Why Ultracool FLO is the Best Harley Oil Filter

• A high-quality oil filter is a critical component for Harley-Davidson maintenance, as it protects the engine by trapping harmful particles circulating in the oil.
• Key factors for choosing a filter include its filtration ability (microns), oil flow rate, construction materials, reusability, and ease of installation.
• The Ultracool FLO oil filter is presented as a superior option because it is a reusable, high-flow filter made from durable billet aluminum and stainless steel mesh that also allows for easy engine health inspection.

Keeping your Harley-Davidson running right is a big part of ownership. Proper maintenance means your bike is ready to go when you are. A critical, and sometimes overlooked, part of that maintenance is the oil filter. It’s the only thing stopping small, harmful particles from circulating inside your engine.

However, manufacturers don’t make Harley oil filters the same way. Some just do the basic job, while others offer better protection and even long-term value. Some are also not an ideal fit for your specific Harley model. 

So, in this article, we’ll discuss why the Ultracool FLO Oil Filters are some of the best oil filters for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

What is an Oil Filter for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles?

The oil filter is a device that removes contaminants from your engine oil. As the oil circulates, it picks up tiny bits of metal, clutch material, and combustion byproducts. The filter's job is to trap this gunk before it can cause damage to your engine's tight-tolerance parts.

Importance of an Oil Filter

The oil filter's function is simple: it removes harmful particles from your oil. It traps tiny metal shavings, carbon, and road dirt before they can scrape against bearings, pistons, and other internal engine parts. A clean filter ensures your oil stays clean, and clean oil protects your engine.

Types of Harley Oil Filters

There are a few common types of filter media:

• Paper Filters: These are the standard, disposable filters. They are common and inexpensive but can clog and are prone to tearing.
• Fiberglass Filters: These can often filter smaller particles than paper but are also disposable.
• Metal Filters: These filters, like the FLO, use a very fine stainless steel mesh. They are durable, cleanable, and reusable.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Oil Filters for Harley-Davidson

Choosing the right oil filter for your Harley means understanding what makes one better suited for your needs than another. Here are some key factors you should look at: 

1. Filtration Ability

Filtration ability describes the size of the smallest particle a filter can catch. It’s measured in microns. A smaller micron rating means the filter catches finer debris. You must make sure not to overdo this, however. A filter that’s too fine can restrict oil flow, so you need a filter that traps harmful particles without choking the engine.

2. Flow Rate

Flow rate refers to the measure of how much oil can pass through the filter, and how quickly. Good oil flow is most important during a cold start. Cold oil is thick and hard to push. A restrictive filter can starve the engine's top end of oil for the first few seconds of running. A high-flow filter lets the oil get where it needs to go right away.

3. Construction

Look for an oil filter that’s built to last, so you know that you’re investing in an oil filter that you can use for a long time. This means looking at the filter media and the structural components (canister, valve, and gasket) of the oil filter, and ensuring that they’re made of strong materials that can withstand high heat or constant engine pressure. 

4. Reusability

Decide between a disposable filter and a reusable one. You may find value in a disposable filter if you prioritize convenience, since it’s a “one-time use” and meant to be thrown away after use. Meanwhile, a reusable filter is more cost-effective in the long run, since it can be cleaned and reinstalled instead of having to be replaced with a new one once worn out, say every 5,000 miles.

5. Ease of Use

Many aftermarket disposable filters have a nut welded to the end. This makes removal much easier than using a clumsy strap wrench. For reusable filters, you must consider how simple the cleaning process is.

Key Features that Make FLO Oil Filter Ideal for Harley-Davidson

The Ultracool FLO oil filter stands out for several reasons. It’s a popular choice for Harley owners who demand top performance and protection. This filter was designed to solve the problems found in standard disposable filters.

1. High Flow Rate

The stainless steel mesh of the FLO oil filter allows oil to flow through it with much less restriction than thick paper. With its high flow rate, the FLO oil filter reduces the work on your oil pump and ensures your engine gets the lubrication it needs immediately, especially on cold days. It helps maintain a stable oil pressure.

2. Advanced Filtration Technology

The FLO filter uses a medical-grade 304 stainless steel micronic filter cloth. This material is incredibly strong and will not rust or corrode. It’s built to consistently catch particles down to 35 microns. Paper filters can be less precise and the pore sizes can vary. The steel mesh provides uniform filtration every time.

3. Durable and Reliable

FLO filters are built to last. The housing, for instance, is carved from a solid piece of 6061 T6 billet aluminum. It can handle high heat and is strong enough to resist punctures from road debris. 

Inside, the filter element is protected. FLO filters also include a very powerful magnet that traps any fine ferrous (steel or iron) metal particles that are too small to be filtered, adding another layer of protection.

4. Easy to Inspect

The filter can serve as a diagnostic tool for engine health because you get to see the debris in the mesh whenever you clean it. A few tiny particles are normal, but if you suddenly see larger metal flakes, you can spot a potential bearing or gear problem before it becomes a major repair.

5. Reusable

While the initial cost is higher for the FLO oil filter, you will save money in the long run because it can last the life of your motorcycle. You don’t have to throw the FLO filter away at every oil change. You simply remove it, clean it thoroughly with a solvent or cleaner, and reinstall it.

Find the Ideal Oil Filter for Your Harley at Lifestyle Cycles

A superior oil filter serves a greater purpose than just being an accessory; it’s smart maintenance. We stand behind the Ultracool FLO oil filter for your Harley because we know it delivers.

Shop now at our online store or visit our dealership to check out our full selection of Ultracool Harley parts and other oil filters for Harley-Davidson. Our team can help you find the perfect match for your bike and get you back on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harley Oil Filters 

How Often Should I Change the Oil Filter on My Motorcycle?

You should replace your disposable oil filter every time you change your oil. For most Harleys, this is every 5,000 miles, or at least once a year. If you use a reusable filter like the FLO, you will clean it at every oil change interval.

How Do I Know if My Oil Filter Needs Changing?

You only get to know it when you inspect it, so the best practice is to stick to your service schedule. If you wait until the filter is completely blocked, a bypass valve will open, which sends dirty, unfiltered oil through your engine.

What Happens if I Use Car Oil Filter on My Motorcycle?

Motorcycle oil filters are built differently from car filters. They’re designed for higher pressures and have different bypass valve settings. A car filter may not filter correctly or could fail, causing serious engine damage.

What Happens if I Change My Oil but Don’t Change the Filter?

If you skip changing the filter, you’re mixing your fresh, clean oil with all the dirt, metal, and sludge trapped in the old filter. The old filter can also be clogged, which restricts oil flow, making you compromise the new oil immediately. Always change the filter with the oil to ensure your Harley’s optimal performance on the road.