Touchy subject.....I know......

[dano]

but I was kind of curious as to how many of you use after-market oil filters in your RT's?

If so.....brand / price you are paying.

[RT_guy]

I found a good deal on Mobil 1 filters and picked up a few. Haven't used them yet.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

On the R series bikes it doesn't matter what filter is used as far as the external coating is concerned. I know that Fram has that no slip grip stuff on the outside and it could work on an R bike, if the filter was of decent quality which it is NOT :cry . The Mobil 1 filter I am not familiar with. Could it work on a K bike ?? On the K series bikes, the filter resides inside the oilpan and I will only use BMW filters as the paint/coating will not come off and mix with the oil and create major problems as in oilpassage blocking.
Being cheap on maintainance is not what I plan on doing on a $20K bike. If there was a really good alternative filter for my K bike I would consider it but saving 2 bucks on a filter may proof to be penny wise and pound foolish. :dunno
Just my 0.02 cts

[kbasa]

On the R series bikes it doesn't matter what filter is used as far as the external coating is concerned. I know that Fram has that no slip grip stuff on the outside and it could work on an R bike, if the filter was of decent quality which it is NOT :cry . The Mobil 1 filter I am not familiar with. Could it work on a K bike ?? On the K series bikes, the filter resides inside the oilpan and I will only use BMW filters as the paint/coating will not come off and mix with the oil and create major problems as in oilpassage blocking.
Being cheap on maintainance is not what I plan on doing on a $20K bike. If there was a really good alternative filter for my K bike I would consider it but saving 2 bucks on a filter may proof to be penny wise and pound foolish. :dunno
Just my 0.02 cts

I just buy that factory filters. Seems kind of silly to me to try and cheap out on a filter.

[YB in IN]

I just buy that factory filters. Seems kind of silly to me to try and cheap out on a filter.

I use a Bosch filter on my K-bike. Never had a problem with it. Part of the reason is that it's a lot easier to run to Autozone than it is to get to a dealer.

[bikerfish1100]

Currently using a K&N oil filter. Will cut it open to see what it looks like at the end of it's life.

[username]

if i change my oil four times a year, how much money would i save by using an aftermarket filter?

[bikerfish1100]

i gave around $10 for the K&N. dealer price on stock item is around $14-16. maybe $20-25 annual given your scenario of 4x/year. not a lot, but that is a few tanks of gas, or several 6s of Left Hand Milk Stout (a current favorite). would just as soon put either into one of my tanks as giving it away to the dealer.

[dano]

I kinda feel, that for every dollar you save on an oil filter......is one dollar more that can be spent on gas. :D

Am I wrong here? :dunno


BTW: Bikerfish1100....I like your logic. :thumb

[flash412]

if i change my oil four times a year, how much money would i save by using an aftermarket filter?Have you ever heard of the "death of a thousand cuts"? The idea is that everyone in a village gets together and each person gives a simple paper-cut to the miscreant. No one is responsible for the death because no one cut can be pointed to as the one that killed him. To most people, a bee sting is nothing. Yet thousand can kill nearly anyone.

Cable teevee is only $25 or so. A premium channel package is only $15 more. And another is only another $15 more... and pretty soon you're looking at a $100 monthly cable teevee bill. $1200 a year. I've paid less than that for more than one motorcycle I've bought.

$8 for a filter is not much. But $4 for an equivalent product is a $4 savings, nearly 100 miles of locomotion if spent on gas instead. To some folks, changing their own oil already saves them $100 over what the dealer charges and that's enough. To others who have long changed their own oil, using an oil filter without a roundel on it saves them even more. Here's something to consider... BMW does not make oil filters. They buy standard filters from a standard filter maker and mark them up significantly just because they have a roundel on them. To folks who buy replacement light bulbs at the BMW store instead of the discount cage bits store (for 1/10 of the roundel-price), this idea often makes no sense.

My point is that by economizing whenever possible and SENSIBLE, you maintain your financial integrity. Some people won't bother bending over to pick up a penny. Others won't bother to bend over to pick up anything less than a dollar. It's a matter of personal choice, of attitude, of conditioning, of desire.

