I have a spin-on oil filter adpator kit design on the market right now for the Kawasaki Concours (and many other Kawasaki motorcycle models). The oil filter orientation is vertical on these engines.
One of the outstanding features of this design is it allows pre-filling of the oil filter prior to installation. In the stock configuration, the engine runs without oil flow or pressure for several seconds during initial startup following an oil/filter change since the paper cartridge oil filter cavity is quite large.
Any time an engine runs without oil pressure or oil flow, one risks potential engine damage. Sleeve bearings furthest from the oil supply are at greater risk (cam bearings on a DOHC engine for example) and can gall if the throttle is blipped during this "dry spell".
By pre-filling the oil filter in my adaptor kit, the oil pressure light goes off while cranking before the engine starts.
There is a little inconvenience to the oil change task by doing this but I have worked it into my routine very well. I start by beginning to pre-fill the new oil filter. In between other tasks, I continue to add oil until it is filled to the bottom of the thread plate.
I (and all of my customers so far) very much appreciate this opportunity to minimize oil pressure build-up lag. Even though it takes a little longer to do an oil/filter change, it certainly cannot hurt long term engine life.
JMHO
Dan
