Hi Joe, why spend $7.25 on something which sells for $2.50? That is what gets me. But, like I said the quality may not be the same now if Champion is not making it. BTW I bought my wing new and gave a lot less than $20k+ for it (over $3,000 less). I shopped for a year before I bought it. Do you have any independent data on comparsions of the filters back when the ST filter was for sure made by Champion?
I agree that cost is relative. Therefore the ST filter may be as good or better than the OEM; or it might be worse. I have not seen any research lately but I know that research (unbiased) in the past indicated that it was just as good. But are you indicating that Honda is or is leaning toward requiring use of their filter to honor warranty. I'm no attorney but have to believe that this would be illegal in the U.S (monopoly). I do however believe they would do so if they could get away with it. Afterwards each auto manufactuer would end up requiring their brand only. BTW, I wonder if Honda makes their own filter? And, if someone else makes it, like Champion, for example, could it be the same filter that Champion makes for Walmart and just stamps "ST" on it? Probably not but just sayin'......... After all of this has been said you are right that you can't go wrong, as far as warranty, by using the OEM but I guess I just hate having Honda sell me a filter at exaggerated cost when I know its not worth it. I believe my bike was worth every penny I paid for it or else I wouldn't have wrote the check but the filter they sell is not worth what they charge. I buy a lot of "things" but I always shop.The thing to remember is cost is a relative thing; buyer responsibility is what counts. I always err on the side of caution where things like engine life (oil, filters), my life (tyres, brakes, suspension parts), goes. Do your homework before you buy! That $7-8 filter might look pretty frugal if it saves the heart of your beastie, and giving up that last 1000 miles out of the front/rear doughnut should you end up in a downpour on a marginal skin (or some tar-hole in a cage turns left in front of you). Most of us ride motorcycles (ok, we also love riding) because they have much sharper control characteristics than Oscar and Minnie Grope's belchfire Buick, but that's only if we look after them properly first. Those of you with new bikes remember Honda (like all OEM's) will look for excuses to refuse warranty claims from using non-approved items. The days of unquestioned and extended freebie coverage are long gone, why risk it? My new Wing was $26K Cdn. I'm not going to jeopardise something as expensive as an engine over $3-4 for an oil filter.
Hi mate my ride is a 95 goldwing it cost me a lot of money why would try a save a few buck,s on your filter ONLY USE the filter that HONDA say to use as i change my oil with filter every 3,000klm,s with out fail as soon as it go,s a bit dark i drop it new oil an filter dont risk your pride an joy spend a few extra, dollars an get the right filter.???