[username]

i'm less interested in the philosphy of thrift (which is not difficult to grok) as i am the real-world savings in this particular instance. that's all. i bought the roundel branded filter and oil from the dealer, and shamefully, paid zero attention to what it cost. whatever it was, it wasnt a big enough delta over what i pay for the same stuff for my autos, so im guessing i wasnt reamed all that badly. i'll check when i get home.

part of me is also not very resentful about giving the dealer a bone now and then to make it worthwhile for them to be local. my local dealer is fantastic, and i would be pissed if they went away for some reason. this is a "cost" vs "total value" assessment and is an individual choice, and as such philosophical, so let's not go there.

p.s. i was totally unaware that over time, the money you spend adds up. im beginning to wonder if the same applies to my lunch money? each day i spend between five and ten bucks on lunch. based on what people have said here, this might add up to as much as $50 a week, and in the course of a year, $2500! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? it still doesnt make any sense to me how such small amounts can magically aggregate and form a larger sum. ;) :stick

[dano]

A $ is a $!

It's either in your pocket.....or that of the dealer.

For me.....it's a simple choice. :D

[Stuff2C]

It’s funny as I read all these posts. I find in myself “the penny picker upper” also the “TeeVee $1200+ guy”. I also support my dealer by buying my parts from him and installing what I have the ability to. I’d sure hate to try to get the guy at PEPBOYS to repair my BMW or ship it to a dealer out of state for repair.
Just a thought. :brow

[Rich]

I also support my dealer by buying my parts from him and installing what I have the ability to. I’d sure hate to try to get the guy at PEPBOYS to repair my BMW or ship it to a dealer out of state for repair.
Just a thought. :brow

My thought exactly. My nearest dealer is 235 miles away, if he goes away, I switch brands. And I don't want that. Support your dealer.

[dano]

In regards to supporting your local dealer, it wasn't that many years ago, that we (consumers) had no choice but to do so.

Then came the internet. You can buy (order on-line) BMW supplies from BMW dealers a 1000 miles away from where you live, have the supplies delivered to your door, and still save some $$.

I never buy tires from a cycle shop. They are just too expensive! I buy all of my accessories from an on-line source. I can shop for the best price to boot.

I also wanted to say, that I don't think the death of cycle dealer will be because of customer non-support. More likely than not, it will be because of a dealer not being competitive enough. The dealers that will realize a need to be more competitive should be okay. The internet will make sure, that only the strong survive.

[Stuff2C]

[QUOTE=dano]In regards to supporting your local dealer, it wasn't that many years ago, that we (consumers) had no choice but to do so.

Then came the internet. You can buy (order on-line) BMW supplies from BMW dealers a 1000 miles away from where you live, have the supplies delivered to your door, and still save some $$.

[QUOTE]

I wonder what it would cost to ship your bike 1000 miles for a transmission repair? :stick

[Ol'Salt]

I also wanted to say, that I don't think the death of cycle dealer will be because of customer non-support. More likely than not, it will be because of a dealer not being competitive enough. The dealers that will realize a need to be more competitive should be okay. The internet will make sure, that only the strong survive.
I have spoken to many m/c dealers and their largest reason for cutbacks in supplies and personnel and the reason for closing is their inability to survive the winter months when bike sales are almost non-existant. By the way winter is best time to trade up as dealers need to move the bikes. And an excellant time for that next maintenance check-up. We complain about dealers closing and high prices but we do very little to help them! Dosen't make a whole lost of sense to me. Let's do our part before we condem them for trying to survive.
I say "Take as much pride in your dealer as you do in you choice of bikes!!"

[username]

I wonder what it would cost to ship your bike 1000 miles for a transmission repair? :stick

well then only the strong will survive. if you cant afford to ship a motorcycle to have it repaired, i.e. you arent strong enough, then you arent living your life competitively enough. get with it, you communist. ;)

go walmart! woooo!

