the filter element instead of through it. A spin-on filter with the wrong thread or sealing ring can leak.
The model name on its own is not always enough. In our oil filter fitment data, 157 of the 803 models are listed against more than one HF number. Sometimes the filter changed between model years, sometimes the engine takes two filters, and sometimes two different filters are listed for the same years. Our HF155 and HF157 filters, for example, are titled as the first and second filters for KTM models, and 21 models are listed against both. So check your year as carefully as your model, and compare the new filter with the old one.
How HF numbers work
Hiflofiltro numbers its oil filters with the letters HF followed by three digits, such as HF113. Because the range covers so many bikes, the HF number has become common shorthand for a particular filter, and other brands often quote it. Every RFX oil filter we list carries its HF number in the title, such as the RFX Race Oil Filter HF652 for KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas.
That makes it a handy way to compare brands. The Hiflofiltro HF139 and the RFX HF139 are listed for the same seven models, including the Suzuki DR-Z 400 and Kawasaki KFX 400. Always check the fitment table on the product page as well. Three things to watch:
- Suffix letters are part of the number. HF205 and HF205RC are separate products, both listed for the same 19 Yamaha models. The RC version has a nut on the end for easier removal.
- Numbers starting HFA are air filters, not oil filters. Use the air filter chart for those.
- If all you have is the original manufacturer number from the old filter or your parts book, try the OEM part number cross reference. For example, Honda 15412-HM5-010 is listed in our catalogue against the HF113.
How to find your filter with the chart
- Open the motorcycle oil filter chart. It matches 45 oil filters to 803 models across 36 makes.
- Choose your make, then find your model in the list.
- Check the years against your bike. If two filters still match your year, compare your old filter or email us.
- Open the filter and check the full fitment table on the product page before you order.
Prefer to start from the bike? The bike finder shows parts by make, model and year, and the models hub lists parts for each model. If your bike is not listed or you are not sure, email sales@apexpowersports.co.uk with the make, model, year and the number printed on your old filter, and we will help you find the right one.
The 10 HF numbers that fit the most models
Ranked by the number of models each filter is listed to fit in our catalogue.
| Rank | HF number | Models listed | Makes | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HF171C | 135 | Harley-Davidson and Buell | Hiflofiltro HF171C |
| 2 | HF138C | 87 | Suzuki, Aprilia, Cagiva and 3 more | Hiflofiltro HF138C |
| 3 | HF113 | 67 | Honda, Kawasaki, GasGas and 2 more | Hiflofiltro HF113 |
| 4 | HF170C | 59 | Harley-Davidson | Hiflofiltro HF170C |
| 5 | HF155 | 57 | KTM, Husaberg, Husqvarna and 3 more | RFX Race HF155 |
| 6 | HF112 | 56 | Honda, Kawasaki, GasGas and 6 more | RFX Race HF112 |
| 7 | HF652 | 46 | KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna and 2 more | RFX Race HF652 |
| 8 | HF140 | 38 | Yamaha, Fantic, TM Racing and 2 more | RFX Race HF140 |
| 9 | HF116 | 31 | HM, Honda, Husqvarna and 2 more | RFX Race HF116 |
| 10 | HF157 | 28 | KTM, Beta and Polaris | RFX Race HF157 |
Service tips
- Change the filter when your handbook says; many riders fit one at every oil change.
- Warm the engine first so the oil drains more fully, then switch off and let it settle. Take care, as the oil and exhaust will be hot.
- Make sure the old sealing ring comes away with the old filter. A second ring left stuck to the engine is a well known cause of leaks.
- On a spin-on filter, smear a little clean oil on the new sealing ring and tighten it as the filter or your workshop manual instructs. Do not overtighten.
- On a cartridge filter, note the order and direction of the filter, springs, washers and O-rings, and refit them the same way. Replace cover O-rings that are flattened or damaged.
- Whether to pre-fill a spin-on filter with oil depends on the bike, so follow your workshop manual.
- Refill with the grade and quantity in your handbook, using a new drain plug washer if your manual calls for one. Run the engine briefly, check for leaks around the filter and drain plug, then recheck the level as your handbook describes. Shop motorcycle engine oil.
- Take used oil and the old filter to your local recycling centre rather than putting them in household waste.
For some motocross models we also carry replacement oil filter covers, oil filler plugs and timing plugs.
Ordering
Every oil filter we stock is in the oil filter collection, or you can browse by brand with Hiflofiltro and RFX. UK Next Day delivery is £7.99, and free on orders of £100 or more. Pre 12:00 delivery is £9.99 and Pre 10:00 is £14.99. No VAT is charged. You have 30 days from delivery to return an item, and the buyer pays return postage unless the item is faulty, damaged or wrong. See delivery and returns for details.