HiFlo oil filters are aftermarket replacements made by a company called Hiflofiltro, based in Spain, that fit many motorcycle and ATV engines
HiFlo filters are not made by your vehicle's manufacturer — they are third-party parts sold separately. The company specializes in filters for motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and small engines, and their filters are available at motorcycle shops, online retailers, and some general auto parts stores. They cost less than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filters in most cases, though the exact price depends on which model fits your engine.
The main reason riders choose HiFlo filters is cost and availability. Because they are made by a dedicated filter company rather than the vehicle manufacturer, they often undercut OEM pricing. They are also widely stocked, so you can usually find the right one without waiting for a special order. The trade-off is that you are buying a part made by a different company using different materials and manufacturing standards than the original filter your engine was designed around.
Key Takeaways
- HiFlo filters are made by a Spanish aftermarket company and fit many motorcycle, ATV, and small engine models, but not all.
- You must confirm the exact filter model number matches your engine before buying, because using the wrong filter can damage your engine.
- HiFlo filters typically cost less than OEM filters but may use different materials and filtration ratings than the original part.
- Some riders report good long-term results with HiFlo filters, while others prefer OEM parts for peace of mind, especially on high-mileage or high-performance engines.
How to find the right HiFlo filter for your engine
Start with your vehicle's year, make, and model. Look up the OEM filter part number in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Then go to the HiFlo website or a retailer that carries HiFlo filters and search for your vehicle. HiFlo publishes a cross-reference chart that shows which of their filter models match which OEM filters.
Do not assume all filters for the same engine are the same. A motorcycle engine might have multiple filter options depending on the year or engine variant. Enter your exact model number into the search, not just the brand name. If you cannot find a match, contact the retailer or HiFlo directly — using the wrong filter size or thread pitch will cause leaks or prevent proper installation.
What makes HiFlo filters different from OEM filters
HiFlo filters use a pleated paper media (the material that traps dirt) and a steel canister, similar to OEM filters. The differences are usually in the thickness of the media, the size of the pleats, and the type of bypass valve — a safety device that lets oil flow even if the filter gets clogged. HiFlo publishes the micron rating (how small a particle the filter can catch) for each model, though you may need to contact them to get this information.
The bypass valve is important because it prevents engine damage if the filter clogs. If the valve opens too easily, unfiltered oil reaches the engine. If it opens too late, the filter can rupture. OEM filters are tuned to the exact engine, while HiFlo filters are engineered to work across multiple engine models, which means the bypass setting is a compromise rather than a perfect match.
Cost comparison between HiFlo and OEM filters
HiFlo filters typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than OEM filters for the same engine. An OEM filter might cost $15 to $25, while a HiFlo equivalent might run $8 to $15. Prices vary by retailer and by which specific engine model you own. The savings add up if you change your oil frequently — a motorcycle or ATV owner doing four oil changes per year could save $20 to $40 annually by switching to HiFlo.
However, cost is not the only factor. If you plan to keep the engine for many years or ride it hard, the small savings per filter may not be worth the risk of using a part that is not engineered specifically for your engine. On the other hand, if you own a common motorcycle model with a large aftermarket community, HiFlo filters have been tested by thousands of riders and you can read real-world results before buying.
Common concerns about using aftermarket filters
The most common worry is whether an aftermarket filter will damage the engine over time. The short answer is that it depends on the filter quality and how closely it matches the OEM specifications. A HiFlo filter that is the wrong size or has the wrong bypass pressure can cause problems. A HiFlo filter that matches the OEM specs and is installed correctly should not cause damage, though some riders report slightly higher oil consumption or slower oil pressure rise on cold starts.
Another concern is warranty. Some manufacturers will not honor a warranty claim if you use a non-OEM filter, even if the filter did not cause the problem. Check your warranty documentation before switching. If your engine is still under warranty and you want to avoid any risk, stick with the OEM filter. If the warranty has expired or you own the engine outright, the risk is lower.
How to install a HiFlo filter correctly
Installation is the same as for any oil filter: drain the old oil, unscrew the old filter, clean the filter mounting surface, explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter, and screw it on by hand until the gasket touches, then turn it another three-quarter turn. Do not use a filter wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct.
The one difference with aftermarket filters is that the gasket thickness or the filter height might be slightly different from the OEM part. If the filter sits at a different angle or touches the frame, stop and check the part number. A filter that is too long or too tall can rub against the engine or frame and cause a leak. If you are unsure, test-fit the filter before filling the engine with oil.
Where to buy HiFlo filters and what to check before ordering
HiFlo filters are sold through motorcycle retailers, online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and some general auto parts chains. Prices and availability vary by retailer. Before ordering, confirm the part number matches your engine model exactly. Write down your engine's year, make, model, and displacement (cc or cubic centimeters), then search for that information on the retailer's website.
Read the product description to confirm it lists your specific engine. If the listing says "fits multiple models" without naming yours, contact the seller to confirm. Counterfeit HiFlo filters do exist, especially on third-party marketplaces, so buy from authorized retailers or directly from the manufacturer's website when possible. A filter that is suspiciously cheap or comes in damaged packaging is a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a HiFlo filter if my motorcycle is still under warranty?
Check your warranty documentation first. Some manufacturers void the warranty if you use non-OEM parts, while others only void coverage for problems directly caused by the aftermarket part. If the warranty is still active and you want to be safe, use the OEM filter. If the warranty has expired, you can use HiFlo without risk to coverage.
Will a HiFlo filter fit my engine if it says it's compatible?
Compatibility means the filter will thread onto your engine and the bypass valve is set for your engine's oil pressure range. However, the filter height or diameter might be slightly different, which could cause it to touch the frame or sit at an angle. Always test-fit the filter before filling the engine with oil, and check that it does not rub or leak.
How often should I change a HiFlo filter?
Follow the same schedule as you would for an OEM filter — usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for motorcycles, or every season if you ride less frequently. The filter brand does not change the interval. If you ride in dusty conditions, you may need to change it more often.
Are HiFlo filters made in Spain or somewhere else?
Hiflofiltro is a Spanish company, but manufacturing location varies by filter model. Some are made in Spain, others in other countries. The company publishes this information on their website if you need to know the origin of a specific filter.
What if the HiFlo filter leaks after I install it?
Stop the engine when ready and let it cool. Check that the filter is tight (hand-tight plus three-quarter turn), that the gasket is not damaged, and that the mounting surface is clean. If the filter is tight and the gasket looks good, the filter height might be wrong — remove it and confirm the part number matches your engine. If the part number is correct and it still leaks, contact the retailer for a replacement.