[brianfisk]

I mostly use BMW and will the next year because I bought a case of them from a mail order dealer. $10.50 more or less as as opposed to $17 at the local dealer. I use 5-6 filters a year in the oilhead and 3 in the airhead. I have used NAPA filters at $4.79 each. That is a big differance.
I cut open the filters to explore them. Outside of the the flapper (BMW) the main defferance is the BMW is shorter and a tad wider. The insides pleats appear to be close enough to me to have the same amount filter area. I give any extra to the BMW (Pulalator).The NAPA seems to hold less oil, or pehaps I should say that it gives up less when filled and dumped. Not enough for short haul, but , any cross country trip I make will be on the BMW.
And yes I am anal about changing the oil and filter when at home. I'll go the distance on the road with good oil.
After writing this I think that I'll use the NAPA for the winter change just because of the cost and the short time it stays in the loop.
I have 156,000 miles on the bike. 97 RT
Brian

[dano]

Over the course of 42 yrs. of riding, I've been in very few dealerships that really left a positive impression on me. Unless you personally know someone who works at one, or maybe if you know the owner, only then, will you have an "in".

I've purchased so many bikes over the years, I couldn't make an accurate list if I tried. But....I can and will say this. After having purchased a bike (on or off-road) not once, did a person from a dealer call me a week later, a month later, or whatever, and ask me how all was going with my new bike.

And yet.....I can go to a car lot, look at a $3000.00 used car, give my name and number to a salesperson.......and NOT buy any car, and the person will call me up, everyday for a week straight, to tell me about some cars he just got on the lot, that fit the description of the car I'm looking for.

Within the last 2.5 years, I spent over $27,000.00 at a bike shop purchasing two bikes, within 4 months of each other. No call-back to see if I'm happy with them, no cards in the mail saying "thanks" for the biz, hope to see you soon if we can be of further assistance. etc. No coupon offering me a % off on any needed accessories, service, etc. NOTHING, NADA, ZIP, ZILCH, 0.

I don't owe a bike shop anything. If they want my business, and I need something, and if they have "it" in stock, and if their price is fair, I'll buy from them.

If you are in business, it's up to you to make it. It's not the responsibilty of the customer. It's as simple as that.....nothing more.....nothing less.

[username]

Over the course of 42 yrs. of riding, I've been in very few dealerships that really left a positive impression on me. Unless you personally know someone who works at one, or maybe if you know the owner, only then, will you have an "in".

my experience, in a mere 14 months of ridership, is precisely the opposite.

And yet.....I can go to a car lot, look at a $3000.00 used car, give my name and number to a salesperson.......and NOT buy any car, and the person will call me up, everyday for a week straight, to tell me about some cars he just got on the lot, that fit the description of the car I'm looking for.

this is why it's fun being people, and being different. :D what you are describing is something i HATE about car salespeople - the relentless pursuit of the sale. so the behavior that you love, i hate. (makes me glad im not a salesguy.)

Within the last 2.5 years, I spent over $27,000.00 at a bike shop purchasing two bikes, within 4 months of each other. No call-back to see if I'm happy with them, no cards in the mail saying "thanks" for the biz, hope to see you soon if we can be of further assistance. etc. No coupon offering me a % off on any needed accessories, service, etc. NOTHING, NADA, ZIP, ZILCH, 0.

my dealer gave me 10% off anything i wanted just for taking the MSF course. they have often worked with me on prices for certain items. i dont know anyone there.

you know what, i think i have a good dealer, and you've had sucky ones. that or i'm easy to please, and you're hard to please. (or a combination of the above.)

I don't owe a bike shop anything. If they want my business, and I need something, and if they have "it" in stock, and if their price is fair, I'll buy from them.

If you are in business, it's up to you to make it. It's not the responsibilty of the customer. It's as simple as that.....nothing more.....nothing less.

i have learned that it helps to have a calm, unresentful discussion with salespeople about where im coming from on cost/availability, and i spell out exactly how they can make me happy. they then calmly tell me if they have the ability to make me happy. (i'm a win/win kind of negotiatior, BTW, and always tell people "don't do a bad business deal with me. you have to make a little money to survive. i've left money on the table in my life, but i think i'm getting good karma for it.)

if i was at home pissed off because no one sent me a note card for spending $27,000, i think i'd write a letter to that dealer, or i'd call and make an appt with the owner, and say, "hey man, im disappointed." and i'd clue that person in that maybe they can improve their service.

your method of feedback - to deny them business, without telling them exactly why - makes it very hard for them to improve and serve you the way you want to be served. it's dysfunctional. you owe it to *yourself* to do what you can to get the service/attention that you want, and i'd recommend calling/going to that dealer TOMORROW and sharing your thoughts with them. otherwise, you havent done everything you can for yourself, and that is bad for your soul.

