Harley-Davidson; new OEM filter supplier - MAHLE

[SOUNDMAN5000]

Looks like Harley has a new oil filter supplier for the M8 engine (2025). Has a 5 Micron filter rating made by Mahle and Made in India.

Was some rumored controversy of the old design and possible oil restriction and someone posted pics of the small slits in the filter that was closed. I have no idea IF those rumors were true or not? The new MAHLE filter has holes in the center tube vs slits in last years filter if that even make a difference, I don't know? I never could figure out who the old OEM filter supplier was?

The MAHLE filter looks to be well made ( without me cutting it open to look ) its heavy, the packaging looks better than last years filter and I like that its in a bag and then in a box. I'm glad the slits are gone but wish it was USA made.

 

[fantastic]

Good to know, Happy Spring!

 

[Glenda W.]

Looks good! Thanks

 

[Hohn]

Mahle is almost always great stuff. That doesn't happen to be an M20 thread, does it?

 

[Klutch9]

Mahle is almost always great stuff. That doesn't happen to be an M20 thread, does it?

Looks like 3/4 is stamped into the baseplate.

 

[shortyb]

Looks like 3/4 is stamped into the baseplate.

And the Harley logo stamped there too probably upped the filter cost by 300% .

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

If Harley has 5 micron technology everyone can have it. But then again what percentage a 5 microns?

 

[Sayjac]

What I can see looks fine. That said, having c&p a Champ Labs US made HD Super Premium 5 filter and viewed others, in my observation it 'was' a well-made wire backed synthetic media filter with endcap integrated base end bypass. That said, having seen current First Brands/Champ Labs filter bypass piece seal areas and other issues, going to off shored Mahle probably a good move.

If Harley has 5 micron technology everyone can have it. But then again what percentage a 5 microns?

It's a mystery and shall remain that way. Been discussed here before. The name 5 um means the SP5 will filter to that level at some unknown percent. So practically speaking, meaningless.

 

[FowVay]

That "Made in India" label may not set well with the Harley-Davidson owner persona.

 

[EvoMan]

Hey OP, how much did you pay for that filter?

 

[kschachn]

It's a mystery and shall remain that way. Been discussed here before. The name 5 um means the SP5 will filter to that level at some unknown percent. So practically speaking, meaningless.

I was wondering about that.

 

[JavierH19]

Can't imagine how low the efficiency % at 5um would be.

 

[ZeeOSix]

If Harley has 5 micron technology everyone can have it. But then again what percentage a 5 microns?

This has been hashed before - would have to dig up the thread(s). Even though this variety is made by Mahle I'm betting it's the same "5 micron" rated filter.

Edit - found the post. Direct info from Harley. 5 microns "nominal" efficiency. Harley playing the "5 micron" word game on the box without stating an efficiency until asked directly.

Post in thread 'HiFlo Filtro HF171RC Filtering Efficiency'

Mar 24, 2024

I saw that video also, and the microscope view was impressive as information.

Beautiful bike!!

Nothing like knowing what you are paying for in my opinion.

Good AFternoon Board,

As a follow-up, I was at a Harley Dealer today, the HD Super Premium 5 is "nominal at 5 microns" - see photos. My understanding of the word "nominal" in filter terminology means "about 50% efficient capturing 5 microns." The dealer did not know or have the information on the other efficiency ratings of the filter.

The filter is "louvers," not holes; silicon anti-drain back and really looks like a...

• RevRider

• 

 

[Hootbro]

That "Made in India" label may not set well with the Harley-Davidson owner persona.

Walk into any HD dealership and you will find the lionshare of the clothes and HD official accessories and performance parts are made overseas, Most will not care.

 

[Chris142]

That "Made in India" label may not set well with the Harley-Davidson owner persona.

It's disheartening to see filters from 3rd world countries being better built than made in USA ones.

 

[ZeeOSix]

It's disheartening to see filters from 3rd world countries being better built than made in USA ones.

The sad part is 99.999% of people don't know anything about what's really going on inside the cans. So many filter makes keep going deeper down the cost cutting hole, and the lack of quality keeps increasing as time goes on.

 

[Opelman]

That "Made in India" label may not set well with the Harley-Davidson owner persona.

No big deal, it is a good match for Harley's Thailand manufactured bikes.

 

[Sayjac]

It's been quite a while (~10 years) but with memory now jogged, HD used to use the word "nominal" on 'the box' of the Champ Labs made HD SP5 oil filter. 'Generally' that's taken to be at 50%. "Nominal" a term that's rather vague and old, and it's use somewhat deceptive,' imo'. As here, it allows for the use of a lower micron number without actually listing the corresponding % number. It was a SP5 c&p thread by @DuckRyder linked* that jogged my memory. Looking back, 'I believe' the HD SP5, a Royal Purple by another name.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/cut-open-harley-davidson-super-premium-5-63731-99a.230018/

As for the change of coo here, to use cliche now, it is what it is.

 

[DuckRyder]

Hmm

Someone needs to cut one of those open, seems fine IF it’s same media. Not happy if not the same media.

Wish they would do like VW MHL filter.

 

[Jimiii]

The previous H. D. Filter was also a solid unit. When I had my Harley I used the Wix because I hate buying ANYTHING HD. But they were both well made and similarly priced.