Oil filter cross motor

Buying an oil filter for your dirt bike: the key points to keep in mind

Here’s what you need to know before you start your next oil change:

• Choose a filter that fits your bike model: No two engine blocks are the same. Use our partsfinder to quickly find the filter that is guaranteed to fit your bike’s production year.
• Replace during every oil change: Don’t skimp on those few euros for a new filter. A clogged filter will ultimately cost you your engine block. 
• Hiflofiltro as a standard option: This brand offers TÜV-certified filters that match or even exceed original OEM specifications in terms of performance and service life.
• Only for 4-stroke engines: A 2-stroke engine burns its oil mixture directly and does not have an oil filter. If you ride a 4-stroke? Then this filter is the lifeline of your engine block.

Why you must replace your oil filter every oil change

In the workshop, we see it all too often: riders who faithfully change their oil but don’t replace their oil filter "because it can still go another round." That’s asking for trouble. A used dirt bike oil filter is full of fine dust, soot, and metal wear debris after just a few hours of dirt biking. If you leave this filter in place, the leftover dirty oil will mix directly with your fresh, clean oil from our oil and chemicals.

What’s more, the filter media’s capacity becomes saturated. This means the oil will flow less easily through the system or the bypass valve will open, allowing unfiltered oil to circulate past your zuigers en lagers circulate. Our advice is simple: always replace the filter during every oil change. For intensive racing use, it’s best to change the oil and filter every 2 to 5 riding hours. If you’ve just had an engine block overhaul and new pakkingen installed? Replace everything after the first warm-up run and first few hours to catch the initial wear debris right away.

Hiflofiltro: the TÜV-certified standard for dirt tracks

When it comes to aftermarket filters, Hiflofiltro is the absolute market leader. And for good reason. It’s the only brand with official TÜV certification for motorcycle filters. That means they meet or exceed the original OEM filter standards of brands like KTM or Yamaha in terms of materials, fit, and filter performance, but for a better price. According to independent tests, they even last up to 30% longer.

For riders who push their machine to the limit, there’s the Hiflofiltro RC series (Racing). These filters feature an advanced 'tri-fiber' filter media that traps particles down to 5 microns (while standard filters often only filter particles starting at 15 microns). The RC filters have a heavier-duty steel housing and a convenient 17mm nut on the top. Perfect for quickly loosening the filter or securing it with safety wire for racing use.

Step-by-step guide: how to replace your oil filter yourself

Replacing an oil filter isn’t rocket science, but a sloppy installation can cost you your engine. Follow these steps in the workshop:

Step 1: Run the engine until it’s warm to the touch
Warm oil is thinner and flows more easily and completely out of the crankcase. Afterwards, prop the bike up on a sturdy stand.

Step 2: Drain the oil
Loosen the crankcase drain plug and catch the old oil in a drain pan. Watch for any metal shavings on the magnetic drain plug; this is a good indicator of the condition of your bearings.

Step 3: Remove the old filter
Remove the filter cap and take out the old filter. Pay attention to how the filter was installed (some filters have a clear front and back). Clean the mating surface in the crankcase cover thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

Step 4: Lubricate the rubber seal
Grab a dollop of clean engine oil and lubricate the rubber ring on the new filter with it. This prevents the ring from drying out, deforming, or sticking when you tighten it.

Step 5: Hand-tighten is sufficient
Tighten the filter or filter cap by hand (or use a torque wrench according to the manufacturer’s specifications). Only use the 17mm nut on an RC filter for removal, never to fully tighten the filter. Afterwards, refill the engine with the recommended amount of oil, start the motor briefly, and check for leaks. Don’t forget to check your luchtfilters en bougies during a major service.