[dano]

Just for the record, I don't like it when a car salesman hounds me. The point I was trying to make....is he/she cared enough to do a follow-thru / up.

And.....I don't get pissed off if a bike dealer doesn't do what I feel would make me feel better about my visit to them. I'm just indifferent is all. I do remember the good / bad / indifferent experiences, and I use those to gauge my future visits and/or needs to purchase something.

When I do visit a cycle dealer, I do expect a "higher level" of acknowledgement, say vs., going to Sears or something. For most of us, motorcycling is a luxury, not a necessity, although it can feel like a necessity at times. :D

Motorcycle dealers need to realize, that the mainstream public could do quite well w/o having a/some motorcyle(s) parked in his/her garage. Bikes are toys, nothing more. Expensive ones at that.

Knowing that, I would think that each and every bike dealer would go to whatever extent necessary, to make sure, each and every person, that walked onto their lot, had the best experience possible.

You ignore me, or make my visit an unpleasant one, I'll leave with my wallet intact......and go elsewhere.

Am I so out-of-line thinking this? :dunno

[username]

Am I so out-of-line thinking this? :dunno

i dont think youre nuts or anything but i do think it'd be good if you met with the owner of the shop for 15-30 minutes and shared your expectations with them.

[kbasa]

I've always had good relationships with my dealers. When I find one I like, I stick with them and they've always done me right.

The key here is to stick with them and develop the relationship for both of your benefit. If I'm happy, I refer people to that dealership, which cements our relationship even further.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

I support my local dealer as much as makes sense. I buy my oil/filters from him as I do most of my own maintainance and he then knows it's being done and thus I have a track record of changing oil/filters etc. :thumb . I have received $ 100,= gift certificates and get 10-20% of on parts etc.
They treat me well and I send them business too. They aren't perfect but neither am I. :dunno
I just don't get it when people spend mega $$$ on a new bike and turn to being the cheapest SOB's on the planet to save a buck :help
I like to save money too don't get me wrong, but what if you really need your dealer for a major malfunction on your bike and your dealer will tell you to take a number and wait in a long line of cheap whiners? Are you then going to whine on-line about how 'bad' your dealer is when you hardly ever see them?
The cheapest thing on a BMW is often the rider. :cry

Sorry guys had to vent... Rant off... :D
I'll get some :coffee

[dano]

The cheapest thing on a BMW is often the rider. :cry


Sometimes.....it can be the most foolish thing as well. :D :stick

[Stuff2C]

I've purchased so many bikes over the years, I couldn't make an accurate list if I tried. But....I can and will say this. After having purchased a bike (on or off-road) not once, did a person from a dealer call me a week later, a month later, or whatever, and ask me how all was going with my new bike.

Within the last 2.5 years, I spent over $27,000.00 at a bike shop purchasing two bikes, within 4 months of each other. No call-back to see if I'm happy with them, no cards in the mail saying "thanks" for the biz, hope to see you soon if we can be of further assistance. etc. No coupon offering me a % off on any needed accessories, service, etc. NOTHING, NADA, ZIP, ZILCH, 0.

I don't owe a bike shop anything. If they want my business, and I need something, and if they have "it" in stock, and if their price is fair, I'll buy from them.

If you are in business, it's up to you to make it. It's not the responsibilty of the customer. It's as simple as that.....nothing more.....nothing less.

It's sad when you can't even buy a friend. :violin
Maybe a dog is in your future.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

It's sad when you can't even buy a friend. :violin
Maybe a dog is in your future.
:evil :rofl :rofl

[roybarnes]

I have started using Pureolator PL 10241. This the pureone and it is rated best in removing crud from your oil. I buy them at Buy Mart for $4.95. I was using Perform and they are very good also.

[dano]

I don't even like dogs......too much work / responsibility. :wave